FSU football: 3 HUGE reasons FSU defense has struggled in 2024

Adam Fuller had his 2023 defense playing arguably better than any defense in the nation towards the end of last year. They won the ACC Championship because of its defense, and they brought a lot of returning firepower into 2024, which logically meant the defense should be a strength.

They had former All-ACC players at all three levels. That aspect, combined with some talent from the transfer portal and coaching continuity, should have meant there would be little to no drop-off after losing several guys to the NFL Draft.

Several guys on the 2024 team were expected to be draft picks in the upcoming 2025 Draft. Talent wasn't an issue. One of my major concerns was whether the communication would be there with new players at safety and linebacker. Last year, we saw what the absence of Akeem Dent in safety looked like.

FSU Defensive Coordinator has caught a lot of heat from FSU fans. Some warranted, but more times than not, he has guys in position to make plays, and that's all you can ask. I do have some questions about why he does certain things myself. I know most fans don't go back and re-watch games to look for intricate details. I don't think FSU fans are aware of the level of offenses FSU has faced in the first six games via FEI advanced metrics.

• Georgia Tech: No. 19
• Boston College: No. 60 (played one game without their starting QB)
• Memphis: No. 27
• California: No. 61
• SMU: No. 32 (includes games before they made their QB change)
• Clemson: No. 11

That's fair. However, thinking another defensive coordinator would come in and drastically change things with the same players is wishful thinking. I'll explain why that's the case and three major reasons the defense has struggled in 2024.