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

Communication Issues and Inability Shed Blocks On Perimeter

The defense in the first few games was pathetic when talking about filling the correct gaps by linebackers, the linebackers in coverage, and safeties against the run. The defensive ends were terrible at setting the edge in the run game, and FSU wasn't getting much at defensive tackle aside from Joshua Farmer and a few flashes here and there by other guys.

The communication has gotten better and teams have not abused them with the wheel route the past few games. Aside from two plays against Clemson, the Tigers didn't have guys running wild across the secondary. However, those two plays went for touchdowns because of poor safety play. Conrad Hussey has been abysmal as the guy fast-tracked to replace Dent.

The linebackers and secondary made tackles near where the reception took place against Clemson, and there were not many yards after the catch aside from the two plays mentioned above. Cade Klubnik had 80 of his 235 passing yards 34 percent) on those plays. However, the FSU secondary continues to catch blocks or hesitate instead of attacking to make plays. Here's an example with Conrad Hussey:

Conrad Hussey should have made the tackle at the line of scrimmage. However, he drifts and runs with the ball carrier and then commits a stupid penalty while out of bounds. The only thing I can think of is he's scared he's going to get juked or he's soft. Maybe it's both? Here's another example:

This play should go for no gain. Watch DJ Lundy play patty cake with a blocker instead of filling the gap, and then Conrad Hussey come in and completely whiff on a tackle when he had a perfect line downhill to lay the wood. The plays are there, and unfortunately the coaches can't go out there and do it for them. All they can do is put them in position.