FSU football: 5 MAJOR areas Noles must handle for shot at upsetting Miami Hurricanes

Long shot?
Florida State v Duke
Florida State v Duke / Grant Halverson/GettyImages
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Avoid Misses Tackles on Defense

The FSU defense hasn't lived up to preseason expectations, but has been respectable, considering how bad the offense has been.

They've cleaned up several communication issues that allowed explosive plays over and over in the first few games.

They've settled in with personnel in several spots, with several young guys getting more playing time. However, one of the things that's hurt this team defensively has been missed tackles.

FSU fans get mad at FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, but usually the players are in position to make plays. They've either hesitiated or shied away from the physicality needed to make the play.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward will hold the ball and look to extend plays with his legs. FSU must get him on the ground, especially on third downs. They can't allow Miami receivers to slip tackles and get a ton of yards after the catch. They'll have to swarm to the ball and play with toughness and physicality.