FSU offensive line has been better than folks give it credit for

Mid-Season Award Honor Roll
FSU's offensive line works out during their opening practice for fall camp at the Al Dunlap Training Facility Monday, Aug. 6, 2018. 

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FSU's offensive line works out during their opening practice for fall camp at the Al Dunlap Training Facility Monday, Aug. 6, 2018. 636691563153527519-B49I3032.jpg | Joe Rondone/Democrat

The FSU football team has had a lot of negativity during its three game losing streak, with folks placing blame on the trenches. There was talk about how Miami’s defensive line dominated the FSU offensive line and had Tommy Castellanos running for his life.

That was a stretch, and the FSU offensive line has more than held its own this season, which is light-years better than what we’ve had the past few years. They can move folks out of the way and pick up combination blocks, while providing the offense with a solid running game averaging 5.88 yards per carry.

It’s been so good that they’ve been recognized as one of the 24 units named to the Joe Moore Midseason Awards Honor Roll:

FSU has only allowed eight sacks in six games, 26 tackles for a loss, and 14 hurries. FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos usually has a solid pocket to work with, and FSU probably would have even more success if he had utilized his checkdowns more effectively.

If you look at where we came from last year, it’s an amazing turnaround. FSU allowed 49 sacks, 95 tackles for a loss, and 45 QB hurries. The rushing attack only averaged 2.85 yards per rush, and running backs often had to dodge one or more defenders when they got the ball.

The Noles only had one game with fewer than 170 rushing yards and 4.25 yards per carry. That was the Miami game when they fell behind and had their fewest rushing attempts all season.

The job Herb Hand has done with the group of guys they got from the transfer portal as been well above average. The next step will be developing the young players waiting in the wings.

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