Florida State football has lost its last three games by a combined 16 points. The margins have been thin, but FSU has been betting favorites in two of those outright losses, with multiple chances to take commanding leads, but squandered those opportunities.
If you asked FSU fans what unit they had the most confidence in, it would be the offense by far. They are solid on a down-to-down basis overall, and can be outstanding when they don’t turn the ball over(something they haven’t avoided in the last three games).
However, when it comes to the defense, that’s another story. Tony White’s defense was atrocious last week, allowing a freshman quarterback in his first road start to torch them for over 300 passing yards and 64 rushing yards. It was a pivotal game for Mike Norvell and staff, and the loss made long-time supporters of Mike Norvell cross the no faith in him anymore line.
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He still has a job for now, and most believe the offense is good enough to win games. The biggest question mark is Tony White and the FSU defense. If there was a get-right game at the perfect time for a coach? Stanford would be that game for Tony White. They are awful on offense, and if FSU can’t find success in this one? It’s likely not going to happen moving forward. Here’s a look at Stanford’s offense by the numbers:
- 18.8 ppg
- 2.87 ypc
- 5.12 ypp
- 33.7 percent on third down conversions
- 59 percent pass completion
- 20 sacks allowed
- 35 tackles for a loss allowed
They have scored more than 20 points once all year against a Power Four team(30 against Boston College). This FSU defense should eat against the offense, and if they score more than 20 or more points(unless their defense gets a score or something)? It might be best to leave Tony White on the West Coast. This is the game where they should show some improvement and try to build on things moving forward.