Listen, Paul Finebaum...Ways that FSU football can prove doubters wrong in 2025

FSU football can prove doubters wrong in 2025.
SEC Nation   s Jordan Rodgers and Paul Finebaum hosts the live filming of SEC Nation to kick off the Tennessee vs Texas A&M college football game, Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Knoxville Tennessee. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel)
SEC Nation s Jordan Rodgers and Paul Finebaum hosts the live filming of SEC Nation to kick off the Tennessee vs Texas A&M college football game, Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Knoxville Tennessee. (Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel) | Shawn Millsaps/Special to the News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
6 of 6

FORCING MANY INTERCEPTIONS

Florida State's defense was not the primary reason that the Seminoles finished with a 2-10 record. However, it certainly didn't help cases either. The program let go of former defensive coordinator Adam Fuller this offseason. I already alluded to the fact that Coach White has an aggressive defense.

I know that it is important to get after the quarterback, especially how it impacts the signal-caller's timing and could force turnovers. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. is one of the most notable by the general population who is on staff.

Surtain Sr. had a solid unit last year, but his position group (that had Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, and Kevin Knowles II) only recorded four interceptions during the year. That isn't sustainable for success if the Seminoles want to have the season that they want.

The defensive back room consists of pieces like Jeremiah Wilson, Earl Little Jr., Shyheim Brown, Conrad Hussey, Ja'Bril Rawls, Quindarrius Jones, KJ Kirkland, among many others. It should be noted that Wilson had four interceptions last year for the Houston Cougars, and it is expected that the Seminoles get better in that category in 2025.

Forcing interceptions will also put quarterback Thomas Castellanos and his offense in better scoring positions to be able to generate points on the scoreboard.