Answering three pressing questions about the Seminoles' 2024 football team

CAN FSU'S DEFENSE EFFECTIVELY STOP THE RUN?

The Florida State Seminoles' defensive unit had a very productive 2023 campaign with several contributors who went to the NFL. However, its Achilles heel at times was stopping the run effectively. The defense ranked 70th in the FBS, allowing 152.2 rushing yards per game.

While I know the numbers were skewed quite a bit, teams sometimes found success with long-yardage gains in the run game. The Seminoles were stout in their pass defense where it ranked 11th in the FBS in passing yards allowed at 179.7.

The one-dimension of an offensive attack could have forced teams to move the football in other ways. However, it is reasonable to consider how the Seminoles will fare this season without the likes of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Fabien Lovett Sr., Kalen DeLoach, and Tatum Bethune in the front seven.

I believe that defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and the coaching staff will emphasize the importance of being able to force teams to pass the football more this season. I think pieces such as defensive tackles Darrell Jackson Jr. and Joshua Farmer (who have experience playing together with being high school teammates) and defensive end Patrick Payton getting up to 250 pounds should help the run defense.

I think the Seminoles will be a top-50 run defense during the 2024 season as the contests in the conference will likely be closer in the third and fourth quarters.