FSU football: 3 hidden areas Noles must improve in 2024 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Defensive Kickoff Return
FSU football used to be excellent on kickoff returns under former coach Jimbo Fisher. He'd put his best athletes on special teams, kick the ball just shy of the goal line, forcing teams to return the kickoff, and special teams would make tackles inside the 20-yard line. Things have changed since then, with teams having the option to fair-catch kickoffs and take the ball at the 25-yard line. FSU opponents returned 27 kickoffs(No. 80 nationally), allowing 22.59 yards per return (No. 108 nationally), with one touchdown allowed.
FSU had some games where they were outstanding. LSU (12.75 average return), Boston College (18-yard average), Pittsburgh, and Miami games allowed fewer than 20 yards per return. However, Virginia Tech averaged 39 yards on four returns(one touchdown), Duke averaged 27.33 yards on three returns, and Florida got 29 yards on their lone return. The Virginia Tech game was weird because FSU had a huge lead multiple times in that game, and it could have been younger guys playing, or a lack of focus with the large lead. However, FSU has outstanding athletes on special teams and rank higher than where they did in this category in 2024. A big play on special teams can be the difference between winning and losing.