FSU football: 3 keys to victory for Noles against California Bears
By Kelvin Hunt
Stop The Run and Get Off Field on 3rd Down
California looks to lean on their rushing attack, running the ball 55 percent of the time, and they have a good running back who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year. It's a traditional rushing attack, and FSU should be well-prepared since they don't have to worry much about a dual-threat quarterback as part of the rushing attack.
FSU did a great job shutting down the Memphis rushing attack last week. However, they struggled to get off the field on third downs against the pass. Past opponents have picked on the FSU linebackers in space, particularly on third downs. The FSU scheme is fine. However, it's the poor communication that's costing them in these situations. FSU still has two guys taking one receiver at times or failing to cover the tight end as they slip out of the backfield.
If they limit California's rushing attack and keep them below 40 percent conversions on third down? That will give the FSU offense more than enough to win this game.