FSU football: 3 reasons FSU defense could find its footing against Memphis

Trenches

Memphis isn't special on its offensive line. Their average distance on third downs against North Alabama and Troy is six yards. Memphis doesn't have a massive offensive line, with their heaviest guy at 326 pounds(non-starting RS freshman). Their left tackle weighs 277 pounds, and their starting center is 311 pounds. Listen, if Joshua Farmer, Darrell Jackson, and the other defensive linemen can't reset the line of scrimmage against this team? We might as well cancel the rest of the season. It's a game where they should have a large edge in this game.

Memphis allowed 19 sacks and 31 QB hurries last season. They've allowed one sack and four QB hurries in its first two games. The game plan will ride on FSU's ability to run more 4-2-5 to be more effective against the pass and stopping the run with a lightbox. If FSU has to bring a safety down in the box, I still like FSU's secondary here in man-to-man since they don't have to worry about the Memphis QB running too much. He will likely extend a play or two here and there, but he isn't the consistent threat to run like the first two QBs they faced. Memphis likely don't want to risk him getting hurt by getting hit too much either.

Parting Thoughts

I think FSU will be able to contain this Memphis offense for the most part. The hope is the FSU offense can do it's part and put up some points when the FSU defense gets stops or holds Memphis to field goals. If FSU can build a 10+ point lead and start to lean on Memphis as the game goes on, I think we'll finally see some separation. However, the FSU offense HAS to have some success early in this game to give the FSU defense a reason to stay engaged.