FSU football: 5 MAJOR keys to victory for Noles against SMU Mustangs

Boston College v Florida State
Boston College v Florida State / James Gilbert/GettyImages
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Hold SMU to Field Goals

SMU comes into this contest averaging 35.25 points per game. However, that number is a bit misleading because they've only played one good team and have made a change at quarterback.

They have scored touchdowns in the red zone 58 percent of the time. However, that number drops to 37.2 percent when you only count the two Power Four teams they have played.

It's no secret the FSU offense struggles to score points and they could be at a premium on Saturday night unless the California game was a sign they were beginning to come out of their shell.

FSU's red zone defense was abysmal against Georgia Tech and Boston College. However, it's been outstanding in the last two games when they were not facing a mobile QB. They've only allowed two touchdowns (22.2 percent) in nine red zone trips to opposing offenses.

They'll need more of that against SMU unless the FSU offense suddenly scores 30+ for the first time all season.