FSU football: FSU defense played well enough to defeat Memphis

I wrote several times last week the Memphis Tigers were a better stylistic matchup for the Noles than their first two opponents. I knew Memphis liked to throw the ball more than run, which likely meant more 4-2-5 base defense. Memphis doesn't have a massive offensive line, and they don't have special running backs.

Their quarterback wasn't a major threat to run like the first two quarterbacks faced, so I thought the FSU defense would hold its own and give the FSU offense a chance to win the game since the Memphis defense was nothing special.

I was right about the FSU defense. Memphis only scored 20 points, and half of those came off FSU turnovers in the first half. That's the amount of points most folks expected Memphis to score. FSU had been gashed on the ground in the previous two games but only allowed 65 rushing yards on 32 carries. Memphis only averaged 4.75 yards per play.

FSU had nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, and gained a turnover. The Noles held Memphis to a field goal after the offense turned the ball over on its first possession. The FSU defense forced punts on the next two Memphis possessions. The FSU offense turned the ball over on an interception, which resulted in a Memphis turnover. FSU forced a turnover on downs and another punt before halftime, but FSU special teams fumbled the punt return.

The biggest glaring weakness was Memphis converted 7 of 17 on third down. FSU had opportunities to get off the field several times, with Memphis exploiting the same linebacker issues exposed by previous teams. They also allowed a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half that was a big difference-maker. However, Memphis ran 40 plays in the first half because the FSU offense couldn't sustain drives or score points.

FSU also missed starting safety Shyheim Brown, who missed the game with an injury. Overall, they played hard and kept giving the FSU offenses chances. Will they keep playing hard with the way this offense isn't showing up? I have my doubts.