Third-down defense has been problematic for the Seminoles during the 2024 season

Florida State football had an embarrassing showing against North Carolina on Saturday afternoon, where they lost by a score of 35-11.

As we all know, Florida State's offense has been one of the worst in all of college football. That has been disheartening. However, I thought the defense gave the offense opportunities to win. It was a disappointing effort from both sides on Saturday.

There has not been a way to sugarcoat what has happened. Simply put, this Seminoles' squad in 2024 is not good. There have been many individuals amongst the fan base who have criticized defensive coordinator Adam Fuller.

I am not one to hold a pitchfork and call for an individual's job. I thought at one point that Fuller was a scapegoat for the fan base when the offense should have been the focal point of the conversation.

However, I am now at the point of wondering if Fuller will remain with the staff after the 2024 season. His defense had a miserable showing against North Carolina, where they allowed the Tar Heels to convert 11 of their 16 third down conversions. That is simply inexcusable.

The Tar Heels were able to keep several drives alive when the offense needed the defense to get a stop after cutting the deficit to ten points in the third quarter.

The Seminoles are 122nd in the FBS in third-down defense, where they are allowing opposing teams to convert 46.3% of the time. That is almost asking your opponent to get into third down on purpose. Florida State's defense runs a ton of man-to-man coverage (I don't think I have seen five zone coverages). They don't change their looks on defense very often.

Head football coach Mike Norvell was asked about the defense on third down in today's media session. Here is what he had to say:

"There were multiple times on third downs where we had a chance to be able to get off the field, and we did not make the play or execute there at the moment in critical situations for what was necessary."

This season has been a disaster. I thought this defense would be impressive with the pieces that they brought back, such as Patrick Payton, Joshua Farmer, Darrell Jackson, DJ Lundy, Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, and Shyheim Brown.

However, the third-down defense has made me question if Fuller will be on the Seminoles' coaching staff in 2025.