![Florida wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) makes yards against Florida defensive lineman Jayden Woods (15) during the second half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, Florida beat Florida State 40-21.2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_2609,h_1467/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/270/01kbtymn10dbmnzhyaew.jpg "Florida wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) makes yards against Florida defensive lineman Jayden Woods (15) during the second half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, Florida beat Florida State 40-21.2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]")
1. GIVE THE PLAYERS ANOTHER YEAR IN THE SCHEME
The 3-3-5 scheme is brand-new to many players on the roster, which has led to shortcomings on the defense. This isn't an excuse, but there are times when they are out of position and need to be over three or four steps and miss the opportunity to make a play.
The Seminoles added transfers this offseason, but the focus was primarily on the offense with Gus Malzahn. They acquire many new starters to turn one of the worst units in 2024 to a serviceable one in 2025. This was needed on that side of the football.
However, the Florida State defense didn't have as many transfers and thought that they could be successful with pieces such as Darrell Jackson Jr., Daniel Lyons, Omar Graham Jr., Blake Nichelson, Justin Cryer, Shyheim Brown, Earl Little Jr., and others.
This isn't to say those players aren't adequate, but the scheme seems to be too much for them at times. It looks like Tony White needs to continue to teach the scheme and get guys comfortable. He tried to add transfers that have been in his defenses before like defensive end James Williams, linebacker Stefon Thompson, and defensive back Jerry Wilson, but they were underwhelming.