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Florida State football entered the 2024 season with optimism that its defense could be better than the 2023 version.
While that statement may yet read true, the No. 10 ranked Seminoles’ 24-21 upset loss to Georgia Tech Saturday in Ireland challenged that belief.
The Seminoles surrendered 336 yards of total offense, 190 rushing. The Yellow Jackets scored three rushing touchdowns on three trips inside the red zone. The win was also Georgia Tech’s first over a top-10 opponent since a 22-16 victory over the Seminoles in October 2015.
“That rushing offense was No. 1 in the league a year ago, and they returned everybody, and they’ve got a lot of dynamic players,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said.
FSU’s defensive identity and mindset revolves around playing physically from the line to the secondary. Unfortunately, Georgia Tech won the physical battle.
FSU’s defense must set the edge when dealing with dual-threat quarterbacks
Georgia Tech wide receiver Malik Rutherford runs with the ball against Florida State on August 24, 2024, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Mandatory Credit: Tom Maher/INPHO via USA TODAY Sports
FSU had issues in the past dealing with mobile quarterbacks, and Haynes King was effective enough to disrupt the Seminoles. He completed 11 of 16 passed for 146 yards and added 54 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Georgia Tech successfully ran the football laterally, and the defense failed to force the ball inside. The Seminoles failed to contain King when the ball was in his hands. FSU’s starting quartet inside combined for six tackles, none for a loss.
Norvell said setting the edge was the biggest X-factor in FSU’s defensive woes.
“Haynes is a really good quarterback,” Norvell said. “Obviously being that dynamic in his game of being able to run, he’s got great speed. There are some times that we were in position, but he did…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-state-footballs-defense-fails-000042626.html
Author : Tallahassee Democrat
Publish date : 2024-08-25 00:00:42
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