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Florida State football’s (1-8, 1-7) defense has struggled physically against run-heavy teams or dual-threat quarterbacks this season.
On Saturday at Notre Dame, FSU will have to deal with two for the price of one at quarterback.
FSU is coming off a devastating loss to North Carolina, 35-11. The defense struggled to stop UNC’s running game led by Omarion Hampton, who had 172 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.
FSU coach Mike Norvell was disappointed in the lack of physicality against the Tar Heels.
“There were times in the game when I did not like the physicality we displayed,” Norvell said.
“I think there were some good moments. There were times when we were playing very physically but had maybe a lapse in judgment of whether it was a gap to fit or maybe trying to do too much that opened up a seam or an opportunity for our opponent.”
During Monday’s press conference, FSU’s defensive coordinator Adam Fuller was asked about preparing for eighth-ranked Notre Dame (7-1), led by their quarterback Riley Leonard.
Fuller also mentioned the familiarity of Fighting Irish’s offensive coordinator and tight end coach, Mike Denbrock, and his role in developing the Duke transfer.
“They’re good enough on offense to be where they’re at this season,” Fuller said.
“They’ve relied on that quarterback. (I’m) familiar with the play caller they hired, coach Denbrock from LSU. So we’ve competed against him all the way back to when he was at Cincinnati.”
FSU saw Leonard was last season, when he played for Duke and was injured in the third quarter. He completed 7 of 16 passes for 69 yards the 38-20 defeat.
This season, after transferring to Notre Dame, Leonard has 1,360 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
However, what stands out this year from the senior quarterback is his 11 rushing touchdowns and 539 rushing yards. His 11…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/fsu-football-must-play-physically-055156171.html
Author : Tallahassee Democrat
Publish date : 2024-11-05 05:51:56
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