Apparently Florida State Is Playing Defense Again

Not a thing to disagree with. I especially liked the disclaimer about total defense and skepticism on the to-date competition. Russell and you’re receivers will certainly test us and provide definitive answers to questions we still have.

and our offense can be quite frustrating at times, but overall the Noles are a much more balanced team. While I agree that we’ve had our share of oh um offensive schemes thrown our way, we do seem to be riding the learning curve pretty well on defense. Though I don’t see any elite offenses coming our way on the schedule I do see several opportunities against some good teams that will tell us whether the “D” stats are legit or built on cupcakes. Nice write up……

Will say that the jump on D this year isnt just the sceme. May be because these kids actually got a play book to study and are training to be in the right place not just "running around trying to make a plays.

using a modern scheme & starting to become comfortable in it. As for the O, it lost 3 starting WRs since ‘09—2 to graduation and 1 to dismissal—which explains why the O has been less effective in general. But based on what I’ve seen this season, the success of the O depends on play-calling. Jimbo doesn’t make full use of his playbook against weaker opponents (e.g., BYU, Wake Forest, Virginia, etc.); but he did against Miami. I expect him to open the playbook against the Wolfpack on Thursday night.

1) The ridiculous depth and talent FSU got in the 90’s from the best recruiting bed in the country (largely due to the effects of consecutive NCAA scholly and bowl sanctions against UF then Miami lasting about 15 years) was not “maximized” by Bowden. His staff was notorious for getting out-schemed and failing to develop certain units (esp. the OL). Their often-stated philosophy was not to get in the players’ way, just line ’em up and let ’em play. Hence the lack of discipline, poor clock management, copious penalties, and frequent losses to comparably talented teams (miami). We often won by attrition late in our games.

2) We have not had much enrolled talent on defense for a number of years. Fisher started to turn things around with the class he hauled in just this year. Much of our D, and many would say the most talented players, are very young and are still learning a radically different scheme and approach while developing their bodies.

The past and future implications of those 2 facts are disturbing to many, I know. But they are true none the less. A few more top 5-10 recruiting classes (esp. with UF and miami on the decline again), combined with our now solid coaching that obsesses on detail, technique, nutrition, S&C and proper development, and our D may well better than what we fielded in the 90’s.

Like most people, I think you’ll see FSU’s defensive numbers decline as they are now hitting the tough portion of their schedule.

One of the biggest variables that has contributed to the Noles early successes on defense is that FSU has also managed to avoid any serious injuries on the defensive line. FSU only has four contributing defensive tackles (no seniors) and four contributing defensive ends (one senior).