Florida State football: Failed run defense leads to another poor performance vs. BC
For the second week in a row, Florida State football's defense was its own worst enemy. FSU's defense continued to trend in the wrong direction, and the biggest reason why is the Seminoles can't stop the run.
Those struggles were evident as winless FSU tumbled to Boston College on Labor Day, 28-13.
While the Seminoles' defensive front played better physically and set the edge, Boston College still pounded the ball down FSU's throat. Unlike Georgia Tech, the Eagles were straight-up and running downhill with their backs.
In two games, the Seminoles have allowed 456 rushing yards. Against Boston College, the Seminoles surrendered 263 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
“We got to play better," FSU linebacker DJ Lundy said. "We got to find a way to stop the run. We're going tp do that. I promise you."
Boston College keeps converting third-down on FSU's defense
Another issue for FSU's defense was third-down stops. As FSU's Mike Norvell said after the game, the Seminoles' third-down execution was extremely poor.
Boston College was efficient on third-down. At one point, the Eagles were 6-of-7. The Eagles finished with a third-down percentage of 56.3, while FSU's offense only had 21.3 percent.
As a result, Boston College continued to own FSU- in time of possession with 39.09 to FSU's 20:51. A combination of not stopping the run and third downs doomed FSU's defense.
“On third down, we have to figure out how to get off the field and give the ball to the offense,” Lundy said.
"We had too many opportunities where we came up short, and we allowed them to get the first down and keep the drive going, and they milked the clock."
What is the solution for FSU's defensive woes
A bye week is likely what the Seminoles need.
Lundy, who has had his share of struggles, was asked why the unit keeps failing against the rushing attack.
“We got people, myself included, have been undiscipline, trying to make a play when that ain't our play to be made, " Lundy said.
Not only should the Seminoles use the time to get back on the field and get back to the drawing board, but it should also be time for reflection before returning to Doak Campbell Stadium to face Memphis. Kickoff is noon on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Norvell preaches physical toughness and consistency in practices. Two games into the season, it has been the complete opposite.
“ I didn't put them in a position to showcase what I believe that this football team is,” Norvell said.
FSU will likely drop out of the Top 25 rankings, and the contention of the ACC Championship and competing for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoffs are a long shot. It still could be plausible, but the Seminoles must win out.
Norvell once again held himself accountable for his coaching mistakes, and the rest of his staff likely feels the same way. However, the players must also figure out the defensive scheme.
“We just got to execute our game plan," Lundy said. "We got to be more disciplined and more fundamental. We got to do what we do in practice. It all comes down to execution."
FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times
All times Eastern
Saturday, Aug. 24: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) Lost 24-21
Monday, Sept. 2: vs. Boston College* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo), Lost 28-13
Saturday, Sept. 7: Bye
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Cal*
Saturday, Sept. 28: at SMU*
Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. No. 14 Clemson*
Saturday, Oct. 12: Bye
Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 19 Miami*
Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. North Carolina*
Saturday, Nov. 9: at No. 7 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock)
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Charleston Southern
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Florida
Saturday, Dec. 6: ACC championship game (Charlotte, N.C
BOLD = ACC
* = Neutral Site
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football's defense can not stop the run for two straight games
