Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
3. Defense
Florida State’s defense last year wasn’t the same defense that helped lead them to the national championship victory over Auburn. That defense was suffocating, stingy, and tough. The defense that was on the field last year didn’t look anything like that.
At times, it looked like it was difficult for the ‘Noles to buy a stop. The run defense wasn’t nearly as good as the previous year, as it seemed like they had trouble with containment and gap control. Not only that, but there was a notable difference in pass defense as well. Florida State was lucky enough to get the right stop at the right time, but that won’t be something they’re looking to continue to rely on in the future, nor will it help them maintain their position atop the ACC.
In essence, this is a prediction that Fisher and defensive coordinator Charles Kelly, as well as stud players like Jalen Ramsey and Reggie Northrup, will have the Seminole defense back to resembling the defense that helped FSU win their third national title.
Last year the ‘Noles gave up 226.8 yards through the air per game (57th in the nation), and 170.1 yards per game on the ground (68th in the nation). Fisher will be looking to correct those stats, as numbers like those will not help them win the ACC for the fourth time in a row. Their defense will step up this year, and it will help them win big in 2015.
Next: The Schedule