Florida State’s defense has spent the first three games giving Tony White a long list of fixes, and the Seminoles get a chance to work on them Saturday before the ACC gauntlet arrives.
The issues have shown up everywhere. FSU has given up too many third-down conversions, struggled with communication in the secondary, faded against the run late against Alabama and failed to generate enough pressure on the quarterback. White’s group flashed at times, including three takeaways in the 27-24 loss to SMU on Labor Day, but the rough edges have been obvious.
The numbers back that up in a hurry. Through three games, Florida State ranks 90th in rush defense at 149.6 yards allowed, 96th in the FBS with four sacks, 116th in scoring defense at 31.3 points per game, 129th in third-down defense with a 51.2 percent conversion rate allowed and 137th in pass defense at 340.7 yards.
White said the defense started well enough at Alabama, forcing a pair of three-and-outs, but then watched the Crimson Tide score on nine straight drives in a 50-36 loss. The 50 points were the most his defense has allowed in 15 games at FSU.
He didn’t hide from his part in it.
“It’s my fault,” White said. “I should have stayed aggressive. Should have stayed attacking.”
White has often taken that approach, praising the players while also putting the burden on the coaches when things go sideways. After Alabama, he said, “Guys were aggressive, guys were physical, guys were down there challenging.”
Now the Seminoles (1-2) turn to Central Arkansas (2-2), an FCS opponent visiting Tallahassee at 3 p.m. on ACC Network. It’s a chance for FSU to clean up some mistakes before October brings Virginia, Louisville and Miami, the first three ACC opponents on the schedule and each ranked in the top 35 in rush offense.
White said he expected the run defense to take a step in his second year as coordinator, but Alabama still managed 124 rushing yards on 14 carries in the fourth quarter alone. FSU’s front couldn’t get stops when it needed them most.
“That’s opportunity though,” White said. “No. 1, play calling.
I got to put all the bodies up there to stop the run. DBs are going to be 1-on-1.
Didn’t want to do that towards the end. That came back and got us.”
The Bears give Florida State a breather. The schedule after that will not.
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