By now, we know all about the FSU defense. You can pick an adjective if you want.
Soft. Underperforming. Confused. Undisciplined.
Through half of a season, FSU’s defense has been abysmal. FSU is 94th in the nation, sandwiched between FIU and USF. Hardly the place you would look for top-shelf recruits. The Seminoles have given up six plays of more 40 yards.
But here’s a question.
How good, really, is the University of Miami defense?
Oh, on paper, the Hurricanes are good. They’re seventh in the country in total defense, and they’re third in passing yards allowed. They’re second in scoring defense to Ohio State. They’re allowing more than two yards less per play than a year ago and less than 17 points fewer.
But let’s be honest. UM hasn’t really faced the Murderer’s Row of offenses with FAMU, FAU, Appalachian State and Georgia Tech. Against FSU, they’ll face the best quarterback (Deondre Francois) they’ve faced. They’ll face the best running back (Dalvin Cook). They’ll face the best receivers, etc.
Think about it. So far, Miami has played FAMU, which is ranked 111th in the lower FCS in offense. FAU is 118th in the FBS. Appalachian State is 91st. Georgia Tech is tied for 113th.
Remember, Miami starts three freshman linebackers in Shaq Quarterman, Mike Pinckney and Zack McCloud. Will they be tested?
“They don’t know that they don’t know,” Miami coach Mark Richt told ESPN. “They’re good dudes. They’re really good. But they don’t know. They haven’t really been hit in the mouth real hard yet. It’s coming. We’ll see how they react, how tough they are.”
FSU is going for its seventh straight win in the series.
