Suddenly, they are Rice.
Suddenly, they are Hawaii.
The defense of the Florida State Seminoles, usually a team strength, is playing chase. Receivers are streaming downfield. Quarterbacks are slicing and dicing. Running backs are shaking and baking. Kickers are mock-chopping with glee.
Sheesh. What gives?
Overnight, it seems, the defense of the Seminoles is tragically weak. Against FBS opponents (everyone but Charleston Southern), the Seminoles are allowing 42.5 points per game. They are giving up 6.98 yards per play, ahead of only Rice, Hawaii and Marshall. They’re 94th in the country in total defense.
The defense of the Seminoles has turned dismal. Filled with highly considered recruits on their way to the NFL, the defense has become the worst in the ACC and the worst in the Top 25. The Seminoles have now lost five of their last 12 games.
So far this year, the Seminoles have trailed Ole Miss 28-6, Louisville 63-10, USF 14-7 and North Carolina 21-0. Last week, it couldn’t hold a lead with 23 seconds to play. In every game against an FBS opponent, the Seminoles have given up a touchdown on the opponent’s first possession.
All of it has increased pressure on FSU defensive coordinator Charles Kelly.
“There ain’t nothing magical going to happen,” said FSU coach Jimbo Fisher. “You’ve got to coach better. We’ve got to play better.”
The Seminoles play Miami (4-0) Saturday. After that, FSU plays Wake Forest (4-1), N.C. State (3-1). Boston College (3-2), Syracuse (2-3) and Florida (4-1).
