Just a week ago Florida State state was pulverized 63-20 by Louisville. Against a dangerous South Florida team that was 3-0, the Noles could have come in with a huge hangover. They game didn’t start well as the Noles gave up an 84 yard TD pass play to South Florida. They were down 14-7 early, before the Florida State offense woke up.
Some have suggested FSU RB Dalvin Cook might be injured. Certainly early in the season he didn’t look like himself. Saturday we welcomed back Dalvin Cook. He averaged nearly 10 yards a carry on his way to a 266 yard rushing day. The offense rolled up a whopping 478 yards on the ground and over 600 yards total to go along with 55 points. Offensively Florida State was on fire. South Florida’s defense was helpless, and the Noles again looked like a top 10 team… on offense that is.
The defense was another story. Throw out the game against Charleston Southern and the Noles defense has given 35, 63, and today another 35 points. That’s 44 points a game if you are doing the math.
Today South Florida had 290 yards on the ground. I know All-American DB Derwin James is out, but the FSU fanbase is staring squarely staring at DC Charles Kelley. FSU blog Tomahawknation says it’s among the worst defensive starts in program history.
There are still teams that down the road that can really challenge FSU’s defense, UNC, Miami, and Clemson come to mind. Though Clemson in particular has their own issues with their offense.
If FSU’s defense doesn’t come around DC Charles Kelly may find himself under some very intense heat.
