Clemson Football: Q&A with FSU Experts previewing Tigers vs. ‘Noles

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 27: James Blackman
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 27: James Blackman /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 26: Bobby Bowden talks to a loving crowd before the pre game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadiumon October 26, 2013 in Tallahassee, Florida (Photo by Jeff Gammons/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 26: Bobby Bowden talks to a loving crowd before the pre game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadiumon October 26, 2013 in Tallahassee, Florida (Photo by Jeff Gammons/Getty Images) /

2. Jimbo Fisher has recruited really well and there’s NFL talent all other the field for FSU. What has been the biggest reason for the underperformance this season?

Jason: It’s not an excuse, but the injury bug has bitten the Seminoles more than almost any other team this season in the FBS. It started with Francois and then went on to the wide receiver group, running back Jacques Patrick (who may return against the Tigers) and defensive players like linebacker Matthew Thomas who have missed time at points.

I’m not saying this team should be 7-1 at this point and in the playoff talk, but let us not forget this is a team that is basically three plays from being 6-2 at this point so it’s not like they are a bad team.

Kelvin: The biggest issues have been injuries and inexperience at quarterback on offense and the inability to stop my son’s flag football team on third and long on defense.

This team can absolutely shut teams down defensively when they are motivated(see first half Alabama and first half Miami), but they are terrible at situational tactics (i.e. poorly timed blitzes or giving too much cushion on third and short).