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FSU started the season with national championship expectations but it’s taken only three weeks to realize they may not even make the playoffs.
The No.23 Seminoles, now 3-2 and 0-2 in conference, are knocked from the top of the ACC, and the downfall is blamed on the team’s constant inconsistencies. A loss to undefeated Miami on Saturday has the potential to put them in unwanted record books. The only time the Seminoles started 0-3 in ACC play was 2009.
Week 5 left the Seminoles with a nasty loss against North Carolina when the defense gave up a 54-yard field goal in the final seconds following their touchdown with 23 seconds left. The loss demolishes the Seminoles’ 22-game win streak at Doak Campbell Stadium. FSU’s defense, ranked 10th in yards per play last season, is now giving up an average of 1.9 points per minute.
North Carolina kicker OD'd on swag after beating FSU. Love thishttps://t.co/7L2pwalL25pic.twitter.com/IdBqbOKjjR
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) October 2, 2016
For a team who was one win away from defeating their record of consecutive ACC wins last season (29 straight ACC victories), FSU’s defense has given up an average of 42.5 points per game and 6.98 yards per snap this season, fourth-worst among the FBS’s 128 teams.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher says just because they are likely out of the playoffs, it doesn’t mean the season is over. Fisher says he thinks playing a rival this weekend will give a little more incentive to the team.
Looking Ahead
Currently 5-5 in the last 10 FBS games, FSU could face a losing record if they fall to Miami. Thus, the Seminoles are shaking up the depth chart.
Offensive lineman Cole Minshew, previously omitted, is back on the chart this week at right guard. Nate Andrews is now a definite starter at free safety over A.J. Westbrook. Special teams will remain the same.
Despite fans’ criticism over defensive coordinator Charles Kelly, Fisher is standing behind him, other staff and players through this rough streak.
