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FSU OL Coach: ‘We Need to Play Better in Pass Protection’
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- FSU OL Coach: ‘We Need to Play Better in Pass Protection’
(USA TODAY Network /via Reuters Connect)
The Clemson Tigers (4-3) present a stout challenge to the offensive line of Florida State (3-4). The Seminoles want to create a clean pocket for quarterback Ashton Daniels.
The Tigers want to blow up that pocket with speed rushes from the corners, condensing the pocket and disrupting Daniels' timing on pass plays.
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By condensing the pocket, Daniels is more inclined to tuck the ball and run to try to extend the play with his legs, or throw on the run.
Florida State offensive line coach Herb Hand prefers something different.
"We got to play better in pass protection with our anchors. What I mean by that, everybody wants to cage rush our quarterback, right? Because when Ashton gets out and he scrambles, right? He does some good things in scramble mode," Hand said. "I don't want him scrambling. I Like him to have a clean pocket at all times."
When Daniels has scrambled out of the pocket, he has gained 354 rushing yards. He has also scored 11 touchdowns, which leads the ACC.
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However, when under pressure, Daniels has also thrown eight interceptions, the worst in the ACC.
Over their last two games, Clemson has posted 10 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. They have posted 20 sacks on the season, which ranks them tied for third in the conference.
The Seminoles offensive line has given up six sacks and 11 tackles for loss in their last two games, both losses to Louisville and Miami .
In the double overtime loss to the Hurricanes , left tackle Xavier Chaplin gave up four quarterback pressures, the second worst on the team, and graded at 44.6.
Chaplin was flagged for a holding penalty in overtime that nullified a touchdown reception by Micahi Danzy. The Seminoles lost 43-35.
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Coach Hand spoke about technique and briefly about the penalty on Chaplin.
"As I got on the bus and was able to sit down and watch the film because it happened late in the game and watch the film, said Hand. "X (Xavier Chaplin) was in the back of the bus and I went back to him and told him that what he did was exactly as I coached him to do."
Clemson is good at stacking up negative plays in the backfield when it comes to their opponents running the football.
Over their last two games, the Tigers have allowed a total of 96 yards rushing and no touchdowns, and allowed a 1.35 average yards per carry.
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With Florida State down to just Tre Wisner and Amari Thomas at the running back position, it is imperative that they are productive with the football.
By doing so, the Florida State offense will be more balanced and will keep Clemson's defense back on their heels.
Florida State owns a 21-17 record against Clemson . However, Clemson has won nine of the last ten meetings.
The Seminoles lone victory came in the ACC championship season of 2023. As coach of Florida State , that is also the only time Norvell has defeated Dabo Swinney .
These next five games will be crucial for the Seminoles and their fan base. Can they beat Clemson and set the tone for the second half of the season?
If not, they will plunge the Florida State faithful deeper into seven circles of raucous on Halloween.
