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FSU’s Turnover Problem Is Becoming Costly for a Defense That Needs Help
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- FSU’s Turnover Problem Is Becoming Costly for a Defense That Needs Help
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Florida State's defense has enough problems without losing the turnover battle.
Through three games, the Seminoles have allowed opponents to move the football consistently, and after FSU's 50-36 loss at Alabama showed what happens when the defense cannot manufacture the game-changing plays that helped keep FSU alive against SMU .
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The Seminoles forced zero turnovers against Alabama while giving the ball away three times themselves. That produced a minus-three turnover margin after FSU had won the turnover battle against SMU (4-1).
Through three games, Florida State has been even in turnover margin having forced five turnovers and committed five themselves.
Head coach Mike Norvell knows those opportunities cannot disappear.
"I mean, it's been emphasized," Norvell said this week. "First couple of games this season, you were able to create some. Unfortunately we did not create any takeaways there on Saturday.
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"It's part of making sure you're capitalizing when the ball's in the air. If you're getting shots on the ball, being able to be in position to impact it, and then obviously, just in the week prior, we were able to create a handful of them. Unfortunately, that was a big part of the game, not being able to create any of this last week."
That difference was enormous.
Against SMU, Florida State intercepted two passes and recovered two fumbles. Quindarrius Jones forced and recovered a fumble on SMU's opening possession, while Ashlynd Barker recorded one of FSU's two interceptions.
The turnovers helped compensate for a defense that otherwise struggled badly. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards, and the Mustangs still escaped Tallahassee with a 27-24 victory despite giving the football away four times.
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Against Alabama, there was no such safety net.
The Crimson Tide accumulated 567 total yards, including 247 rushing, and scored on nine consecutive possessions after Florida State built a 21-6 advantage. Alabama didn't turn the ball over once.
Advanced analytics provide another clue to Florida State's inability to consistently change possessions through its coverage.
Through three games, FSU defenders have been targeted 103 times, allowing 75 receptions for 1,022 yards, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) data. The defense has three interceptions and seven pass breakups. That means Florida State has frequently been allowing completions rather than getting its hands on the football.
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There have been individual bright spots. Jones has already produced an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Ja'Bril Rawls and Barker have interceptions as well. But the production has not been widespread enough to offset the amount of yardage Florida State is surrendering.
That becomes especially important considering the Seminoles' underlying defensive issues.
Florida State entered the week having allowed at least 550 yards in consecutive games. Norvell acknowledged after the Alabama loss that the results do not resemble what the staff expects from the scheme.
Turnovers can cover some of those deficiencies. They erase successful drives, create short fields for the offense and can dramatically change momentum. But relying on them is dangerous because takeaways fluctuate.
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The SMU game demonstrated both sides of that equation. Florida State forced four turnovers and still lost because the defense surrendered so much production. Against Alabama, when those takeaways disappeared, the Seminoles had almost nothing capable of slowing the Crimson Tide once its offense found rhythm.
That makes Norvell's emphasis important, but it also highlights the larger concern.
Florida State doesn't simply need more turnovers.
The Seminoles need a defense capable of surviving when those turnovers don't come.
