Prior to Saturday game against Clemson, the Seminoles were ranked No. 1 in five different NCAA defensive categories for FBS schools. With Mark Stoops' squad surrendering just three points in three games there were whispers that FSU might have the nation's top defense.

The defensive numbers took a bit of a hit on Saturday with Clemson lighting up the scoreboard for 37 points. After giving up so many points and yards to the Tigers you have to wonder if the first three games were fool's gold and the defense was simply feasting on lousy competition. While it's easy to jump to that conclusion, and Saturday showed some chinks in the armor, there's still every reason to believe that the Seminoles' have an elite defensive unit and should excel all season.

Giving credit where credit is due