State of the program: DBs -- Major talent remains despite early departures
Over the coming weeks, we'll be examining each position on the Florida State football team -- evaluating what went right and wrong in 2017, and looking at what's in store for the Seminoles under a new coaching staff in 2018.
Next up is FSU's defensive back position, which lost some key pieces but returns plenty of talent this fall.
Previous installments: Linebackers |
State of the Program: Defensive Backs
2017 SUMMARY
It would not be fair to say that Florida State's secondary played poorly in 2017, but it definitely failed to live up to expectations.
The Seminoles entered the year with what some expected to be the nation's top secondary, featuring the return of All-America safety Derwin James and star cornerback Tarvarus McFadden. James was projected by several national outlets to be the best player in the country at any position, and McFadden had led the nation in interceptions as a sophomore.
By the end of the season, FSU's secondary posted respectable numbers overall. The Seminoles ranked No. 29 nationally in pass defense, allowing 195.4 yards per game, and the 15 passing touchdowns they surrendered ranked in the top 20. The most impressive statistic of all was that they allowed only 5.8 yards per pass attempt -- that was tied for third nationally with Georgia and Wisconsin. Only Alabama and Clemson performed slightly better.
The big shortcoming for the secondary was that it created few big plays. Despite featuring two potential All-Americans and a slew of juniors and seniors, the Seminoles produced just nine interceptions as a team -- and only seven of those came from defensive backs. FSU recorded 15 interceptions one year earlier, without James in the lineup.
The group also was part of a defense that surrendered late-game scores in losses to Miami and Louisville.
HIGHLIGHT OF 2017
Granted, it didn't come against a good -- or even competent -- passing attack, but the FSU secondary's finest performance against a high-profile opponent came against rival Florida in late-November. Sophomore cornerback Levonta Taylor intercepted two passes (the Seminoles had three on the day), and the team was credited with seven other pass breakups.
That means 10 of Feleipe Franks' 39 passes were affected by FSU defenders, and he only completed 18 to his own team. Franks finished with an average of just 4.7 yards per pass attempt.
LOWLIGHT OF 2017
The Miami game in general, but the final drive in particular. UM quarterback Malik Rosier completed only 19 of 44 passes on the day, but three of those went for touchdowns. Slot receiver Braxton Berrios torched the FSU secondary for eight receptions, 90 yards and two touchdowns. And after the Seminoles took a 20-17 lead with 1:24 remaining in the game, the FSU defense gave up a winning score on the final offensive play. Rosier connected on two third-and-10 passes during that drive, and he threw a 23-yard touchdown strike with just six seconds remaining.
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