The number is stunning, especially considering that Florida State had run for 200 or more yards in six of nine games this season. But the Seminoles were held to minus-15 yards in last Thursday’s win at Virginia Tech.
Part of the reason is that the Hokies brought extra defenders up to the line of scrimmage to either stop the run or blitz quarterback EJ Manuel. The pressure overwhelmed FSU’s offensive line, which hopes to do better Saturday against Maryland.
“Could have done a few things a little differently,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said. “They were bringing some different blitzes, and we were just physically missing blocks. There were some really technical things that we can fix that we haven’t been doing that just got out of whack.”
No. 10 FSU had been rolling on the ground this season, racking up 200 or more yards in consecutive wins over Boston College, Miami and Duke. And the Seminoles’ previous season low was 125 rushing yards in the loss at N.C. State. But against Virginia Tech, the Seminoles had 25 carries and finished with minus-15 yards (which includes sack total on quarterback EJ Manuel).
“Since the first drive they were blitzing,” fullback Lonnie Pryor said. “That’s something we haven’t really seen. Just something we have to correct going through this week. They (Maryland) could do the same thing. Something we have to be ready and prepared for.”
There were a few good running plays against Virginia Tech as Pryor had five carries for 22 yards. And James Wilder converted on a crucial fourth-and-1 on FSU’s game-winning final drive (he gained seven yards). But those runs were overall an exception.
“You look at the statistics and it has us in negative yards rushing,” Wilder said. “But if you actually watch it, it’s just like one or two things, maybe our O-line did or little things we missed. Just little things that’s fixable that could’ve broke out simple little loss-of-1-yard, 3-yard plays to 20-yard, 25-yard plays. It’s not as bad when we got to look at in on the film.”
Maryland is regarded as the ACC’s second-best defense behind FSU. The Terrapins allow just 112.6 rushing yards per game (19th best in the Football Bowl Subdivision), but they have also struggled the past two games in allowing 33 points in a loss to Georgia Tech and 45 points in a loss at Clemson.
About the Author
