Florida State is scoring points on 89 percent of its trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
But in the past two games, FSU has been in the red zone just seven times – and has only three touchdowns to show for it. The concern has been magnified by the 17-16 loss to North Carolina State, when FSU managed just one touchdown and settled for two more field goals in its four red-zone trips.
On its last red-zone opportunity, the Seminoles had the ball at N.C. State’s 19. On third-and-2, EJ Manuel was sacked for a 15-yard loss and FSU coach Jimbo Fisher opted to punt instead of trying a 52-yard field goal.
“All season we’ve been good on short yardage,” Fisher said. “We have to continue to work on those things. We have to get better at that.
“We need to be more physical in the running game. We have to run it back in there and pound it. I feel good about what we’re doing. We just have to do it better.”
The Seminoles fared well in their red zone against teams like Wake Forest (four touchdowns and a field goal) and Clemson (five touchdowns). But the last two games, FSU hasn’t had as many opportunities or made the most of those chances.
“The biggest thing is watching more film as far as what they will line up for their red zone defense,” Manuel said. “If it’s a blitz, we will be more prepared for it.”
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