Florida State Team Report

With Jimbo Fisher into his second season, it finally feels like he has breathed some life into Florida State's offense and the fans are starting to get a taste of the good old days.

Florida State is averaging just over 35 points a game and averaging almost 400 yards a game. Compared to last year, Florida State is averaging just 20 more yards of total offense a game but over 13 additional points a game.

Florida State's offense over the last two years have roughly the same output but vastly different outcomes: FSU is able to convert yards to points.

The differences between this year and last don't end there. While total offense yards has slightly changed, it's actually the defense that has really picked up the slack.

Florida State averaged only seven more offensive yards a game than their opponents. This year so far, FSU is averaging 130 more offensive yards a game. The 2007 season saw Florida State score 23.3 points a game and allow 22.9 points a game.

But for 2008 so far, the team is doing considerably better by scoring 35 points a game and allowing only 18. This is a turnaround thanks to Jimbo.

The rush attack for Florida State has been a major breakthrough this year. The offense is averaging nearly 200 yards a game in rushing compared to just under 130 yards a game for the 2007 season.

Offensive output for the season has been balanced because of the run, with total passing and rushing yards being just about even for the season.

Another huge improvement over last season is in third down conversions. The 2007 season saw less than one third of third downs being successfully converted. 2008 has been markedly better with third down conversions approaching 50 percent.

The area where I see Florida State struggling is in forcing turnovers. This time last year, FSU had 11 interceptions but so far the Seminoles are falling far short of forcing turnovers with just five for the season.

Overall, Florida State's offense has really shined so far this year and if they continue to keep the pace that they've set for the rest of the season, I can see the Seminoles easily going 8-4 or better before the bowl game.

If the Noles' defense are able to force as many turnovers as last season, I could see the Noles easily finishing the season 9-3 or better, but I just don't see the team being able to pick off more footballs this late in the season.