FSU's Defense Tops In The Nation

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – Much has been made of the ballyhooed defenses from LSU and Alabama, but Florida State's defense is outperforming both SEC schools on the young season and allowing a ridiculous 1 point per game on the young season.

FSU has given up a total of one field goal all season long. Granted the Seminoles played two Football Championship Subdivision schools the first two weeks of the season, but Saturday's demolition of Atlantic Coast Conference rival Wake Forest erased most of the doubt on FSU's defensive prowess.

Besides leading the nation in scoring defense, the Noles are surrendering just 33.67 yards per game on the ground, or roughly 1.19 yards per carry. The news for opponents isn't much better as FSU surrenders just 69.7 yards per game through the air. Opponents are also completing just 40 percent of their passes against FSU.

All total, FSU gives up 103.3 yards per game through three games, which is better than any SEC school including the vaunted defenses of Alabama and LSU.

In Saturday's 52-0 mauling of Wake Forest, the Noles surrendered a total of 126 yards of offense, with 83 of those yards coming through the air. While Wake Forest couldn't get anything going on offense, the Demon Deacons defense couldn't stop any Noles either.

FSU ran for 385 yards in the game, with 197 of those yards coming on just 9 carries for running back Chris Thompson. The Seminoles averaged an insane 8.6 yards per carry, which was more than they averaged per pass. FSU mercifully called off the dogs in the second half but still finished with 612 yards of total offense.

But FSU's real first test will come this Saturday when Clemson comes to Doak Campbell Stadium for a primetime showdown.

Clemson's offense is averaging 39.7 points per game on the young season and just welcomed back all-everything receiver Sammy Watkins last weekend. The Tigers rank 30th in the nation in rushing yards, averaging 219 yards per game; and rank 23rd in the nation in passing, throwing for 298 yards per game.

Call it the irresistible force meeting the immovable object this Saturday at the Doak.

Clemson's defense will have its work cut out for it trying to keep the game close. The Tigers defense averages 17.7 points allowed per game, which is good for 34th in the nation. But, if the Tigers hope to stay in the contest Saturday, the defense will have to step up its game.