Top-ranked Florida State is off to a 2-0 start in 2014, but there has been some cause for concern early. After scoring more points than any school in FBS history a season ago, the Seminoles have appeared far less potent through the early parts of the year due largely to their struggles in the red zone.
In each of its first two games, Florida State has put up 37 points, which is usually far more than enough to earn a victory. However, that was the low mark for the Seminoles last season until a 34-31 victory over Auburn in the BCS National Championship.
While Florida State has seemed to have lost a step offensively early on, the Seminoles have still moved the ball with relative ease. Florida State has put up more than 475 yards of offense in each of its first two games and on 23 possessions thus far, FSU has punted just six times. Moving the ball has not been a problem for Florida State — at least until it reaches the red zone.
Last season, Florida State not only scored on 92 percent of its trips to the red zone, but the Seminoles had a touchdown rate of greater than 70 percent. This season, FSU has scored just five red zone touchdowns in 12 trips.
Saturday’s contest against The Citadel got off to a promising start for Florida State inside the red zone as the Seminoles scored touchdowns from inside the 20 on each of their first four possessions. In the second half however, Florida State reverted to its Week 1 form that allowed Oklahoma State to stay in the game. In three trips to the red zone in the final 30 minutes on Saturday, the Seminoles settled for three Roberto Aguayo field goals.
While the subtractions of 6’5″ wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, lead-blocker Chad Abram and experienced backs like Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. have certainly hurt Florida State when it gets in scoring position, quarterback Jameis Winston has not been nearly as sharp with the end zone in sight.
Through two games, Winston actually has a higher completion percentage than the 67 percent clip last season that helped him become the third Seminole quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy. In the red zone however this season, Winston is just 5-for-12 passing with an interception. Outside of the red zone, Winston is completing passes at a remarkable 76.4 percent rate. Three of Winston’s five misfires against The Citadel on Saturday came in the red zone.
With the Florida State offense struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities, the FSU defense has also had its troubles keeping teams out of the end zone once it gets inside the 20. While both of The Citadel’s touchdowns on Saturday came against second-teamers, the Seminoles have allowed four touchdowns in five opponent trips to the red zone.
The good news for Florida State is that with Clemson looming, the Seminoles will have two weeks to prepare for their ACC opener. Though injuries are certainly a big concern at the moment for FSU, making the most of scoring opportunities must become a point of emphasis during the bye week.
How the Seminoles plan on solving their red zone woes is a mystery, but a more involved Nick O’Leary at tight end could be an option. Another option is for head coach Jimbo Fisher to become just a bit more creative.
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