"Keys to the Game" for FSU's Run Defense

I wanted to get beneath the superficial analysis of what Florida State's defense will have to do in order to slow down Auburn's rushing attack. Saying they'll need to tackle in space or be disciplined isn't informative.

Set the Edge

In my mind, this is the most important task for the Seminoles. Auburn will test the edges of the FSU defense more than probably any team since Clemson. It will be especially critical for FSU's cornerbacks and sometimes safeties to force ballcarriers back inside to the pursuit. The film gives Seminole fans cause for optimism.

On this jet sweep against Boston College — a play FSU will see plenty of vs. Auburn — safety Terrence Brooks (#31) has run force responsibilities. He does a great job using his hands to keep the lead blocker from cutting him (another thing he'll have to do against Auburn) and maintains his balance. If we're being critical, Brooks almost lost outside leverage on this play but was able to use his speed and the sideline.

When running outside, most teams went after sophomore cornerback P.J. Williams (#26; on the bottom). This isn't a great play from him, but he does the most important part — maintains outside leverage. Like the Seminoles' previous opponents, the Tigers will likely try to run at him, too, but I didn't see anything to suggest he can be consistently flanked (which did happen in the Alabama-Auburn game).

It's not really something Auburn does, but Florida State's DBs are even willing to take on offensive linemen to maintain contain.

Another example. The corner at the top actually blows up the blocker here.

Although still contain, this is a little different but interesting. Maryland is running outside zone read on this play — the quarterback is reading the circled defender and will either hand off on a sweep or keep it himself up the middle based on how the defender reacts. This is a play Auburn will run against FSU. Most defenses coach their defensive ends to stay close to the line of scrimmage and shuffle inside with their shoulders square (giving the QB a "give" read), but FSU's ends usually came upfield and angled toward the ball. This muddles the QB's read, but usually he'll keep the ball. Because he's facing inside, the end is often able to make the tackle himself (and he did on this play).

Split the Combo Blocks or Hold Your Ground

Auburn is a zone blocking team, so their inside run game features a lot of combo blocks — two offensive linemen will double team a defender, usually a defensive tackle, before one blocker peels off to block a second-level defender. The Tigers, especially the left side of the line, are really good at this.

As a defender facing a combo block, you're taught to turn your shoulders and split the double team if you can. If successful, this not only enables you to make the tackle, but it also prevents (or delays) the second blocker from peeling off, meaning your linebacker is unblocked.

If you can't split the combo block, you're taught to hold your ground and occupy the blockers as best you can, even if that means grabbing their jerseys, dropping to the ground and pulling them down with you (technically a penalty but it's never called). This keeps the second blocker from getting to his next assignment. It also creates a pile, which is just one more obstacle for the ballcarrier.

I didn't see any of Florida State's defensive linemen get consistently dominated by combo blocks this season, but I wasn't really blown away either. I got the impression that they're better at shedding the blocks than anchoring — something that may not do them much good against a unit as good at combo blocking as the Tigers.

The Boston College Argument

One misconception that should be put to bed right away is that Boston College showed that you can run on FSU. BC's offense is dramatically different from Auburn's, and unless Gus Malzahn decides to start using heavy personnel and abandon his zone blocking plays, the results of the BC game have no bearing on this one. The Tigers may have success on the ground, but it won't be because they learned anything from what BC did.

I don't expect Auburn to have much success outside the tackles, but they'll probably find some big plays inside. Given the Seminole D-line's propensity to shed blocks, there will also be some negative plays. I don't expect a slow grinding run attack from Auburn — it'll be more like 9-yard gains followed by 2-yard losses. I also think we'll see Nick Marshall attempt more passes than he has in recent games — probably 25+ — partly to keep pace with the Seminoles but also by design.