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Florida State has edge in pass defense
Posted: Saturday January 02, 1999 05:31 PM
Everybody knows that Florida State can stop the run. But what really helps them in the secondary is the fact that FSU's linebackers don't have to be as involved in the pass defense. The cornerbacks and safeties are so good the linebackers can take chances. Cornerbacks Tay Cody and Mario Edwards can play a lot of man-to-man because the players in front of them do such a great job. In a change from past years, Florida State's defensive backfield is better this year than the team's front seven. Because the corner can cover the opposing team's wide receivers, FSU can put nine guys in the box and the two CBs can still get the job done. Look for FSU to blitz Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin on almost every play and force Martin to beat the 'Noles. Martin is a streaky guy and the last thing you want to do is to put him in a comfort zone. Tennessee's front seven is outstanding. If the defense has a weakness it would be the secondary. Dwayne Goodrich is a good man-to-man cover person, but Steve Johnson plays too loose. That's all about confidence. If you are a cornerback you have to have confidence in your play. I don't think Tennessee has seen a team that has the kind of wide receivers that FSU can put on the field. If I'm Florida State, I'm going to exploit Johnson early. Conversely, it will be interesting to see who the Vols put on FSU's top wideout, Peter Warrick. Florida State can still spread the field offensively to get the right matchups. Look for FSU quarterback Marcus Outzen to get Warrick the ball. But if he's covered, Outzen will tuck it in and run. Tennessee will have to play man-to-man and do the job or the 'Noles will take can take Tennessee's top defensive player, linebacker Al Wilson out of the game. I think the Vols will use Wilson to blitz Outzen. Anytime you have a new quarterback, especially with a team like Tennessee that has had three weeks to prepare, expect to see the Vols disguise its coverages to confuse Outzen. I think Florida State's secondary is better than Tennessee and that will allow FSU to create more pressure against Tee Martin and the Tennessee offense. Coming next: Special teams
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