3 Alabama Defensive Stats That Should Worry Florida State

As coach Mike Norvell prepares Florida State (1-1) to take on No. 10 Alabama (2-0) on the road Saturday in Tuscaloosa, offensive struggles should be the main concern going up against arguably the toughest defense they will face all season. 

The defensive prowess displayed by the Crimson Tide over the final 30 minutes of their victory over Kentucky on Saturday was epic, holding the Wildcats scoreless. That strong second half showing left little doubt about which team was better, and gave Florida State a clearer picture of what the offense will be up against coming out of their bye week.

Three Alabama defensive statistics stood out in that game that should worry the Seminoles: 

The Alabama defense held Kentucky to just 1-of-14 on third-down conversions. That does not bode well for the Seminoles, who currently rank near the bottom in the FBS in third-down conversions at 35.71 percent. A one-dimensional offense will do that to you.

After two weeks, The Crimson Tide ranks No. 1 in the country in opponents’ third-down conversions. They have allowed just one conversion in 23 attempts. That is a four percent success rate. Against SMU, Florida State converted just 2-of-15 attempts on third down.

Kentucky committed three turnovers against that stifling Alabama defense. Florida State has committed two in their first two games: an interception by quarterback Ashton Daniels vs. New Mexico State and a fumble by receiver Duce Robinson in the SMU game. This Alabama defense should keep coach Mike Norvell up every night this week.

The one thing that Florida State does well on offense is run the ball. Alabama ranks fourth in the country at stopping the run, as they have allowed an average of 32.50 yards per game on the ground. Against Kentucky, Alabama allowed just 63 yards on the ground, less than two yards per carry, and no rushing touchdowns.

The Crimson Tide floods the point of attack with angry humanity, stopping the ball carrier in their tracks. Florida State running backs Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton Jr. should be burning the midnight oil in the film room, looking for any way they can pierce that tidal wave of dread.

This current iteration of the Alabama defense would make Nick Saban proud. It should scare the living hell out of Norvell and Florida State offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. In addition, the Crimson Tide has allowed just two passing touchdowns and forced two interceptions.

So far, Norvell has coached his passing offense to a No. 120 national ranking. Unfortunately, the Seminoles and the forward pass will not be a challenge for the Alabama pass defense.

After two weeks, Florida State is averaging 163.5 yards per game through the air. Against tougher competition like SMU, Daniels passed for just 125 yards and completed 52 percent of his passes.

Norvell has failed to consistently draw up plays that effectively utilize his weapons on the perimeter, Robinson and Michai Danzy, with his elite speed. Both have combined for 11 catches for 169 yards, but only two touchdowns.

When you add a hostile environment into the mix, it could be a long day for Norvell and Florida State. Norvell could hear Sweet Home Alabama in his sleep for weeks.