Jiggy, Maybe that should read, ‘could cost’ since we are 4-0. This is like 6 turnovers ‘could have cost’ MD the game (but it didn’t, MD won.) I say this because “Bend, not break” defense is some times a good strategy and is nearly always criticized by the fans as bad defense.
Grey, buddy, come on now, you have to know I’m referring to this stat in the future sense. If State continues to give up percentages like that against better competition it’s going to come back and bite them in the ass. Can they continue giving up 3rd and 4th downs at that rate and still win a game? Sure, they’ve done it already 3 times this season. I didn’t say it would cost them every game, I said it will cost them games. Bend but don’t break may be applied at times so you don’t get beat deep but do you really believe that’s a continuous strategy just to keep from showing their playbook to future opponents? You don’t have to gamble on every down in order to get your defense off the field as quickly as possible. These numbers show a deep flaw in the defense and will be exploited by better teams then State has played this season, it almost was already…twice.
GSU 3DC = 6-14 (43%) / 4DC = 0-1
ODU 3DC = 10-18 (56%) / 4DC = 5-6 (83%)
USF 3DC = 2-10 (20%) / 4DC = 0-0
PCU 3DC = 8-17 (47%) / 4DC = 0-1
It’s not an anamoly of allowing the opposition to continue to move the chains. I’m sure there are several reasons why State is continuing to allow teams to complete third downs. I’ll have a breakdown of the 3rd and 4th down efficiencies that’ll give more insight in the FSU preview.
