FSU gave up 370 yards on Saturday to NC State, but only 13 points.
FSU only gave up one touchdown an opponent since 2017 (ULM) as well as to an ACC foe (Duke) and held an ACC opponent without a touchdown through three quarters for the first time since 2016 (Boston College). It allowed 4.6 yards per play, the lowest average of the season.
It was a defensive effort markedly different from the first two games of the season, and an improvement even on the progress seen since the Seminoles’ loss against Virginia. As the offense struggled to find a consistent groove FSU’s defense held strong, barely bending and never really breaking, providing a cushion for the eventual offensive production
Junior Cyrus Fagan had an impressive performance, hawking down passes and leading the team in tackles and recovering a fumble.