Quarterback E. J. Manuel #3 of the Florida State Seminoles attempts to pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Champs Sports Bowl. Manuel was sacked on the play. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Unlike the NFL, the NCAA deducts the yards lost by sacks from the teams rushing totals. This is inherently wrong since sacks are a result of a passing play and should be deducted from passing yardage. Regardless, this is how the NCAA has done it and will continue to do it until they decide to change it, if they ever do.

The problems the offensive line faced this year have been well documented on this site, but I decided to investigate how the sacks compare with the recent years past.

During the previous 12 year period FSU averaged 26 sacks per season for a yearly average of 170 yards lost by sacks.

As you can see, in 2011 FSU offensive unit allowed over 57% more sacks and 67% more sack yardage than the average previous 12 year period.

Some place the blame entirely on the offensive line due to the injuries, lack of continuity, and attrition.

Some place the blame on Coach Rick Trickett and his failure to recruit the depth needed to maintain an elite level line, some blame his zone blocking scheme as too difficult to learn and master, and some even blame his temperament for various reasons.

Finally there are those that place the blame on EJ Manuel for holding on to the ball too long, his lack of mobility for whatever reasons, for not being good with his pre-snap reads, and some blame his injuries.

We are interested to hear what you think and how this problem can be fixed during the spring and summer drills in preparation for next season.