FSU has the second-worst third-down conversion rate of any FBS team

Third-and-forever is a familiar refrain in football, one that usually refers to distance. But for Florida State, it may as well apply to the odds that the Seminoles will convert. Another week, another disappointing offensive result from the ’Noles, who continue to find themselves off-schedule and behind the chains.

The result has been far too many third-and-long situations, which this FSU offensive line has simply not shown enough to handle. But it’s not like there isn’t blame enough to go around. Quarterback Deondre Francois has certainly missed some throws, just as his receivers have dropped some passes that could have not only resulted in first downs, but altered the scoreboard.

How bad has it been? Florida State has converted on just 10 of 44 third-down opportunities, a 22.73% success rate. The only team doing worse, presently, is South Alabama, at 18.6%. Being compared to an Alabama team is certainly not always terrible— but this isn’t the company with which FSU wants to find itself.