ChantRant.com

Attempting to answer questions still on the mind of every serious Seminole fan

Still bummed about last Thursday, we asked regular contributor Seminole Steve some of the questions still haunting most of our minds. Since Steve has both played and coached the game, he's pretty savvy at analyzing what went wrong and how to fix it.

FSU's defense was a disappointment throughout the season. Do you see changes coming?

Seminole Steve:  The only logical move I can see Jimbo making is getting rid of Bill Miller. Miller did a decent job with the young linebackers as Matthew Thomas came on later in the year but anyone can do that job with the amount of talent given. Charles Kelly needs to move back to linebackers coach and a new secondary coach needs to be brought in. Yes it is noted that Jimbo likes his Defensive coordinators to coach the secondary as well so the calls can be made from the back, as covering wr's and filling the run gaps become more and more important. Odell Haggins has done an amazing job every year although this year may have been the least talent he has had for the amount of top talent we have recruited. Chris Casher never panned out to be a top pass rusher and moved back to LB. Mario Edwards lost a step or two almost comparable to Clowney the previous year whether he was double teamed more or just saving his stock for the draft. Goldman was in and out, NLS was hurt, and Featherston was really the only bright spot vs inferior offensive lines. Put 20-30 lbs on him and he will be the next Brandon Jenkins or Tank Carradine. He is fast, has long arms and can break away from the initial contact of a tackle. Haggins will work him into a top talent as soon as he commits himself to the weight room. 

Charles Kelly is a real work horse which is admirable, but if he is allowed to stay his philosophy has to change. I believe Jimbo will retain him because Muschamp is already gone and so is Pellini (they both worked with Jimbo). Kelly called way too much a passive defense this year and did not utilize the athleticism that Mark Stoops and Pruitt used in the past to become top 10 defenses in the nation. We stayed back and waited for opponents to come to us instead of attacking this year, resulting in less turnovers and more yardage being given up. 

Oregon was the more physical team, though FSU was physically bigger. They out-hustled the Noles and just wanted it more. Which brings up the fundamental question of what happened to our toughness, our attitude of dominating an opponent? We didn't have it this year, even against lesser opponents?

Steve: Intensity and toughness feeds off the coaches. I truly believe we need a loud mouthed, animated coach on the field in charge of the defense. It has been an integral part of our winning process. Even though Stoops didn't run up and down the sidelines and give high fives, he was in their faces and constantly getting into it with Jimbo because they were so competitive. I just don't see it with Kelly, although I believe he will get one more shot to right this ship as we need some continuity on the staff. Four coordinators in four years is just too much.  

Part of Kelly's problem I have noticed is that he is a very relaxed guy. There is nothing wrong with that, as he knows his x's and o's and is great at making adjustments. But here is the thing, is he mastermind enough to develop a plan where the defense can attack and make plays instead of just reacting and changing in the second half? I am not doubting his ability to be a great coach, but he comes across as having no fire in him and doesn't get into his players face when they screw up or when they make a big play. Look at the top defensive coordinators across the leagues, they are very dramatic on the sideline and have a lot of energy. Players feed off a coach's energy and intensity. 

Rose Bowl Roundtable: If it looks like a Duck and quacks like a Duck...

Three ChantRant contributors look deep into the crystal ball before what may be the most exciting game of a season chock full of them.

1. There's no stopping Mariota. But how does FSU's D limit his ability to scamper for huge gains?

Wall St. Nole: I agree, no stopping Mariota directly, so the Noles have to figure out how to take away the rhythm of Oregon's offense. This is almost as difficult. If we can reduce Oregon's assault it will put more situational pressure on Marriota. We can start by stopping the run with Freeman and limiting screen plays. This will require Mariota to run himself or look for one-on-one matchups. You have to like one-on-one with Darby, and Jalen Ramsey has really done well with the tight ends here lately.  

Roswell Nole: Jalen.  Ramsey.  Spy.

Old School Nole: By taking a page from Arizona's defensive strategy. The Wildcats were the only team to beat Arizona this year. They did it with pressure, rushing only three and without blitzing. Mariota still had strong numbers, but less than his average. The intense pressure rattled the Oregon QB enough so that he fumbled twice and wasn't his normally sharp self. This week's news that Mario Edwards has slimmed down to a svelte 278 lbs. could be the key to an FSU win. Imagine a big AND fast number 15 breathing down Mariota's neck all night — a deja vu nightmare of what he faced against 'Zona.

2. How does FSU avoid first half sleep walking and second half desperation?

Wall St. Nole: Execute. They have had some really well designed opening drives in the latter part of the season. Unfortunately they've stalled due to penalties and lack of execution in regards to the route or blocking scheme. With the running game in pure form now, look for the Noles to come out executing a balanced offensive attack. 

Roswell Nole: Preseason is over and they survived.  Now the fun begins and they will be tuned in from the first snap.

Old School Nole: With a laser-focused Jameis Winston at the top of his game — very possibly his last game (let's hope next to last) as a Nole. FSU's first half woes this season, IMO, can be largely blamed on Winston's distractions due to off-field problems. Now that the ominous cloud has been lifted, Jameis will be ready to rock. And it's never been truer, as Winston goes, so go the Noles. Remember his "we ain't leavin' without a victory" speech before the 2013 Clemson game that pushed all the right buttons? Boom! In last year's title game at the Rose Bowl J.W. obviously had butterflies. This year he'll be all business. And if he needed one more incentive, Winston's fierce competitive streak will drive him to prove he's the better QB on the field.

3. Predict not just the final score, but HOW the game will be won?

Wall St. Nole: The Noles D has not shown me enough this year to have a lot of hope to limit points against the best offense in the country. But I'm hoping there is something in the water now that we are "going back to Cali!" 

The Noles get a key first half turnover or special team TD, the offense does its thing and the Noles avoid a late comeback to win 38-35. 

Roswell Nole: 41-38 FSU  Defense sacks Mariota on fourth and goal!

Old School Nole: Like so many FSU games in this crazy season, the Rose Bowl will be a nail biter down to the final tick (which may just be in overtime). And something tells me that it all comes down to one talented toe. Oregon has a good field goal specialist (two of 'em, actually). FSU has a great one. Final score: Noles 51, Oregon 49.