Breaking Down The Numbers:Red Zone Conversions

National rankings based on 119 teams and the ACC rankings on 12 teams:

Red Zone- The area of the field between the opponent's 20-yard line and the goal line. When the offense has advanced into this territory, it is expected that it will score some type of points, i.e. a touchdown or a field goal.

Stat: Red Zone Conversions - FSU in 2007 had 48 attempts within the red zone. Of those, the Noles scored 21 TDs for a 43.75% conversion rate. In addition, they scored 18 field goals for a 37.50% conversion rate. If you compare these stats with those of Virginia Tech and Clemson who had 60.87% and 61.11% TD conversion rates, you can see why the Noles struggled.

ACC Ranking: 2007- #7 2006- #10

National Ranking: 2007- #64 2006- #65

In years past, when the Noles got within the twenty yard line of an opponent, they scored and more than likely it was a TD. Not anymore. One of the problems for the Noles on offense for the past several years has been the inability to score TDs within the red zone. Not to mention field goals. The lack of a consistient running and passing game combined with few playmakers have all contributed to the Noles problems in the red zone. Don't look for this stat to improve in 2008 due to an inexperienced offensive line and the lack of big playmakers.