By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Though the Seminoles have allowed over 378 yards per game in 2014, they have been at their best in key moments.

After allowing the fewest points per game in college football last season, Florida State’s defense has taken a step back. Still very talented, the unit has largely remained effective situationally; the Seminoles have been able to make plays when it matters most. Against the nation’s third-ranked offense, and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, that ability will be tested.

Mariota leads the country by a wide margin with a passer rating of 186.33. He has completed over 68% of his passes for 3,783 yards, 38 touchdowns and just two interceptions, averaging 10.2 yards per throw. As a runner, Mariota has compiled 669 more yards and 14 more scores. Against Arizona in early October, he even added a 26-yard touchdown reception.

Oregon’s up-tempo, fast-paced approach will put a lot of pressure on Florida State’s defense.

x9cYou can tell they have a very good plan of what they want to do,x9d FSU defensive coordinator Charles Kelly told Tim Linafelt of Seminoles.com. x9cThey know where they want to attack. And theyll take what you give them. So weve got a big challenge in front of us.x9d

Though the Seminoles have allowed over 378 yards per game in 2014, they have been at their best in key moments. Florida State has won seven one-score games this year, contests where the defense has often gotten critical stops late. The Seminoles rank in the top ten nationally in both fourth down defense and redzone defense. Safety Jalen Ramsey has led an opportunistic group.

Florida State’s best trait defensively has been poise.

x9cIt hasnt always been easy. This year weve had some situations where we didnt always play as good in the first half, but I think it all goes back to (the players),” Kelly continued. “These guys, they dont panic. You can look in their eyes on the sideline, no matter what the situation x98Coach, lets go. Well get this thing done.\x9d