Tony White addresses Florida State defensive lapses following loss to SMU

Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White identified nine specific plays as the turning point in the team's 27-24 loss to SMU. Despite forcing three turnovers and holding the Mustangs under 30 points, the Seminoles allowed 585 total yards and struggled with third-down stops and defensive coverage. White specifically highlighted two SMU scoring plays of 50 yards or more, including a 79-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, as primary examples of communication errors and poor tackling. The team currently holds a 1-1 record and enters a bye week before facing a difficult stretch of opponents including Alabama, Virginia, Louisville, and Miami. White remains focused on sharpening player execution and assignment discipline to correct the defensive breakdowns observed in the first two games.

• 10:07 AMYahoo Sports — Tony White believes FSU's defense can be elite. But one thing holds it back