James defends Seminoles’ Kelly

TALLAHASSEE — One day after Florida State coach

said he has “extreme confidence” in defensive coordinator a standout member of the Seminoles defense also went to bat for his coach.

FSU third-year safety defended Kelly, who has garnered criticism after the Seminoles surrendered a game-deciding touchdown to Miami last Saturday, dropping to 1-3 this season.

“I have a great relationship with Charles Kelly. He’s a great coordinator, great coach. We have a great relationship. It’s not always his fault,” James said Tuesday as the Seminoles prepare to face Duke on Saturday.

“Some people tend to think it’s always his fault. If you look at the film and turn on the film, it’s us not looking what we’re supposed to look at, and not covering the guys we’re supposed to be covering. “So it’s not him. I can promise you it’s not him.” FSU’s seven-game win streak against Miami was snapped after UM quarterback threw a back-shoulder pass to receiver Darrell Langham, who was covered by FSU All-American leading to a 24-20 defeat.

Despite the slow start to the season, the Seminoles insist they remain a tight-knit bunch.

“We’re together as a team,” James said. “Looking at the film, nobody is really physically beating us. There’s a lot of good, just not a lot of bad. But there’s a lot of good that we see at times, flashes of the team that we can be.”

FSU at Duke, Saturday, Noon, ESPN2

Jimbo Fisher Next game: Charles Kelly, Derwin James Malik Rosier Tarvarus McFadden,