Florida State Seminoles Carrying “Noles” Sign Across Football Field – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Tony Strong
Few predicted that Florida State would dominate the Atlantic Coast Conference once more and easily advance to the College Football Playoff’s expanded 12-team field. Not after losing Johnny Wilson, Keon Coleman, Trey Benson, quarterback Jordan Travis, and several outstanding defenders.
But nobody could have predicted this.
The Seminoles’ inconsistent passing approach, lethargic ground game, and defense—which struggles to contain the run and consistently apply pressure to quarterbacks—have left them without a win after three games.
And right now, FSU—which came into the season ranked No. 10—is without a doubt the most disappointing college football team. And no offense to Florida, Kansas, or Clemson, but it’s not even close.
Coach Mike Norvell of Florida State stated on Monday, “I know that it’s a frustrating thing to sit there and look at, and it’s frustrating for everybody involved, for those guys that are out there playing.” “They’re looking for more. Their goal is to improve. They put a lot of effort into it. However, we still need to work on a few minor details and consistency in general.
This season, Florida State has only consistently lost three games—against Georgia Tech and Boston College as double-digit favorites and again against Memphis as a 6 1/2-point favorite. In addition to winning against their previous coach, the Tigers received a $1.3 million payout.
It is easier to explain how the ‘Noles came here than how they could escape.
Some question if the squad is being affected more than anyone could have predicted by the CFP snub from the previous year. However, people who work there maintain that execution and chemistry matter more than psychology and background.
Ten players from Florida State, five of them were chosen in the first 64 rounds, were lost to the NFL draft. Although Norvell looked to the transfer portal for support—a location that showed him such kindness during the construction of the 13-0 regular season team last year—former Oregon State and Clemson starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has not lived up to Norvell’s expectations.
Because of Uiagalelei’s unpredictability—he is only completing 56.6% of his throws for touchdowns—the FSU supporters have taken to chanting for backup Brock Glenn.
And now, the topic of conversation surrounding Florida State’s postseason prospects has shifted to whether the Seminoles will be bowl eligible. It’s hard to find six victories on the schedule, which starts this Saturday with California (3-0) making its cross-country debut in the ACC.
The Seminoles defeated 20–12 despite Norvell and his coaches’ best efforts to concentrate on specifics and basics during their bye week before visiting Memphis.
In college football history, Florida State made history by being the only team to begin the season ranked in the top 10 and then lose its first three games to opponents who were not ranked. There have been rumors regarding Norvell’s future in Tallahassee since the slide.
If Norvell were fired by FSU, he would be entitled to almost $65 million, which is 85% of his remaining contract, which goes through 2031. It’s an unlikely course, particularly for a program that has already committed a significant amount of resources to leaving the ACC and possibly joining a conference that would offer greater long-term financial stability.
Thus, the Seminoles may need to persevere through a disappointing campaign in the hopes of better times and a fresh start in 2025.
At 15.3 points per game, Florida State ranks 124th in terms of scoring offense. Despite being considered a strength until 2024, the rushing game is utterly dysfunctional, averaging 2.2 yards per carry and 52 yards per game.
Additionally, the defense is ranking 83rd in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 24 points allowed per game.
After the team’s most recent defeat on Saturday, linebacker Justin Cryer acknowledged that it hurt, but he still has hope that the group can turn things around.
“I have faith in us,” Cryer declared. “There’s no denying it. I am the most ardent advocate for us that we have. I’m totally devoted to and invested in what we have. It’s not clicking at the moment. We will resolve the issue.
Alex Atkins, the offensive coordinator, coming back should be beneficial. Atkins will play versus Cal on the field following a three-game suspension for violating the NCAA’s recruiting policy.
Although Florida State’s primary objectives appear to have been dashed, rivalry matches against Miami and Clemson, as well as a trip to Notre Dame and the regular-season finale versus Florida, still stand.
“It’s true that a lot of work is being put into that improvement, but we need to see it manifest itself with all of the players on game day,” Norvell remarked. “Our team is aware of the expectations for how it should appear.”
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
