Where Does FSU Go From Here?
The Florida State Seminoles went undefeated in the 2023 regular season winning 13 straight games. They were rewarded for their 13-0 season by having 1 loss Alabama, sneak into the playoffs over them. This is a team that felt disrespected and should’ve had a major chip on their shoulder coming into 2024. Instead, the Seminoles have come out flat, uninspired, and flat-out lazy in their first two games. The 0-2 start has all but guaranteed a non-playoff season for FSU. So why is this happening?
Offseason Changes
Florida State only returned 58% of its 2023 production in 2024 (56% on offense and 60% on defense). That ranked in the bottom half of all college football. Not only that but they replaced superstar QB Jordan Travis by spending six figures to bring in Oregon State transfer DJ Uiagalelei, who has been nothing short of disappointing. As Nick Saban said Saturday, “If you pay the wrong guys, you’re sh*t out of luck.”
Coaching
I have always been a fan of Mike Norvell and thought that he had done a fantastic job at FSU up until last night. Instead of responding to the week 0 loss in Dublin vs Georgia Tech by firing his team up, last night might’ve been the flattest performance I’ve seen out of a Mike Norvell-led squad ever. With 6 minutes remaining in the 4th Quarter, down 28-13, we saw FSU punt the ball back to BC, essentially waving the white flag. I expected more out of Norvell, and the lack of motivation from FSU was disturbing.
What now?
FSU has a much-needed bye week this weekend and they need to evaluate where they stand. Starting off not only 0-2 but 0-2 in conference play is an awful beat. I think this team really needs to find their identity on offense, and it starts with the QB position. They should make a change and start Glenn Brock, as DJ’s accuracy and poise have been unacceptable. They need to be more tough on the LOS, and run the ball more. Without an Identity this team is going to continue to lose. I don’t think Norvell is on the hot seat quite yet but its certainly warm. If this team continues to lose, Norvell could be gone by the end of the season.
