FSU football: 10 major takeaways from win over Miami

By Kelvin Hunt | Nov 12, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 11: A general view from the line of scrimmage of the Florida State Seminoles against the Miami Hurricanes during the game at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 4th ranked Seminoles defeated the Hurricanes 27-20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

3 of 12

(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Onside Kick Decision Was Terrible

I usually agree with Mike Norvell’s decision to be aggressive in games, particularly on fourth downs, to extend drives and provide the offense with opportunities to score more points.

However, his decision to do an onside kick to start the third quarter against Miami was baffling and ultimately cost FSU three points.

It was a tie game at the half, and Miami only had 180 total yards. Why give an offense that’s struggling to move the ball excellent field position?

While it’s cool to trust your defense, why not trust them to force a punt and not risk the opportunity to give a struggling offense points?

The probability of recovering an onsides kick are fairly low, and I didn’t understand giving them any momentum when the second half ended with 10 unanswered points.

Ultimately, the decision didn’t cost FSU because the defense was stout against Miami in the second half. However, I thought it was a terrible decision in a big rivalry game.

Home/FSU Football