STATE OF THE PROGRAM
The fan base is exhausted and frustrated by inconsistency, a lack of passion, and mistakes. While Mike Norvell says the right things, action needs to follow words. Florida State is not just losing games, it's losing its core identity. I have taught my children that sometimes the other team is simply better; in those cases, you respect them. But do not let it be questionable whether the other team is better. FSU has not won a road game in two years and now prepares for another chance. Is making a bowl game worthwhile if the roster will change again? Also, Gus Malzahn is reportedly interviewing for a head coaching job at his alma mater.
In the last two seasons, Florida State has won three conference games. If you look at the standings, you will see Florida State sitting below Virginia Tech and Stanford. FSU beat one of those teams and lost to the other, which may be the worst loss of the Norvell era. I cannot for the life of me get the image of CJ Daniels singing the war chant after scoring touchdowns in Doak Campbell earlier this season when Miami came to town. Ten years ago, he would have been roughed up on his next catch, akin to a pitcher hitting a batter who showboated on his home run trot. These are more than just on-field incidents and results; they speak to a lack of engagement or pride within self, team, or worse. A coach that players do not respond to or tune out.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
North Carolina State did not have more talent than Florida State. It did not out-athlete the Noles. It merely outsmarted and out-executed FSU. There were some familiar themes throughout this loss. Slow start? Check. An experienced quarterback trying to do too much? Check. No lack of urgency until the time became the enemy, of course. Another NIL problem is exposed. When is it appropriate to bench your quarterback for a change of pace or to see something different when money has been invested in them? Tommy Castellanos is not quite DJ Uiagalelei, but he might as well be. Two interceptions, 50% completion percentage, happy feet. They are all symptoms of the Gus Malzahn offense that needs Cam Newton to see the best of it. The eight penalties only accounted for 37 yards, but can I blame Norvell for the special teams’ mishaps? One was an unprecedented play that may never happen again, as the ball bounced off a player’s helmet and bounced to the punter. The other was an inexcusable drop by a senior. At times while watching the game, I would think Duce Robinson is the only receiver on the team. Even with that, FSU outgained Wolfpack by 100 yards but scored 10 fewer points.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The old adage applies: throw the records out, and I am sure both teams would love to. The Florida Gators are not going bowling this season and would love to drag the Noles to the couch with them. Coming off a 20-point loss to Tennessee, which had not won in the Swamp since 2003, it is not lost that the Gators surrendered Florida State’s last road win. While a win over Florida will not erase the disappointment of this season, it will bring a smile, even if only temporarily. Coming off a 2-10 season, theoretically, fans should be happy with three more wins this season. Then you look and see what the Vanderbilts, Virginias, and to a lesser extent, Pittsburghs of the world (two of which FSU lost to) are showing significant improvements. I am not sure if this edition of the Seminoles would beat USF at this point. To that point, even USF won at the Swamp this year and just recently hired Seminole Great Derrick Brooks as their Chief Operating Officer. This game is more than a close to the season, more than fighting with your brother over the holidays. This is war and should be treated as such.
THE FINAL SPEAR
After a tumultuous season, Florida State found itself at a crossroads. The decision to change versus keeping the status quo. Now that it has been determined that Mike Norvell is returning, hopefully, this is not a sign of fearing competition for the current job openings. It is never about the coach’s name, but their fit with the program. Florida State is settling, delaying the inevitable, and potentially creating a bigger hole to climb out of. Florida State should not be afraid to reboot. Instead of the ACC coming up to Florida State, Florida State has fallen to the ACC. You cannot build a program if you are a layover instead of a destination. This week’s game against Florida is not a rivalry game. It is a culture game. This is the last stand!
Check back later this week for a complete Florida State/Florida preview.
For more College Football Analysis Michael can be found on the Sports Reports as Ordered Podcast on YouTube, X, TikTok, and all DSPs.