Florida State's offense was arguably one of the worst in the entire country in 2024 as it collected a 2-10 record. The Seminoles couldn't have gotten much worse as they were second-to-last in total offense to only the Kent State Golden Flashes (yikes!).
Head football coach Mike Norvell knew that major changes needed to be made, so he hired former UCF head football coach Gus Malzahn to be his offensive coordinator.
Malzahn was someone that Norvell trusted as he worked under him as a graduate assistant at Tulsa. It cannot be easy as a head man of a university football program to give up the keys to the offense, but that is the position that he is in when it comes to the 2025 season and the Alabama Crimson Tide are coming to Tallahassee for the season opener.
In 2024, the fan base was told that it was the fastest team that Norvell had ever coached. Individuals thought that DJ Uiagalelei would be serviceable for the passing attack, and the running game would be the strength of the team. Not to mention, the offensive line would be experienced and push the competition to be one of the best position units in the conference.
Plot twist: None of that was true.
Mike Norvell mentioned during a media session that during Tuesday's practice, the offense had some “missed opportunities”. While it is just practice in April, the Seminoles have to find consistency within the offense to a degree. FSU cannot be having missed opportunities when the game is on the line.
It is important to consider the way that the Seminoles are missing a few pass catchers and offensive linemen on that side of the football, so that could be a major factor.
Florida State's offense will try to do its best to redeem itself in 2025. We all know that Thomas Castellanos has a completely different play style than DJ Uiagalelei. However, we have to temper expectations, given that Castellanos was benched in the ninth game of the season by head football coach Bill O'Brien.
While it could mean that he did not fit the offensive scheme of O'Brien (fair point), it still needs to be evaluated. Gus Malzahn has a calling card for generating the running game in an offense, so the emphasis should be placed on that aspect of the game.
Should fans worry? Sure. I would be cautious because of the disaster that was last year.
However, UCF ranked 14th in the FBS in total offense in 2024 under Malzahn. He allowed the Knights to average 248.1 rushing yards per game. That will be their identity on offense. I realize that everyone loves the play style of programs that have quarterbacks who throw it all over the year, but they have to play to the strengths on their roster.
The missed opportunities need to be cleaned up, but if the running game is successful then it will allow the passing game to have more vertical shots downfield (Definition: more touchdowns).
I wouldn't give too much stock right now. If the reports are still the same in the fall practice then we have a major problem on our hands.