FSU FOOTBALL IS BACK?
Florida State wins its first football game since September 20, 2025, when the Seminoles defeated Wake Forest on Saturday by a score of 42-7. This is a victory in the win column that the program needed after a four-game losing streak.
This isn't a chance to bash on the Florida State team after they finally smelled success again, but this university needs to find a method for sustainable success.
Can I clearly forecast the Seminoles to run the table like vintage Aaron Rodgers did for the Green Bay Packers? Absolutely not. However, head football coach Mike Norvell looks to have the support of the roster. This isn't moral victories around Tallahassee, but it feels like better when a win gets here.
DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT
Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White has had a mixed bag of results during his first season with the Seminoles. The 3-3-5 defensive scheme has had the fan base questioning if it is an ideal fit for what can stop opposing offenses.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and their offense couldn't do much in the 31-17 loss in the season opener. As most see, Simpson is looking like a Heisman Trophy contender. However, on that disastrous August 30th game for them, it looked like he couldn't handle the likes of Earl Little Jr., Ja'Bril Rawls, and Ashlynd Barker.
It seemed like the defense was missing a spark of energy in their loss to Stanford, but they were able to get redshirt sophomore defensive back Ja'Bril Rawls back in the fold from injury. He only recorded two tackles in the game against Wake Forest, but he is regarded as one of the more physical players on the unit and brings the "it" factor to every performance.
There were times during the offseason where fans criticized Coach White for calling Rawls "an NFL prospect". However, those doubters looked to be proven wrong. The Pensacola native will try to finish the regular season strong for the Seminoles. It all starts against Clemson on Saturday.