Thoughts about fans booing QB DJ Uiagalelei when announced in starting lineup

Florida State football defeated the California Golden Bears on Saturday by a score of 14-9 in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium.

This is a victory that the Seminoles desperately needed after having three straight losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis. The program is coming off an undefeated regular season and a conference championship in 2023. Players such as Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson, Keon Coleman, and Jaheim Bell have departed from the historic squad.

The coaching staff decided to add redshirt senior transfer DJ Uiagalelei via the transfer portal to bridge the gap between Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek. Unfortunately, Uiagalelei has not performed well for the Seminoles in 2024.

This has made fans frustrated because the former Clemson and Oregon State transfer signal-caller has not showcased his ability to throw the football downfield, is slow in reading his progressions, and cannot move well when getting outside of the pocket.

That is not a recipe for success. That is why the fan base wanted redshirt freshman Brock Glenn to start instead of Uiagalelei due to his ability to be mobile in the offense.

Unfortunately, Uiagalelei was booed by the fan base when he was announced as the starting quarterback versus California.

I get the frustrations from the fans because Uiagalelei has not performed up to his expectations. I realize that individuals were not expecting him to lead the Seminoles to another undefeated regular season, but many thought that Florida State would play themselves into contention of making the ACC Championship Game and potentially a College Football Playoff spot.

The offense looked gross once again, where the Seminoles only had 284 total yards with just two pass completions over 20+ yards. Granted, Uiagalelei stepped up huge in the fourth quarter with 11:14 left to go on 3rd and 7 when the offense needed it. He delivered a perfect 36-yard strike to veteran playmaker Ja'Khi Douglas.

I get it. The offense needs some serious corrections. However, booing a player at home instead of supporting him through the challenging moments is uncalled for as a fan base and should not be tolerated. I understand that there is an expectation at Florida State and the standard is not being met right now.

This coaching staff and players need the fan's support more than ever through this challenging time. In the post-game interview, defensive end Patrick Payton drew a clear picture when he said that people will cheer for you when you are up and put you down when you don't do well. As the players always say: "They are all they got and all they need."