CONFIDENCE FROM 2024 SEASON
Let me start by saying that we at ChopChat have expressed confidence that Florida State's football squad in 2025 could win eight games. While I know that is not the standard of the proud program with so much championship pedigree, it is way better than last year.
2-10 was something that I hope I never see again in my lifetime. I am an avid fan, just like the rest of you. I bleed Garnet and Gold and just want to see the program blossom into something special and stay there long-term. However, it feels like Florida State cannot get out of its way throughout the decade.
FANS ARE TIRED OF THE EXPECTATIONS
After last season, fans have doubted everything that head football coach Mike Norvell has done or said this offseason. There is always a response of "We saw this last year, and you saw what happened." Individuals get riled up when Norvell discusses players, and they end up doing nothing during the season.
Unfortunately, that is the nature of college athletics. They are not professional athletes, even though some of them are getting paid like them.
SHOULD WE SHOW CONFIDENCE IN 2025?
2025 should be a much better product on the field for the Florida State Seminoles football team. It cannot get any worse as the Seminoles have East Texas A&M and Kent State in two of their first three games. It should guarantee that Florida State is at least 2-1 to begin the season.
I know that there will be discussions about the Alabama Crimson Tide season opener on August 30th. A victory versus the Crimson Tide would paint a picture of a progressive Florida State in the offseason. The truth of the matter is that even with a close loss to Alabama could give fans PTSD from 2021 when the Seminoles lost to Notre Dame and then were upset by Jacksonville State.
PIVOTAL POINT ON THE SCHEDULE
The road trip to Virginia will be pivotal on the schedule because Florida State cannot avoid losing the contest and fall to 2-2 on the year with Miami on deck. In my eyes, fans can start taking Florida State football seriously in 2025 if they go into the Miami matchup with at least a 3-1 record and find a way to beat the Hurricanes on the road.
Florida State is always in a dog fight with the Hurricanes on the recruiting trail for a variety of prospects. As we know, Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal takes recruiting very seriously. However, if the Seminoles could succeed against Miami, it could go a long way in changing the perception of Florida State football recruiting and how fans think the season plays out.