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Florida State football overreaction: Mike Norvell could be on the hot seat if Seminoles continue losing

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·3 min read

It is rock bottom in Tallahassee, and Florida State football fans are growing impatient.

Fresh off of a bye week, FSU continued its losing spree as it fell to the unbeaten Memphis Tigers at home in Doak Campbell Stadium Saturday.

FSU fans are now raising questions about Norvell being the long-term solution despite back-to-back winning seasons. The expectations were higher than ever after coming off a 13-1 season and not making the College Football Playoffs.

Now that the Seminoles are 0-3, just getting over .500 and being bowl-eligible seems like a long shot.

Losing to Memphis might be FSU's worst loss so far

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU had 12 days of preparation after being dismantled by Boston College on Labor Day Monday. It was more than enough time to fix the errors after losing two ACC games.

When the Seminoles returned to Doak against Group of 5 Memphis, it seemed like nothing had changed.

Argumentatively speaking, FSU went backward rather than forward, especially offensively, as it finished with 235 total yards of offense.

The Seminoles averaged 1.5 yards per rushing and converted on just 2 of 12 opportunities. Beleaguered quarterback DJ Uiagalei completed 16 of 30 passes for 201 yards and an interception. He struggled the Seminoles until a pair of scoring drives in the third quarter.

The Seminoles surrendered three turnovers against the Tigers, two on offense and one on special teams. All three led to Memphis scores.

Mike Norvell could be put on the hot seat

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU's chances of competing in postseason games could be out of reach for Norvell, just after coming off a 13-1 year and having expectations heading into this season after being ranked 10th in the US LBM Coaches poll.

If the Seminoles end below. 500 or let alone win any games, it will be Norvell's third losing record in his five-year tenure.

Last year, Norvell signed an eight-year extension worth more than $84 million.

While it's highly unlikely, if Michael Alford, vice president and director of athletics, decides to part ways with Norvell, he will be owed $65 million.

Mike Norvell should look at rebuilding, look at his young talents

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell leads his team before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell leads his team before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

More than half of FSU's starters came from the transfer portal, and none have emerged like last year's team. With the Seminoles 0-3, it might be time for Norvell to see what he has with his underclassmen.

Some notable players who have played are freshmen RB Kam Davis, WR Jalen Brown, LB Justin Cryer and Blake Nichelson, and safety Conrad Hussey.

Freshman safety K.J. Kirkland started for Shyheim Brown after he was ruled out against Memphis due to injury. He led the team with nine tackles.

Freshman running back Micahi Danzy elevated in the depth chart after losing Jaylin Lucas due to a season-ending injury.

Sophomore Wide receiver Hykeem Williams played his first game of the season after missing the first two and recorded three catches for 16 yards.

Then there's quarterback Brock Glenn, who has yet to play. And there are no signs of Norvell planning on making a quarterback change despite Uiagalelei's struggles.

Uiagalelei has thrown one passing touchdown and two interceptions in three games.

If Norvell has time to use their young players, it will be now.

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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU overreaction: It might be time to rebuild instead of reload