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Florida State football overreaction: Mike Norvell buys more time after first win

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

The Florida State football community welcomed Sunday with a smile after the Seminoles' 14-9 victory over Cal on Saturday night at Doak Campbell Stadium.

The game wasn't as pretty as predicted. But the Seminoles snapped a four-game losing streak dating back to last year's Orange Bowl and improved to1-3 in the season.

But now, where do the Seminoles go from here?

Will the offense get any better with DJ Uiagalelei as quarterback, and how many wins can FSU get? These are some of the questions the fans are asking and if FSU can continue its momentum.

Mike Norvell buys enough time to turn the season around

Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell leads his team out of the tunnel before the game against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell leads his team out of the tunnel before the game against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Since the Memphis loss, questions about head coach Mike Norvell being the long-term answer at FSU have been asked.

Norvell silenced the critics after the Seminoles picked up their first win. To keep them quiet depends on how the Seminoles finish the rest of the season.

The next game will be FSU's first ACC road game at SMU, a team that scored 66 points against TCU. Like Cal, it will be the Mustangs' first ACC opener.

Then, the real challenge begins in October, when the Seminoles have to deal with Clemson at home, Duke, and Miami in back-to-back road games.

Still not sold on FSU QB DJ Uiagalelei

Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (4) before a game against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (4) before a game against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU fans have yet to be convinced that Uiagalelei is the guy. Boos flared at Doak Campbell Stadium when he announced the starter in front of the 55,107 in attendance.

Boos turned the cheers when Uiagalelei got into rhythm earlier in the first quarter and when he threw a touchdown pass to Ja'Khi Douglas. However, the Oregon State transfer has yet to show consistency behind center.

He threw an interception pass late in the first quarter, setting up three points for Cal. He finished the night completing 16 of his 27 passes for 177 yards, one TD and one pick.

"I think we're right there at the door," Uiagalalei said during the postgame on Saturday.

"Obviously, I definitely got have to play better each and every game. I can't turn the ball over in the red zone. I got to be able to make throws, make plays with my legs."

He has a two-touchdown-three interception ratio and 843 passing yards this season.

FSU's defense finally seeing its potential

Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaivian Thomas (25) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Shyheim Brown (1) during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaivian Thomas (25) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Shyheim Brown (1) during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU's defense has been the team's focal point for the second week in a row. After a rough first two weeks, the defense has started to look like what everyone envisioned going into this season as one of the top defenses in the conference.

It was a big night for both the defensive line. The Seminoles produced seven sacks and did not allow a touchdown against the Golden Bears.

It is the first time since last October against Syracuse that FSU has not allowed a touchdown score at Doak.

Patrick Payton, who led the way with a career-high three sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss, felt the energy from the 55,107 fanbase in attendance.

"That was the main thing I was thinking," Payton said. "If they don't score, they don't win. We gave up a couple of field goals a couple of times, but we'll get that fixed. "

FSU registered 13 sacks, ranked seventh in the country. Payton now leads the team with four sacks this season, tying ninth nationally.

FSU's run defense has looked the part in recent weeks.

FSU has not allowed a rushing touchdown in the red zone in back-to-back weeks. Also, no starting running back has gone over 100 yards during those weeks.

FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times

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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: Overreaction: FSU football has momentum after beating Cal