Florida State football grades: Mike Norvell completely fails vs. SMU
Just when Florida State football looked like it was taking a step forward, it took 42 steps back at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Saturday's loss to SMU.
The Seminoles suffered a 42-16 beatdown in their first-ever ACC meeting against the Mustangs. They went back to their losing ways with three turnovers, being out-physical by SMU's offense and out-coached by Rhett Lashlee.
The Seminoles were down for the count and couldn't kick out from SMU's beating. FSU falls to 1-4 on the season and 1-3 in the ACC. FSU has lost at least three of its first four games for the third time in coach Mike Norvell’s five seasons.
There were numerous reasons for this disastrous road loss.
Here are the grades the Seminoles received after the loss.
Offense F
FSU's offense is still weak, but what else is new? The Seminoles played flat, sustaining an average of points in the teens and total yards below 300.
DJ Uiagalelei finished throwing his career-worst three interceptions, which will double the interceptions thrown for the season.
All three of the turnovers turned into points, including an 82-yard pick-six. He completed 12 of his 30 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
Similar to last week against Cal, Uiagalelei had a good first series when he completed the first three of his four passes, including a nine-yard touchdown pass to his wide receiver Kentron Poitier.
While Uiagalelei will continue to catch strays from the critics, Saturday's loss belonged to everyone around the senior quarterback.
The offensive line, which was missing their starting guard, Richie Leonard IV, pressured Uiagalelei all night. The running game was a nonfactor, only netting 63 yards on the ground.
The receivers and tight ends made things with constant dropped passes. Ja'Khi Douglas led with two receptions and 61 yards. Brock Glenn took over for the remainder of the fourth quarter, where he was 0 for 4.
Defense F
FSU's defense didn't show up.
After two straight games of playing physical ball and not allowing a touchdown in last week's victory over Cal, the defense gave up over 400 yards in back-to-back games.
However, unlike Cal, SMU scored off those yards.
FSU has always had a reputation for struggling against mobile quarterbacks, and SMU's Kevin Jennings is no different.
Jennings finished the night throwing for three touchdowns, along with completing 16 for 23 passing attempts and 254 yards.
The run defense had no for SMU's tailback Brashard Smith as he rushed for 129 yards on 17 carries and a rushing touchdown.
FSU struggled in tackling in open space and kept giving up explosive plays, especially on third down, which SMU is 8 for 15 in third-down conversion.
FSU last allowed more than 35 points in the regular season against the Florida Gators in 2022.
Special Teams B
Special teams weren't perfect, but they still finished with a positive grade for five straight games. The best special team play went to starting safety Shyheim Brown.
The junior blocked a field in the second quarter, which prevented a two-possession game, as FSU still trailed 14-7. What dropped FSU's grade from A to B was a facemask call on Omarion Cooper on 4th and 9 on punt.
The costly penalty extended the drive to 15 yards and eventually a score by running back Roderick Daniels Jr. FSU also recovered its first turnover after Daniels Jr. fumbled on a punt return play.
Coaching F
Norvell's game plan has fallen flat, like his offense. While the execution of the offense remains inconsistent, so does his playcalling.
Down 14-7 inside the two-yard line, Norvell's decision to not only go for it on 4th and goal and run the quarterback power in back-to-back plays was questionable.
Uiagalelei was unsuccessful in getting to the endzone, leaving points on the board. Some would've considered settling for a field goal or a less predictable play.
The Seminoles looked like they weren't prepared and out of sync the whole night. They allowed 10 penalties for 79 yards.
FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times
Saturday, Aug. 24: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) Lost 24-21
Monday, Sept. 2: vs. Boston College* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 28-13
Saturday, Sept. 7: Bye
Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Memphis | Noon | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 20-12
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Cal* | 7 p.m.| ESPN2 (Fubo) Won 14-9
Saturday, Sept. 28: at SMU* | 8 p.m. EST | ACC Network
Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. No. 14 Clemson*
Saturday, Oct. 12: Bye
Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 19 Miami*
Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. North Carolina*
Saturday, Nov. 9: at No. 7 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock)
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Charleston Southern
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Florida
Saturday, Dec. 6: ACC championship game (Charlotte, N.C)
All times Eastern
BOLD = ACC
* = Neutral Site
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 football grades: F's all around for Mike Norvell, offense, defense
