FSU's Alex Atkins want's DJ Uiagalelei to "stop stressing" amid offensive struggles
Florida State football offensive coordinator Alex Atkins returned to the sidelines in the Seminoles 14-9 win over Cal.
After receiving a three-game suspension from the NCAA for NIL recruiting violations, Atkins said it was a challenge not being able to help the Seminoles (1-3) on gameday, especially considering the poor start from the offense.
"It was difficult just because you want to be a part of it and be able to assist and help in any aspect that you can," Atkins said. "Difficult in that aspect, especially when things aren't going the way you planned. I've been on the sidelines when things are going good, I've been on that sideline when things weren't very good. You always want support in those struggling times."
The offense has scored 60 points in four games, with 26 coming in the last two weeks. FSU ranks 126th out of 133 FBS teams in total offense, averaging 276.5 yards per game to start the season.
There have been issues with the run game, that seemingly improved vs. Cal, and issues have been especially apparent when passing.
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Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has struggled to start his Seminole career. He showed minor improvement vs. Cal, going 16-of-27 for 177 yards and throwing for a touchdown and an interception.
The interception was a play that head coach Mike Norvell called something "you can't have," and Atkins wants Uiagalelei to relax more in the pocket as he remains the starting quarterback.
"He needs to stop stressing," Atkins said. "He's been through it, but he takes full ownership and responsibility. Sometimes you try to force those big plays and force those moments. I thought he did a good job converting some third downs, which is another positive step forward."
Uiagalelei has gone 72-of-126 for 848 yards this season, throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions. There have been overthrows and hesitancy in the pocket that have led to sacks or missed opportunities for the offense.
Atkins said that Uiagalelei is getting more comfortable and that it showed on his 36-yard touchdown pass to Ja'Khi Douglas.
The score came on a third-down play early in the fourth quarter vs. Cal and it proved to be the winning moment for the Seminoles. Atkins said Uiagalelei has shown how he can operate the FSU offense when he settles down, and it's now about doing that consistently.
"Just take what they give you," Atkins said. "Understand that everything has a reason and set up for something else. You don't have to force the issues, just kind of let it come to you."
Players taking responsibility, youth could make an impact
Atkins wants the offense to be stronger as a whole, a similar message to what head coach Mike Norvell has been preaching.
He said that players are starting to accept the responsibility that the wins and losses hang on them. Atkins said preparation has improved as players accept that responsibility.
"Overall, I've been seeing the positive strides of us not only preparing them to what they can do in the game plan and preparation but also them having the confidence to go out there and do it," Atkins said. "When I look out there on the field there is a lot of guys that didn't have the responsibility of wins and losses on them ever before in their career."
"There is a lot of guys out there who have played on good football teams that never had to bear that responsibility... Now I think that responsibility and ownership in preparation, which is growing the offense."
One thing Atkins said he's excited about is the freshmen skill position players. He said they are making an impact during practice, and they know what the coaching staff wants to get them on the field.
He's been impressed with the communication of the group and he likes the potential the freshman have.
"I do believe you will see more of those guys as we are pushing forward," Atkins said. "Me being on the sidelines for the first time, seeing those guys over there and listening to them when things are happening and coaching each other. It gives you a little more trust with those guys going forward."
"We tell them what we need to see. If they showcase that, they are going to play."
How to watch FSU football vs. SMU
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas Texas
Who: FSU vs. SMU
When: 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT
Watch: ACC Network
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU offensive coordinator Alex Atkins wants DJ Uiagalelei to relax
