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Florida State football's Mike Norvell to continue to evaluate offense, QBs after 0-3 start

liam rooney, tallahassee democrat
·5 min read

Despite calls for changes from disgruntled fans and the media, Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell is holding firm, at least for the moment.

And that includes at quarterback.

Norvell said Monday that FSU's offense led by quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is under continued evaluation following an 0-3 start to the year.

Uiagalelei was listed as the team's starter on the team's depth chart released Monday.

The Seminoles rank 128 out of 133 FBS teams in total offense and 124th in scoring offense as the team has failed to establish an identity and produce winning football through three games under Uiagalelei.

Norvell said Uiagalelei has missed plays, but also got the Seminoles into some big plays during their FSU lost to 20-12 to Memphis last Saturday.

"You see the moments where he is giving us a chance, an opportunity to have big plays," Norvell said. "I believe we will see growth from every position we have, we will see continued competition in that. I know what he's putting in, I see what he's seeing."

FSU is looking to avoid its second 0-4 start in four seasons under Norvell in Saturday's ACC home game against Cal (3-0). It's the Golden Bears' first ACC game since it joining the conference.

FSU lost to 20-12 to Memphis last Saturday after another poor offensive performance.

Uiagalelei has completed 56-of-99 passes for 666 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions this season. He's also had a number of dropped passes by his receivers. Despite some calls for a quarterback change, Uiagalelei remains listed in front of backups Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek.

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (4) passes the ball against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (4) passes the ball against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Glenn appeared in five games as a true freshman last season, starting in the ACC championship game and Orange Bowl. He has not played since the Seminoles' 63-3 loss to Georgia, where he went 9-for-26, for 139 yards and two interceptions.

Kromenhoek, a true freshman, was rated as a four-star recruit out of Benedictine Military School in Georgia. He posted a 13-1 record as a senior, throwing for 2,578 yards, 24 touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 558 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Norvell said despite some struggles, Uiagalelei has had good moments this season and everyone on the offense including the quarterback needs to be better.

"We all just have to be more consistent about the execution of that and making sure for this offense we get the spark that is necessary to go be what I believe we can be."

While the depth chart released for the Cal matchup was unchanged from last week's, Norvell said that he will continue to evaluate personnel and offensive schemes throughout the week to put out his best team.

"We will continue to see what this week shows," Norvell said.

"There is an expectation of guys to go out there and perform and respond and to improve and get better. I'm going to work my butt off to make sure we do everything in our power to win this game. That's what the job is, that's what we are going to work towards."

Norvell on Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek: "I hope they see themselves as the X-factor"

While Uiagalelei is listed as the starter, Norvell said he hopes that Glenn and Kromenhoek feel that they could provide a spark to the Seminoles' offense should the opportunity present itself.

"I want that. Every player that's not on the field, I hope they see themselves as the X-factor of what's going to be the difference, in a spark and a change," Norvell said. "My challenge to everybody on this team is that you continue to prepare for your moment."

Following the loss to Memphis, Norvell didn't directly comment on a quarterback change but said he had full confidence in his quarterback room. He reaffirmed his position on Monday, saying he believes in each quarterback's abilities should someone outside of Uiagalelei see the field.

He said that players like Glenn and Kroemenhoek will continue to push to show what they can offer and what the offense could look like with them under center if that chance comes.

"I love what I'm seeing from Brock. I said it after the game, I have a lot of confidence in that quarterback room," Norvell said. "What they are doing and how they are continuing to push, and it's going to be a daily push from all of them to go show where they are and obviously if the opportunity presents itself what it's going to look like."

"I'm definitely pleased with them in that, and I both think they have that edge of what they can do and what it can look like."

How to watch FSU football vs. Cal

  • Date: Saturday, Sep. 21

  • Time: 7 p.m.

  • Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

  • TV: ESPN2

  • Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)

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

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 football's Mike Norvell to keep evaluating DJ Uiagalelei, offense