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FSU football's Mike Norvell balancing end of bad season with hope for future in offseason

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

Florida State football has been a disaster, and Mike Norvell is facing collateral damage because of it.

The season (1-7, 1-6 ACC) is unfixable and could go down as one of the worst seasons in FSU history, dating back to 50 years ago when the Seminoles finished 1-10.

Norvell is only focused on preparing for Saturday's game against North Carolina, which will kick off at 3:30 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium.

However, Norvell also knows that changes must be made to get his program back on the winning track. The next offseason will be challenging for Norvell as he looks to regain the faith of fans.

JIM HENRY: FSU football fans deserve action, not apologies after historic freefall

FSU has struggled putting up points all year, ranking 132nd nationally. The offense has yet to produce a 300-yard offensive performance. The Seminoles are ranked 131st in total offense and rushing.

The rest of the season should be an opportunity for Norvell to evaluate what changes he needs to make heading into the offseason. One of the changes that was mentioned was his play-calling duties.

"When we get to the end of the season, I'm going to re-evaluate all aspects of it and say, you know, what is best for this team moving forward to go win the next game," Norvell said.

"That will always be something that I evaluate. I've done it as a play-caller. I've done it as not. Kind of different scopes. It's not an ego thing to say: 'Well, I call the plays.' I just want to win."

Finding a proper balance between finishing an embarrassing season and finding a long-term solution are near equal priorities for him.

"There's a lot of work that has been going on throughout the course of the year preparing for next year and the future," Norvell said.

"But for the players that I get to coach and the guys that we have, I mean, I have to give them everything that I have, making sure that we're focused on being the best we can be here this week and then as well as the program to make sure that everything we're doing is preparing for what is ahead, too."

What is Mike Norvell's plan for the offseason? Is there one?

Oct 26, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on from field against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on from field against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

When Norvell was asked about preparing for the offseason, he said "come December, we have a plan."

"During the bye week, we spent a good portion of time with personnel evaluating where we are, what we need to do, and what positions we need. What does it look like for us to be able to take a big step to where it's necessary?"

What plan does Norvell have? Will he make any coaching changes? Will he run it back and recruit transfer portal players?

More: FSU football depth chart vs. North Carolina: Brock Glenn remains starting QB, OL shuffled

Those are the types of questions Norvell will eventually have to address heading into the offseason. But he's confident that the Seminoles will be heading in the right direction because of the young talent he has on the roster to build upon.

The early national signing period for high school opens Dec. 4. It is also the period for recruiting players in the transfer portal. FSU lost five commits and only has eight recruits in the 2025 class.

"I'm excited about the development I've seen from them throughout the year," Norvell said.

"I also know that we have positions where we will need to add elite-level players to complement what we currently have on the roster."

More: Florida State football's OL problems can be traced to one thing: Miscommunication

How to watch FSU vs. UNC game

  • Date: Saturday,

  • Time: 3:30 p.m.

  • Where: Doak Campbell Stadium/ Tallahassee, Florida

  • TV: ACC Network

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

All times Eastern

* = ACC

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: Florida State football in tatters: Mike Norvell weighs offseason changes