Coach Mike Norvell admits failure in preparing players as FSU goes 0-2

Coach Mike Norvell expressed his disappointment after the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles suffered their second straight loss to begin the 2024 college football season. Despite the setbacks, he remains confident in his team’s potential.

In their latest game, the Boston College Eagles (1-0) dominated the Seminoles, winning 28-13 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. This defeat marks only the fourth time in the past eight years that Florida State has opened a season with an 0-2 record. From 1990 to 2016, the team managed to avoid such a start for 27 consecutive seasons.

“I’m sick to how this season started,” Norvell said during a press briefing. “I failed in preparing the team to go out and respond.” His reflection captures the weight of the current situation as fans and players alike question the team’s trajectory.

The Seminoles, who boasted an impressive 13-0 record in the 2023 regular season, have experienced significant roster changes this year. In their two games, they have been outgained in rushing yards to an alarming degree, accumulating only 21 yards against Boston College while yielding 263 yards. Coupled with the 190-98 rushing deficit they faced against Georgia Tech in their 24-21 loss in Dublin, Ireland on August 24, this reflects a worrying trend. Last season, the Seminoles averaged over 150 rushing yards per game, but this year, their offensive struggles are evident.

“It comes down to me,” Norvell stated, emphasizing the importance of his role in the team’s preparation. He believes in the players’ capabilities and sees potential that remains untapped. “You’ve got a football team that’s hurting. Nobody envisioned us being here, facing disappointment and failure.” Despite these challenges, Norvell holds steadfast in his belief that the team can turn things around.

Last year, quarterback Jordan Travis was instrumental in leading the Seminoles’ offense, completing about 63.9% of his passes for 2,756 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. In contrast, the new quarterback, D.J. Uiagalelei, has struggled early in his tenure, completing 40 of 69 passes (58%) for 465 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during his first two outings.

With key players like Travis and other former Seminoles stars—Keon Coleman, Trey Benson, Jared Verse, and Braden Fiske—now in the NFL, Norvell faces the challenge of revitalizing both the offense and defense. The defense, in particular, is conceding nearly seven points more per game than the previous season, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.

Norvell acknowledged the pressing need for leaders to emerge within the team. “We need leaders to rise up,” he affirmed. “We must continue to push in all areas of what we’re doing and do it together.” Acknowledging the negativity surrounding the program, he stressed the importance of unity and support among teammates. “We’ve been knocked down. We know how to get up, but we’ve got to go do that,” he added, encapsulating the determination required to bounce back.

The Seminoles are set to host the Memphis Tigers (1-0) on September 14 at noon EDT in Tallahassee. Memphis recently secured a decisive 40-0 victory against North Alabama in their season opener, making this upcoming matchup all the more critical for Florida State as they strive to recover from their rocky start.

Through these challenges, the journey ahead will test the coaching staff and players alike. The ability to adapt and respond will be crucial as they look to rediscover their winning ways.

Source: UPI