Everything is fine for Mike Norvell, offense, defense

Just when it seemed like Florida State football was taking a step forward, it took 42 steps back in Saturday’s loss to SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

The Seminoles suffered a 42-16 loss in their first-ever ACC meeting against the Mustangs. They got back on the losing road with three turnovers, were overwhelmed by the SMU offense and overwhelmed by Rhett Lashlee.

The Seminoles were down in the count and couldn’t escape SMU’s defeat. 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 catastrophic road damage.

Here are the grades the Seminoles received after the loss.

Crime F

FSU’s offense is still weak, but what else is new? The Seminoles played flat, averaging points in the teens and less than 300 total yards.

DJ Uiagalelei ended up throwing a career-worst three interceptions, which will double the number of interceptions thrown this season.

All three turnovers were converted 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 as 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 field detractors from critics, Saturday’s loss fell on everyone around the senior quarterback.

The offensive line, which was missing starting player Richie Leonard IV, pressured Uiagalelei all night long. The running game didn’t matter and only yielded 63 yards on the ground.

The receivers and tight ends caused a stir with constantly dropped passes. Ja’Khi Douglas led the way 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 win over Cal, the defense gave up over 400 yards in consecutive games.

However, unlike Cal, SMU scored from 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 with three touchdowns and 16 for 23 pass attempts for 254 yards.

The run defense had no problem with SMU’s tailback Brashard Smith, who rushed for 129 yards on 17 carries and a rushing touchdown.

FSU had difficulty attacking in open space and repeatedly gave up explosive plays, especially on third down, where SMU is 8 for 15 on third down conversions.

FSU last allowed more than 35 points in the regular season against the Florida Gators in 2022.

Special Teams B

The special teams weren’t perfect, but still finished five straight games on a positive note. The best special teams play went to starting safety Shyheim Brown.

The junior blocked a field in the second quarter, preventing a two-possession game as FSU still trailed 14-7. What dropped FSU’s grade from A to B was a facemask attack on Omarion Cooper on 4th-and-9 on the punt.

The costly penalty extended the drive to 15 yards and eventually running back Roderick Daniels Jr. scored a score. FSU also recovered its first turnover after Daniels Jr. fumbled on a punt return play.

Coaching F

Norvell’s game plan failed, as did his offense. While his attack execution remains inconsistent, so does his playmaking.

With a 14-7 deficit inside the two-yard line, Norvell’s decision to not just focus on 4th-and-goal and use quarterback power on consecutive plays was questionable.

Uiagalelei failed to reach the end zone, leaving points on the board. Some would have considered settling for a field goal or a less predictable play.

The Seminoles looked unprepared and out of sync all night. They allowed 10 penalties for 79 yards.

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

Saturday, August 24th: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) lost 24-21
Monday, September 2nd: vs. Boston College* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) lost 28-13
Saturday September 7th: Bye
Saturday September 14th: vs. Memphis | lunch | ESPN (Fubo) lost 20-12
Saturday September 21st: vs Cal* | 7 p.m.| ESPN2 (Fubo) won 14-9
Saturday September 28th: at SMU* | 8pm EST | ACC Network
Saturday, October 5th: vs. No. 14 Clemson*
Saturday, Oct. 12: Bye
Friday, October 18th: at Duke* | 7 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 19 Miami*
Saturday November 2nd: vs North Carolina*
Saturday November 9th: at Notre Dame No. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock)
Saturday November 23rd: against Charleston Southern
Saturday November 30th: against Florida
Saturday December 6th: ACC Championship Game (Charlotte, NC)

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