Florida State football's offense is what it is; Mike Norvell can't change it

Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat

After three straight losses, Florida State football may have found its identity.

Unfortunately, it's not a good one.

Coming off a 20-12 loss to the Memphis Tigers Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium, it is obvious that the offense cannot sustain drives. Especially in doing enough to get into the end zone during red zone chances.

"Obviously offensively today, it was a very disappointing performance," FSU coach Mike Norvell said. "Never able to really get much going."

FSU's offense has gotten in the end zone four times in three games, averaging 15.3 points a game. Against Memphis, the Seminoles were inside the red zone twice and only settled for field goals.

FSU eventually turned it on, set up some scoring drives, and remained competitive in the second half. At the same time, the Seminoles were playing catch-up.

Norvell indicated that FSU still lacked explosive plays.

It seems hopeless for FSU as the offense just might be what it is. Norvell, however, is still sounds confident enough to turn the season around.

"I do believe that we're a much better team than what we're showing,” Norvell said. “So obviously, it still comes down to me being able to get that out of these guys in game day."

DJ Uigalelei remains the topic of the discussion.

The transfer quarterback still has one touchdown in three games. In back-to-back weeks, he has thrown bad interceptions that set up a scoring drive for the opposing team. He has been hesitant to get the ball out quickly when under pressure.

In three games, Uiagalelei has thrown for 469 yards and one touchdown and completed 58 percent of his passes.

Norvell avoided addressing a quarterback change when asked back backup Brock Glenn. He mentioned the other critical errors that have plagued he offense.

"We all have challenges," Norvell said. "It's easy to point to one person and say, this has to be better. But at the end of the day, we all have to be better. Always evaluating every part of it."

FSU defense shows improvements but is still less satisfactory

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (5) celebrates after a defensive stop 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 defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (5) celebrates after a defensive stop against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU's defense made progress and allowed only seven points in the second half.

The Seminoles also held Memphis to 65 yards rushing, created pressure against quarterback Seth Henigan with three sacks. In back-to-back weeks, the Seminoles produced three sacks.

Justin "Juice" Cryer had the best defensive performance with an interception in the third quarter, setting up a scoring drive for the offense.

While the defense kept FSU in the game, there were still concerns about communication, miscues, and poor tackling.

“We made some mistakes, and we let out a touchdown down there, but we were better," Cryer said.

"I know that's something that we've harped on. Something that we that we have to put during the week and we have to keep building off with anything."

FSU was missing pieces on both sides of the field and is hurting.

Injuries are not helping either. FSU's All-ACC safety Shyheim Brown did not play Saturday due to injury. Linebacker Cam Riley was injured during the game and sent to the locker room for evaluation.

"It speaks high, but we lost, so none of it matters really,” FSU defensive lineman Joshua Farmer said. "We lost, and there isn't anything good right now for real. You know, nothing matters on the defense, what we.”

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

All times Eastern

BOLD = ACC

* = Neutral Site

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: FSU football lack consistency, explosiveness on offense

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