TALLAHASSEE — Florida State set expectations high with a stunning season-opening upset of Alabama. But in the last three weeks, the Seminoles have been stunningly dreadful.
Pittsburgh’s 34-31 win over host FSU magnified the Seminoles’ weaknesses. Depth on offense, struggles at linebacker and special-teams miscues (the Panthers blocked a punt) are among the major issues that Pitt exposed and sent FSU to a third straight loss.
FSU fans had optimism after a 3-0 start, one where national media projected the Seminoles as a playoff contender. Now fans are left to wonder how things turned so quickly.
“I’m frustrated with the results,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “Ultimately, we got to get it fixed. We got to go make it better and show the potential of what this team is on a consistent basis. … No fan out there is more frustrated than I am.”
Here are five things learned as FSU (3-3, 0-3 ACC) tries to find stable footing and prepares for a long trip to Stanford (2-4, 1-2):
Norvell’s hot seat is scalding
FSU is 20-23 in ACC play since Norvell arrived in 2020, including a 1-10 mark since August 2024. It’s a stunning fall for a storied program in a league that’s not held in high regard from top to bottom.
Norvell’s buyout is $53 million at the end of 2025, which is prohibitive considering the debt FSU administrators and boosters have taken on to renovate Doak Campbell Stadium and construct a new football-only building.
He’s right to take pressure off players by saying, “It all falls on my shoulders that we’re not getting it done.” But Norvell has to start with a serious evaluation of the coaches and players, finding areas where the Seminoles can improve before more losses accumulate.
FSU could make coaching changes on defense
Norvell brought in defensive coordinator Tony White, who implemented a 3-3-5 defense that has found some success stopping the run (116 yards per game, 38th in FBS) but has struggled to defend mobile quarterbacks and the passing game (216 yards per game, 63rd in FBS).
It’s unlikely Norvell and White make a major scheme change. But if problems persist after the Stanford game, win or lose, the bye week is a chance to elevate a defensive analyst and demote an assistant coach. One option is analyst Zach Arnett, who has been a defensive coordinator at San Diego State and Mississippi State and has experience coaching linebackers.
Arnett was Mississippi State’s head coach in 2022 (interim for the bowl game) and went 4-6 in 2023 before he was let go.
FSU’s linebackers are liability
Pitt running back Desmond Reid consistently found openings over the middle and racked up 155 receiving yards on eight receptions (109 yards after the catch). By no means is it all on FSU’s linebackers, but none of them had the agility in coverage to keep up with the slippery, underrated Miami native.
FSU’s linebackers have been a sore spot on pass defense, unable to turn and cover running backs, receivers and tight ends.
FSU’s offensive depth is an issue
The Seminoles played without four starters on offense — right tackle Micah Pettus, tight end Randy Pittman and receivers Squirrel White and Jayvan Boggs. When Duce Robinson went out due to injury late in the second quarter, the Seminoles’ depth was tested.
Pittman and Robinson are FSU’s top pass-catching targets and best downfield blockers. Without them, the Seminoles’ ground attack wasn’t quite as dynamic and drives stalled out.
The Seminoles need to get healthy ahead of Stanford, and the bye week should help in the long term, too.
Castellanos is Houdini but has limited options
Tommy Castellanos didn’t make a turnover, eluded pressure with his legs and battled to the finish. He did enough right but, without so many receiving options, Castellanos often targeted speedy Micahi Danzy (seven catches for 133 yards, including 58-yard and 33-yard touchdowns).
Castellanos isn’t really a rhythm passer, so the playbook is limited. But when FSU doesn’t have the blocking help on the perimeter, the run game is less effective and it puts more pressure on Castellanos to build chemistry with younger receivers on the fly.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/10/12/5-things-learned-from-fsu-loss-to-pittsburgh/
