TALLAHASSEE — Florida State knocked off a top-10 team by 14 points last weekend, but perhaps the most intriguing sign of what’s potentially ahead is the coaches’ demeanor.
“What I loved about it is that we won by two scores, and I’m kind of pissed off it wasn’t more because there’s a lot of areas where there were opportunities for us to be so much better,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said.
There were similar statements from FSU assistant coaches, typical of first games with new-look rosters. These are easier discussions after a win, especially one over then No. 8 Alabama, and the Seminoles have been rewarded in Tuesday’s rankings: They are now 14th in the AP poll.
FSU has a chance to clean up mistakes this week in practice and can play some backups against FCS program East Texas A&M on Saturday (noon on ACC Network). Here are three questions for the Seminoles as they move toward game 2:
Who’s next at running back?
FSU assembled depth at running back to prepare for a heavy workload in a run-based offense under Gus Malzahn. But they also knew Roydell Williams and Jaylin Lucas missed significant chunks of the 2024 season due to injury. Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk was also slowed by a hamstring injury last fall.
The depth will be tested early as Norvell announced Williams will be out indefinitely with an undisclosed injury. Norvell and Malzahn prefer a running-back-by-committee approach, and will lean on Sawchuk, Lucas and true freshman Ousmane Kromah, while also mixing in Caziah Holmes and Kam Davis.
Sawchuk had six carries for 28 yards vs. Alabama, including a tough 14-yard touchdown run where he fought through Alabama defenders en route to the end zone.
“Gavin Sawchuk was outstanding in that game,” Norvell said. “His touchdown run was a thing of beauty. You saw balance, you saw strength. There were a lot of white jerseys that were getting pushed into the end zone with his feet, and then he had a couple of the garnet guys come help at the end.”
Lucas had six carries for 22 yards as well as two receptions for 66 yards, including a 64-yard catch-and-run that set up Holmes’ touchdown.
Kromah had seven carries for 31 yards, including a physical 14-yard run.
How much will Glenn or Sperry play quarterback?
FSU fans will want to see more of electric quarterback Tommy Castellanos. But in reality, Castellanos should play about a half and ensure the Seminoles build an early lead before handing the offense over to Brock Glenn and Kevin Sperry.
Given that FSU is spending $1.6 million in guarantees for its next two games, including Kent State on Sept. 20, Norvell and the coaches need to get their money’s worth. Glenn and Sperry should each lead a few drives in the second half to help accelerate their learning in Malzahn’s offense.
Bring on the backups, freshmen
These games also afford coaches the opportunity to see if inexperienced backups are developing into dependable options. This is critical on the offensive line, where Jacob Rizy is viewed as the No. 2 at right guard and left guard but did not play vs. Alabama.
“I have ultimate confidence in Jake Rizy,” offensive line coach Herb Hand said.
Center Chavez Thompson and tackle Lucas Simmons should also earn playing time.
FSU also has a wealth of talent at defensive back, but corners (like Charles Lester III and Cai Bates) and safeties (like freshmen Max Redmon and Antonio Cromartie Jr.) must get playing time.
