TALLAHASSEE — Now that a decision has been made on Mike Norvell’s job status, the focus shifts to FSU’s job ahead: Ending a two-year road slide and beating a rival.
FSU’s last road victory came two years ago, on Nov. 25, 2023, when the Seminoles finished a perfect regular season with a 24-15 win at Florida. The Seminoles also haven’t defeated one of their big three rivals (including Miami and Clemson) since then.
When FSU administrators announced on Sunday that they were retaining Norvell next season, they also hit the pressure-release valve on the players. No longer will they feel a need to win for Norvell so that he can keep his job.
“I love coaching these guys, and all I can go off is the actions that they have, but this team plays hard for us,” Norvell said. “For them to have a sense of the stability, to say that there’s pressure around it of what’s it going to be, what’s it going to look like, yes, it’s life.”
Here are three pressing questions as FSU (5-6) prepares to face Florida (3-8) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2):
Why did FSU retain Norvell?
Norvell’s buyout has been estimated at $54 million or $58 million, plus buyouts for coordinators and assistant coaches. Regardless, the final total would more than triple what FSU spent in 2019 to buy out coach Willie Taggart (roughly $17 million, paid out biweekly until the end of his deal).
The coaching carousel is also spinning rapidly, with Florida, LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Penn State, UCLA, Stanford and Oklahoma State open. It’s a buyer’s market, and big-name coaches have leverage.
Norvell has promised to make “fundamental changes.” Making changes to FSU’s off-field staff and expanding the scouting department to better evaluate high school prospects and transfers are at the top of the list.
FSU coaches have developed contributors from the past two signing classes, building a foundation. The 2026 class, which will sign on Dec. 3, is viewed as among the top 15 nationally by 247Sports.
Will FSU finally win on the road?
In four road games, FSU has suffered from self-inflicted mistakes: nine turnovers and 31 penalties have added up to an 0-4 mark. In the 21-11 loss Friday, FSU had seven drives in Wolfpack territory but had just a touchdown and a field goal. (Jake Weinberg also missed a 35-yarder).
“Some of the same things on the road happened again,” offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said. “We were really focused on getting off to a better start. We did put some drives together. Got in the red zone, couldn’t finish points there. We got to do a better job this week.”
The Seminoles hope to score in the first quarter, something the team hasn’t done in its four road losses, and it can’t fall behind in the Swamp.
Can FSU limit UF’s top tailback?
FSU coaches and players are very familiar with Florida running back Jadan Baugh, who had 11 carries for 81 yards in last year’s game in Tallahassee. The versatile 6-foot-1, 231-pound sophomore has impressed, accumulating 904 rushing yards and six touchdowns as well as 33 receptions for 210 yards.
“You turn on film and he stands out probably as one of the better football players we’ve played this year,” Norvell said. “I’m just really impressed with his versatility. You better put your pads on him, you got to get him stopped before he gets started.”
FSU’s defense has improved, allowing just 17.2 points in the past five games. But the Seminoles have been susceptible on the ground, allowing 238 yards in a win over Virginia Tech on Nov. 15.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/11/25/a-few-questions-for-fsu-ahead-of-showdown-at-the-swamp/