TALLAHASSEE — Mike Norvell has never seemed to lack confidence in himself, Florida State’s football players and coaching staff. His resolve is being tested — even in a bye week following a four-game slide.
FSU (3-4, 0-4 ACC) returned to the practice fields this past week after what Norvell called an “inexcusable” 20-13 loss at Stanford last Saturday night. The accumulated losses, especially the one against struggling Stanford, prompted FSU athletics director Michael Alford to release a statement Monday that “our comprehensive assessment of the football program will be completed at season’s end.”
The statement touched off widespread comments from FSU’s fans, many of whom were critical on social media that Norvell had not been dismissed. Norvell readily acknowledged after Wednesday’s practice that he and the Seminoles have fallen short by their evaluation as well as fans’ expectations.
“There’s no higher expectation than what I have,” Norvell said after Wednesday’s practice. “And I know it’s not been good enough.”
The Seminoles have time to practice but also heal up in the bye before facing Wake Forest on Nov. 1 for homecoming (7:30 p.m. on ACC Network). It starts a five-game stretch in which they won’t face a ranked opponent.
In the loss at Stanford, which played the second half with a backup quarterback and third-string tailback, FSU has also shown its mistakes (13 penalties) add up, and the Seminoles are capable of losing to any team.
“I take great ownership in our results,” Norvell said. “I hate it for Michael (Alford). I hate it for our players. I hate it for the program. I hate it for the university, Tallahassee in general. … But that’s on me and this staff and this football team to get that right.”
Norvell fielded questions for nearly 23 minutes about Alford’s statement, the loss to Stanford and his confidence in the players. A season that began with a victory over then-No. 8 Alabama turned into an avalanche of losses, first at Virginia before defeats to top-five Miami, Pittsburgh and Stanford.
If not for the high volume of turnovers and penalties, FSU could be 4-3 or 5-2 right now. The one-score losses to Virginia, Pittsburgh and Stanford have been narrow, with a few plays deciding the outcome. The Miami loss was lopsided throughout, before a late FSU rally.
Despite the losses, coaches insist the Seminoles aren’t acting defeated.
“There’s something brewing,” defensive coordinator Tony White said, insisting he has seen fight from the Seminoles in games and practices this season.
Norvell was asked about FSU players’ leadership within the four-game slide and feels “this is a team that does care.” The losses could challenge leadership, but Norvell doesn’t think that’s the case.
“These guys, they pour a lot into each other,” Norvell said. “We’ve had good moments. We’ve had bad moments. They’ve stayed steady. Their work and their desire and care for their teammates, working to uphold and get to the standard of what it is to be here at Florida State.”
FSU finishes the regular season with Wake (4-2), at Clemson (3-4), Virginia Tech (2-5), at NC State (4-3) and at Florida (3-4). The Seminoles will face two interim head coaches in the Hokies’ Scottie Montgomery and the Gators’ Billy Gonzales.
There are chances for FSU to win games, including opportunities vs. rivals. A win over Clemson or Florida in November could change how fans feel about Norvell and the team.
“I know what we’re capable of, and I also know that we’re capable of giving others opportunities if we’re not our best,” Norvell said.
