Coach Mike Norvell expressed his disappointment in the preparation of the Florida State Seminoles after they suffered their second straight loss, falling to the Boston College Eagles 28-13 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. This defeat marks the Seminoles’ fourth 0-2 start in the last eight years, a significant contrast to their 27 consecutive seasons without beginning a campaign in such a manner from 1990 to 2016.
“I’m sick to how this season started,” Norvell stated in a press conference. “I failed in preparing the team to go out and respond.”
The Seminoles, who were undefeated with a 13-0 record during the 2023 regular season, have faced challenges this year following a major roster turnover. In their latest game, the team was outgained by Boston College in rushing yards, with a staggering 263-21 deficit. Through two games this season, the Seminoles have been outperformed on the ground, with a total of 453 rushing yards allowed against just 119 gained.
Norvell emphasized the importance of his role in getting the team back on track. “It comes down to me and comes down to me being able to prepare this team to go out and play to the capabilities that I believe that they have,” he remarked.
The coach acknowledged the struggles his players are facing and the disappointment that has emerged from these early setbacks. “You’ve got a football team that’s hurting… I do believe in what this team can do,” he said.
In the previous season, quarterback Jordan Travis led the offense effectively, but new quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei has had a challenging start, completing only 58% of his passes for 465 yards with one touchdown and one interception across two games. The Seminoles have lost many star players to the NFL, including Travis, Keon Coleman, Trey Benson, Jared Verse, and Braden Fiske, creating added pressure on the team to rejuvenate both their offense and defense, the latter of which is currently allowing nearly seven more points per game compared to last season.
Norvell said there is a pressing need for leadership to emerge within the team as they seek to recover from these initial defeats. “We need leaders to rise up… We’ve been knocked down. We know how to get up, but we’ve got to go do that,” he stated.
The Seminoles are set to face the Memphis Tigers on September 14 at noon EDT in Tallahassee, following Memphis’ dominating 40-0 victory over North Alabama in their season opener.