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Well…. I’ll admit it. I’m ready for a change. You?

Here’s your docket for today in the meantime:

🎙️ Norvell Vows "Everything is Under Evaluation" 🎙️
After FSU's loss to Memphis, head coach Mike Norvell expressed frustration, stating, "everything is under evaluation" as the Seminoles fell to 0-3.

🔒 FSU Lands Firm Commitment from Four-Star Offensive Lineman Peyton Joseph 🔒
Peyton Joseph reaffirmed his commitment to FSU, shutting down recruitment despite the team’s struggles.

🏐 Florida State Volleyball Triumphs Over UCF in Four Sets 🏐
The No. 21 volleyball team secured a 3-1 victory over UCF, improving to 7-1 this season.

🔥 FSU Hosts Key Recruit: OSU Commit TJ Alford Sees Path to Immediate Impact 🔥
Four-star linebacker TJ Alford visited FSU and emphasized his potential for early playing time, remaining high on FSU despite his commitment to Ohio State.

🏆 Golden Torch Awards Honor FSU Student-Athletes for Academic Excellence 🏆
Thirty student-athletes were celebrated for academic achievements, including a record 20 with perfect GPAs.

📊 FSU Defense Shows Growth Despite Offensive Woes: PFF Breakdown 📊
PFF grades highlight the defense's improvement, while offensive struggles continue, especially on the line and in the run game.

📉 FSU’s Offensive Struggles: What Went Wrong with the 2024 Plan? 📉
FSU’s offensive scheme has yet to materialize. With poor rushing stats and inconsistent passing, the once-promising unit has ranked among the nation’s worst through three games.

🎙️ Norvell Vows "Everything is Under Evaluation" 🎙️ 

The Seminoles’ 20-12 defeat to Memphis extended Florida State’s winless start to the season, as head coach Mike Norvell expressed deep frustration with his team’s performance. Despite keeping the score close, the loss was marked by errors on offense, particularly a lackluster first half in which FSU generated only 67 yards.

Norvell didn’t hold back in his postgame comments, emphasizing that the team must improve across the board, stating, “Everything is under evaluation.” He repeated the sentiment multiple times, signaling that changes could be forthcoming—whether in terms of personnel, scheme, or overall approach. The sentiment reflects Norvell's desire to turn around a team that, despite potential, is not delivering consistent results.

The lack of offensive production is a key concern. The Seminoles managed only 12 points, and once again, the running game struggled, averaging a mere 2.2 yards per carry. This inability to generate any consistency on offense is one of the key areas under evaluation. FSU’s defense, while showing some resilience, was put in difficult positions by turnovers and special teams mishaps that led to Memphis capitalizing for scores.

With a second 0-3 start in his tenure at FSU, Norvell understands the mounting pressure, particularly after a 13-win season that raised expectations. His message to the team, and to Seminole fans, is one of introspection and urgency, promising to closely examine every aspect of the program. “I absolutely believe we are better than what we are showing,” Norvell said, but his challenge now is finding the right formula to unlock that potential on game day.

More details here.

🔒 FSU Lands Firm Commitment from Four-Star Offensive Lineman Peyton Joseph 🔒

Peyton Joseph, a four-star interior offensive lineman, has officially shut down his recruitment and reaffirmed his commitment to Florida State after his visit during the Memphis game. The 6'3", 280-pound lineman is a top-200 prospect nationally and the 13th-best at his position.

Joseph has been vocal in his support for FSU despite their challenging start, backing the team after every loss this season. His connection with FSU, particularly with his cousin TJ Ferguson, was key in solidifying his decision.

🔗 Read more: Dive into Joseph’s recruitment journey and decision to stick with FSU.

🏐 Florida State Volleyball Triumphs Over UCF in Four Sets 🏐

The No. 21 Florida State volleyball team secured a hard-fought 3-1 win against UCF, improving to 7-1 on the season. Led by Audrey Koenig’s 15 kills and career-high five aces, the Seminoles controlled much of the match, bouncing back after dropping the third set. FSU dominated at the net with 13 blocks compared to UCF’s six.

The Noles will next face No. 13 Florida on Tuesday night in Gainesville, with the match airing on ESPN at 7 p.m.

🔗 Read more: Full recap of FSU’s victory

🔥 FSU Hosts Key Recruit: OSU Commit TJ Alford Sees Path to Immediate Impact 🔥

Florida State hosted an essential recruiting target this past weekend: four-star linebacker Tarvos "TJ" Alford, currently committed to Ohio State. Ranked as the No. 4 linebacker in the 2025 class, Alford came away impressed by his visit and how the Seminoles’ staff presented his potential role.

A key moment in the visit was when Alford discussed his ability to "make an immediate impact" at FSU. The Vero Beach star emphasized that FSU's linebacker depth and defensive scheme provide a prime opportunity for him to contribute right away. He praised how the Seminoles demonstrated their use of linebackers and emphasized that he could fit seamlessly into the system.

Alford's familiarity with FSU's coaching staff, including Mike Norvell, linebackers coach Randy Shannon, and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, has strengthened over multiple visits. Alford noted that the Seminoles' message has been consistent, even amid their current struggles. He sees the team’s chemistry as a work in progress and isn’t focused on their record when evaluating his options.

“Just my position, like how I can come in and help," Alford said. "How I can help bring better players in, and we can make a great class or something like that.”

Despite the fierce competition from Miami and Ohio State, Alford mentioned that Norvell has made it clear that FSU is still aggressively recruiting him. He shared that Norvell expressed how much he values Alford, telling him that "no head coach wants to coach me more than him."

As the recruitment battle for Alford continues, FSU remains a key contender. The Seminoles are pushing to flip the linebacker from Ohio State, with a focus on his potential to lead and make an immediate impact on the field. While Alford’s only other scheduled visit is to the Ohio State-Michigan game, FSU is hopeful they can sway him before his final decision.

Read more here and here.

🏆 Golden Torch Awards Honor FSU Student-Athletes for Academic Excellence 🏆

During Florida State's game against Memphis, 30 student-athletes were celebrated for their academic achievements, including a record 20 students with perfect 4.0 GPAs. The Golden Torch Awards recognized the top GPA earners from each team, with women's golf and men's tennis leading the way for overall team GPAs.

FSU's athletic director, Michael Alford, praised the balance of academic and athletic success, while student-athletes like Paige Kalkhoff and Gray Albright shared their dedication to excelling both on and off the field.

🔗 Read more here

📊 FSU Defense Shows Growth Despite Offensive Woes: PFF Breakdown 📊 

Despite the 20-12 loss to Memphis, FSU’s defense displayed significant improvement, as shown by Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades. The standout player was linebacker Justin Cryer, who earned the highest grade on the team (80.4), showcasing excellent tackling (83.0) and coverage (76.8). Joshua Farmer (76.7) and Darrell Jackson Jr. (72.3) were solid on the defensive line, contributing to FSU’s 19 pressures, a significant increase from the previous games.

Defensive Success:

• FSU limited Memphis to just 65 rushing yards, their third-best defensive effort under head coach Mike Norvell.

• The Seminoles also held the Tigers to only two missed tackles against the run, a considerable improvement over earlier performances.

• Fentrell Cypress II and Azareye'h Thomas shone in coverage, allowing only 66 passing yards combined on their assignments.

However, while the defense held its own, PFF's grading exposed weaknesses, particularly in coverage from the linebacker and safety groups. K.J. Kirkland allowed four catches on four targets, and DJ Lundy was targeted three times, allowing 30 yards—all contributing to Memphis exploiting these areas.

Offensive Struggles: On the offensive side, the picture was unsurprisingly less optimistic:

• DJ Uiagalelei surprisingly received the highest offensive grade at 73.9, though his performance was marred by multiple missed opportunities and holding onto the ball for too long.

• FSU's run game remained abysmal, gaining just 79 rushing yards (even after removing sacks), and the offensive line allowed four sacks and 15 pressures.

• Richie Leonard and Jaylen Early struggled in protection, each allowing multiple pressures.

Despite some bright spots, like Kyle Morlock bouncing back with a solid receiving performance (three catches for 54 yards and a 75.6 receiving grade), overall offensive execution was lacking, with nine drops across three games. This ongoing lack of efficiency continues to hamper FSU's ability to find consistency.

More details here.

📉 FSU’s Offensive Struggles: What Went Wrong with the 2024 Plan? 📉 

Florida State's offense, designed to be built around quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, has not delivered. After transferring from Oregon State, the former Clemson QB was intended to lead a unit based on power rushing and vertical passing, supported by a retooled offensive line and explosive playmakers like Malik Benson and Jalen Brown.

However, through three games, FSU’s offense ranks among the worst in the nation, sitting 128th in total offense with just 274.0 yards per game. The Seminoles have struggled to establish the ground game, ranking 132nd in rushing offense at only 52 yards per game, and Uiagalelei has faced mounting pressure, with the offensive line allowing 2.67 sacks per game.

FSU’s passing game, while slightly better, is still struggling with consistency. Uiagalelei has only one touchdown and has completed just 56% of his passes. Drops, poor pass protection, and the lack of a cohesive run game have contributed to the offensive issues, and the play-calling has been questioned.

Norvell, the primary play-caller, is now facing difficult decisions. There have been calls for changes at quarterback, but even if Uiagalelei is benched, the deeper issue seems to be the offensive system’s failure to click. Norvell may need to explore adjustments in blocking, scheme, or personnel, but midseason changes are obvously difficult.

FSU has scored just four offensive touchdowns in three games, with third-down conversions and red-zone efficiency both ranking among the worst in college football. With no clear solution in sight, the Seminoles are in a precarious position, searching for answers with the season slipping away.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

As Florida State navigates a challenging season, the team’s potential and future remain key focal points, both on and off the field. From Coach Norvell’s vow to reevaluate everything, to crucial recruiting updates and standout performances in volleyball and academics, there’s still plenty to be optimistic about.

Keep an eye on the upcoming matchups and developments as the Seminoles work to turn things around. Go Noles. 🍢