The Florida State Seminoles faced a season full of ups and downs in 2024, ending with a disappointing 2-10 record, their worst performance since 1974. With only one conference win out of eight attempts, they found themselves in 17th place in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). It’s a stark contrast to their previous season when they dazzled under head coach Mike Norvell, finishing with a remarkable 13-0 record and capturing the ACC championship.
The Seminoles are gearing up for the 2025 season, and fans are eager to see how the team will bounce back. Florida State plays Virginia Tech on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the historic Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, a match that promises to attract significant attention as the teams prepare for their clash. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, faced its own challenges last season and will be looking to capitalize on Florida State’s recent struggles.
Mike Norvell’s Leadership
Mike Norvell became the head coach of the Seminoles on December 8, 2019, and has built an impressive resume despite the ups and downs. His coaching journey began at Tulsa, followed by stops at Pitt and Arizona State, leading him to the head coach position at Memphis before his tenure at FSU. Norvell led Florida State to its 16th ACC championship in 2023, alongside an undefeated regular season, showcasing his knack for bringing out the best in his players.
Norvell’s coaching style has not only focused on game tactics but also on cultivating talent. Under his leadership, the Seminoles have seen the emergence of 37 NFL Draft picks, 22 All-Americans, and a program-record GPA of 3.310. The effectiveness of Norvell’s coaching is reflected in his teams averaging 34.7 points per game during his tenure, a statistic that speaks volumes about his offensive strategies and player development.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Season Insights
As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, Florida State’s ranking in SP+ stands at 36th, suggesting room for improvement after last year’s disappointing performance. The Seminoles‘ last meeting with Virginia Tech in 2023 ended in a decisive victory for Florida State, prompting questions on whether they can replicate that success come November. The Seminoles took control of that game with 22 consecutive points in the first quarter and managed two spectacular touchdown runs by Trey Benson, illustrating their offensive power.
This upcoming match will be crucial for both teams. Virginia Tech, which recorded a loss in their last performance against Florida State, will be motivated to turn the tables. With a young quarterback in Kyron Drones, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, and a solid player in Bhayshul Tuten, a repeat of 2023’s performance is what they’ll need to avoid.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, it will be interesting to see whether coach Norvell can inspire a resurgence in the Seminole program after a rough patch. Can Florida State recover from last season’s troubles, or will Virginia Tech seize the opportunity to secure a much-needed victory? Stay tuned as we prepare for a thrilling showdown in Tallahassee!
For more insights on Florida State’s head coach, you can check out these resources: Mike Norvell on Seminoles.com and Mike Norvell’s Wikipedia page.