The Florida State Seminoles (3-4), after a heartbreaking 43-35 loss in double-overtime to their arch-rival Miami Hurricanes (6-0) on Saturday night, get to enjoy a much-needed bye week.
With that loss, the Seminoles are now 0-12 in road games since the beginning of the 2024 season. Further, Florida State is now 10-21 under Mike Norvell since their 13-1 season in 2023.
With five games left on their schedule, we take a look at those teams and how the Seminoles could finish the season.
Clemson (Oct. 31)
The Tigers have fallen from the graces of the college football elite over the last season and a half.
Clemson (4-2) coach Dabo Swinney has burned through four quarterbacks, trying to light a fire under a stagnant offense that ranks near the bottom of the ACC.
As a team, Clemson has thrown just two touchdown passes.
QB Tait Reynolds has seen the most action this season with 943 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
Florida State is 1-4 against Clemson under Norvell. The Seminoles have not beaten Clemson in Tallahassee since 2014.
However, Florida State is due, and Clemson this season is not the same team that won 10+ games for 12 years straight.
Result: Win
at Boston College (Nov. 7)
The Eagles are centered around quarterback Mason McKenzie, who is team’s leading passer and rusher. McKenzie has accounted for 1,706 total yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Boston College (3-3) is coming off a 27-21 win over Pittsburgh. The Eagles beat Florida State last season in Tallahassee 28-13. The Seminoles are 0-2 against Boston College on the road.
Result: Win
at Pittsburgh (Friday, Nov. 13)
The Panthers (5-2), with inexperienced quarterback play, are currently on a two-game losing streak after defeats to North Carolina and Boston College.
Pitt’s starting quarterback, Mason Heintschel, went down with an injury to his right leg in the Virginia Tech game.
At the time of his injury, Heintschel had thrown 14 TD passes and only one INT.
The Panthers’ defense is good, and leads the ACC in rushing defense and interceptions.
However, with a revolving door at quarterback, Pitt’s season could implode. The Seminoles might catch the Panthers at the right time for another road win.
Result: Win
NC State (Nov. 21)
The Wolfpack (3-3) started off the season with a loss to Virginia. Two weeks later, the fumble by quarterback CJ Bailey on an attempted safety cost them a victory against Vanderbilt.
The team is in disarray with injuries and an angry fan base calling for head coach Dave Doeren to be fired.
Result: Win
Florida (Nov. 27)
Another bitter in-state rival, the No. 20 Florida Gators (5-2) have turned the program around under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall. Florida already has two ranked wins this season over Ole Miss and Texas.
Running back Jadan Baugh leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns with 13.
Florida State has won three of the last five meetings in Tallahassee.
Result: Loss
Season Prediction: 7-5
Florida State battled Miami to the wire on Saturday night. It was their best game of the season, and their confidence has to be through the roof.
The Seminoles have the talent, but questionable play calls over the last two weeks have plagued Florida State. Four downs inside the 5-yard line have been their nemesis.
The Seminoles suffered the loss of star running back Ousmane Kromah to a fractured ankle on Saturday night. They still have quarterback Ashton Daniels and running back Tre Wisner to run the ball.
As a result, Norvell and the Seminoles may have to adjust their offensive game plan.
The Seminoles are capable of winning the games listed above, and could be catching those teams at the right moment.
This bye week comes at the right time. Norvell and the Seminoles need to take advantage of it and get their mindset right for the stretch run.