Florida State coach Mike Norvell coached his team to a 34-7 win over his alma mater, Central Arkansas. But they took their foot off the gas in the second half, and failed to score points in the fourth quarter. As they prepare to host Virginia, questions remain about the team's focus and execution.
Yes, Florida State secured a 34-7 victory over FCS Central Arkansas to even its record at 2-2.
Yes, the defense played better, albeit against lesser competition, recording three sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
However, the biggest statistic of the game was the penalties and the Seminoles committed a deplorable 10 infractions for 115 yards.
Last week during his game week press conference, Norvell was asked about the wrongdoings of the defense in the collapse against Alabama.
“None of it is solely on the players,” said Norvell. “It comes down to the things as coaches and what we do putting players in the right position.”
No one saw Norvell or defensive coordinator Tony White suit up in the garnet and gold and trot on the field and line up on defense, ready to execute the defensive play calls. It was the players themselves out there on the field not communicating, not making tackles, and allowing explosive plays that led to Crimson Tide touchdowns. And, this was after two weeks of preparation.
Against Central Arkansas, it was the players out there on the field with the lack of focus, the lack of preparation, and the lack of execution that caused many Central Arkansas drives to be extended because of stupid penalties that should have never happened.
For example, the Bears were backed up to their own end zone and lined up to punt. Two Florida State defenders broke through the line and had a clear path to block the kick. Instead of going for the ball, the Seminoles went for the punter, crashed into him, and drew a roughing the kicker penalty that led to 15 yards and an automatic first down.
Norvell said penalties like that one come down to technique, which “is fundamental.”
“Some of the penalties that extended drives were unfortunate,” said Norvell, at his post-game press conference. “It's just one of those things the way it all played out, we've got to be cleaner, we got to be better. Anytime you have 10 penalties, pisses me off.”
Is Norvell’s team actually capable of playing a complete game on both sides of the ball for 60 minutes? In each of their four games this season, something has been off. Whether it is Ashton Daniels and his interceptions killing Florida State drives, or head scratching penalties, or at times, a lack of killer instinct.
A departure from the norm, Norvell and Florida State won the coin toss and elected to take the ball first against Central Arkansas.
“You wanted to try to maximize, first half possessions and to get off to a fast start offensively,” Norvell said.
What about the second half? Norvell put inserted backups into the game to get them valuable game reps. As a result, Florida State did not score any points in the fourth quarter against an FCS opponent, points that can come at premium against much tougher opponents in the ACC.
That lack of player development resulted in a missed opportunity to make a statement and hone the offense into a better version of itself ahead of ACC play next Saturday against Virginia.
Norvell continues to support his team and recognizes the need to get better and fix issues, and talks about Daniels’ confidence and continued growth at the position. Four interceptions in two games moves the needle of concern, or at least it should. It also pokes holes in that growth talk with every turnover.
Norvell is a coach that believes in his players. But each week, Norvell’s press conferences are beginning to sound like you are listening to Charlie Brown’s teacher. And, it is getting harder to buy what Norvell is selling.
