Florida State has lost 17 games over the past two seasons. A win over No. 19 SMU as an underdog on their own home field would be that true big signature win that has been lacking in the win column since the 2023 season. It would also begin the journey toward redemption for coach Mike Norvell.
In a general sense, the term redemption means to regain something lost, such as redeeming a reputation or a promise, and requires a conscious decision to be freed from a state of negativity.
These days, that should be the proper thought process of Florida State football coach Mike Norvell.
Lots of games have been lost, 17 over the past two seasons. As a result, Norvell’s desk chair has been in a constant state of conflagration, and the negativity generated by the fans and the media are hanging over the program like bad weather.
What could be a more fitting example of redemption than a victory over a ranked opponent as an underdog? That is the situation the Seminoles and Norvell find themselves in as they prepare for their matchup on Labor Day against the SMU Mustangs. Florida State is a +3 underdog to SMU on their own home field.
Last season, unranked Florida State stunned the college football world by defeating the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide by two touchdowns, 31-17. Yes, this is the same Alabama team that, after that season-opening loss, reeled off eight straight victories and finished 10-2. They still made the 12-team College Football Playoff despite losing the SEC Championship Game 28-7 to the Georgia Bulldogs.
However, let’s be honest. That was not the Alabama of old, the dominant Alabama teams of the Saban Dynasty. That was evident in the loss to Florida State, and it was glaring in the playoffs, especially in the Rose Bowl. Against Indiana in the Granddaddy of them all, the Crimson Tide got run over by an ambulance with Indiana plates in a 38-3 loss to the Hoosiers, and finished the season 11-4.
Before that Alabama victory by the Seminoles, you would have to go back to the 2023 season, when Norvell coached Florida State to an undefeated regular season and an ACC title, including three wins over ranked opponents:
- 45-24 over No. 5 LSU
- 38-20 over No. 16 Duke
- 16-6 over No. 15 Louisville (ACC Championship)
Norvell and his Seminoles are long overdue for that big signature win. SMU is considered the No. 2 team in the ACC, behind only Miami. A win over a talented SMU squad that no one is giving Florida State a real chance of beating would accomplish that feat.
That is not to say Florida State is not talented in their own right, because they are, especially at running back and receiver on offense, and a handful of players on the defense. What will be a key to victory for the Seminoles is how the offensive line holds up in pass protection and the quality of play and decision-making skills of quarterback Ashton Daniels.
The offensive line gave up three sacks against New Mexico State last Saturday night. They have to get better at engaging their blockers and keeping a clean pocket for Daniels to go through his progression and make accurate throws. Otherwise, Daniels will be flat on his back or scrambling out the pocket, which would divert his eyes away from downfield receivers who may be open for big gains.
Another key to a victory would be for Norvell to dial up plays to unleash running backs Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton Jr., who combined for 279 total yards and three touchdowns against New Mexico State.
This is an important game for Norvell. A stunning victory over SMU would be evidence that all the growth of his team and certain players Norvell talked about over the summer and fall camp was not just coaches speak. A Seminoles win would be evidence that Norvell has grown as a coach as well.
To be the victors of that Labor Day battle would bring the house down as the Redemption Tour ’26 rolls on.
