In the state of Florida, there’s a new sheriff in town. The Florida State Seminoles are rising to glory again for the first time in a decade. FSU football has been dominant this season leading to an undefeated season this far and the hopes of a spot in the college football playoffs. Typically, in the state of Florida, the Gators are the dominant school of the sunshine state. A lot has changed, and that idea has been turned around with the way FSU football has been playing.
Star Quarterback
Led by their outstanding Heisman hopeful quarterback, Jordan Travis, the Seminoles have lived up to the hype surrounding them this season. Jordan Travis is a senior for the Noles and has excelled at his position to put FSU back on the College Football Playoff map. Not only has Travis been an outstanding leader for the Seminoles, but his stats back him up. Passing for 2,734 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only having 2 interceptions this season is an impressive stat line. These stats are from this season only and that is only in the first 10 games played.
Coach Norvell’s Success
Mike Norvell is the head coach for FSU and has had impressive seasons the past 2 years being there. Combined with this season and the last, Norvell has a record of 20-3. It’s safe to say that the FSU athletic department is likely to extend his contract for another few years. With a win this past weekend against bitter in-state rival Miami, Norvell had this to say about his guys, “That’s why we work the way we work, and we challenge them the way we challenge them, so in those moments they’re going to be able to rise up and make the play that’s necessary and just continue to have each other’s back.” The Seminoles have good leadership in their star player Jordan Travis and head coach Mike Norvell.
Playoff Picture
The playoff picture is where the Seminoles hope to be by the end of this season. This hope has been staying alive due to their tremendous offensive stats. They have had a few close calls and bumps in the road this season but have finished strong. Their last win came at the hands of Miami. This game was close all the way through, but the Noles ultimately prevailed. Doak Campbell Stadium is home to the Seminoles and the presence of the fans makes a big difference. If this team can close out the season strong, they could potentially find themselves in one of the four college football playoff spots.
Historic Noles
Florida State has been historically great for many years on end. Being led by former head coach Bobby Bowden, the Seminoles were a force to be reckoned with in the 90s. Although Bowden only led the Seminoles to two national championships, his tenure there lasted 33 years. Bowden is still considered one of the greatest coaches of all time. Bowden ended with a record of 316-97-4 with the Seminoles putting him in the coaching hall of fame. Shortly after Bowden retired, Jimbo Fisher became the new head coach. Fisher became successful, leading FSU to their 3rd national championship in 2013.
Turning Point
Although the Seminoles may have not had the best success in recent previous years, this season could be the turning point. Mike Norvell is an excellent head coach who brings great confidence, poise, and toughness to his team. Florida State could become what they were in the 90s era and dominate college football over again. With the 12 team playoffs coming into full effect next season, this could benefit them for the future. The Seminoles last big challenge of the season will come in the hands of the Florida Gators.
The Swamp
The Florida Gators may have not had an impressive season this year, they can still upset the Seminoles. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, located in Gainesville, Florida is home to the Gators. The Swamp is the nickname for this stadium, and it is no easy task to get a win on the road here. Jordan Travis will need to have an excellent game to impress the college football playoff committee while also remaining perfect on the season. Graham Mertz is the quarterback for the Gators and would love an opportunity to knock off the in-state rivals. Mertz is a transfer from Wisconsin and has had some impressive games under his belt this season. Joining the SEC is no joke, and he has proven himself worthy with an upset against the Volunteers earlier this season.
ACC Dominance
Although many college football fans like to discredit teams that aren’t in the SEC, Florida State has proven themselves. With an opening season blowout victory against the LSU Tigers, this proved fans wrong. The ACC may not be as impressive as previous years, but they still have teams that can shine light on this conference. If Florida State makes the playoffs, they have a chance of winning a national championship exactly one decade later. Jameis Winston was the last quarterback who led the Seminoles to the promised land and fans are hoping Jordan Travis can do the same for FSU football.
12 Team Playoffs
A national championship for Florida State fans has been long awaited. With unimpressive seasons in the last decade to not living up to expectations. This team is ready to be back on the college football playoffs map. The 12 team playoffs next season will potentially open a new door of opportunities. The 12 team playoffs would ultimately allow teams to suffer one to two losses and give them more room for error. With Travis leaving next year for the draft, this could be something Florida State could benefit from.
Recruiting
Mike Norvell’s impressive season could also give him another extension to stay in Tallahassee for more seasons. Seminoles fans seem to enjoy what leadership he has brought to the program since taking the head coaching role. Recruiting is going to be something that will be vital to the success of this team for the future. One season will not turn FSU football into a powerhouse with recruiting like Alabama or Georgia, but it could gain them more attention. Recruiting is where many teams begin to fall short of. When you have a good recruiting class who helps aid teams to successful seasons, it helps. If you are only depending on them and not continuing to pour into recruits for future seasons, then teams will begin to fall off and lose the dynasty.
New Title Town?
Coach Norvell will have to continue to be committed to this team’s success. Leadership, recruiting, and hard work will pay off for this hard-nosed ACC team. This is the year for the Seminoles to reach new heights in the ACC after Clemson’s rocky season they have seen. Each season will bring new challenges to this team, but they can work through it and continue to find success under Norvell. Whether this team makes the playoffs year after year in the near future is only something that time will tell. One thing’s for certain is that the 2023 Florida State football team is out for a national championship. Fans and students love this team and the fight they bring to every game. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Seminoles. Can Tallahassee become the new Title Town that they once were in the 90s?
