Seminoles Stumble, But Glimmer of Hope Shines Through

Florida State football's 29-13 loss to the Clemson Tigers was a mixed bag, with the team taking one step forward and two steps back. Despite the defeat, there were some positives to take away, particularly from a young group that stepped up after changes in the depth chart.

A Promising Debut and Offensive Struggles

Brock Glenn, the Seminoles' third-year starting quarterback, had a stellar performance, leading the team with 228 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Mike Norvell praised Glenn's efforts, noting that he did a good job and that the team will continue to work on the finer details to help him grow and improve.However, the offense as a whole remained stagnant, with the Seminoles failing to reach the 300-yard mark for the sixth consecutive game. The running game was virtually non-existent, netting only 22 yards, just one yard shy of the team's season low. The offensive line struggled to protect Glenn, leading to a one-dimensional passing attack.Turnovers also plagued the Seminoles, with four fumbles, including one each from receivers Hykeem Williams and Malik Benson. Center Maurice Smith's three poor snaps further compounded the offensive woes, though they did not result in any turnovers.Despite the offensive struggles, there were some bright spots. Freshman tight ends Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams made an impact, with Thomas leading the team in receptions with seven for 80 yards in his first start, and Williams scoring on his first catch. Sophomore receiver Malik Benson also had a solid performance, catching four passes for 53 yards.

Defensive Inconsistencies and Special Teams Highlights

The Seminoles' defense had a mixed performance against the Tigers. On the positive side, they were able to hold Clemson to field goals in the red zone, forcing the Tigers to settle for six field goals. The defense also improved on third-down stops, limiting Clemson to 6-for-15 on third-down attempts.However, the defense struggled to contain Clemson's offense, allowing 500 yards of total offense, the team's worst performance of the season. The Seminoles gave up several big plays, which put them in a difficult position. Norvell acknowledged that there were some unnecessary big plays that the defense needed to address.Penalties and poor tackling also plagued the Seminoles' defense. The team's two offside calls, a facemask, and a pass interference accounted for four of the seven penalties. The defense also struggled to defend the middle of the field and contain Clemson's running game, with running back Phil Mafah averaging 6.2 yards per carry and netting 159 yards.On the special teams front, the Seminoles had a solid performance, with the highlight being two field goal blocks by Edwin Joseph and Patrick Payton. This was the first time since 2020 that the Seminoles had blocked two field goals in a game. Punter Alex Mastromanno also had a strong outing, averaging 47.6 yards per punt and recording a long of 56 yards.

Coaching Challenges and Opportunities

Head coach Mike Norvell's decision to trust Glenn and some of the team's younger players paid off, as they showed promise and took positive steps forward. However, Norvell's play-calling remained inconsistent, with the team's reliance on predictable screen plays allowing Clemson's defense to capitalize.The coaching staff has yet to find the right balance between the running and passing game, an issue that has plagued the Seminoles throughout the season. While there have been improvements in certain areas, the staff still has work to do to put the team in a better position to succeed.The Seminoles' undisciplined play, marked by communication issues and penalties, is another area that the coaching staff needs to address. Norvell acknowledged that the team did not do a good enough job in controlling the "easier things" that they can control, which ultimately contributed to the loss.Despite the setbacks, the Seminoles have shown glimpses of potential, particularly from their young players. As the team continues to navigate the challenges of the season, the coaching staff will need to find ways to build on the positive moments and address the areas that need improvement. With a balanced approach and a focus on discipline, the Seminoles may be able to turn their fortunes around and make a stronger push in the remainder of the season.