At this point, what more do the decision makers at Florida State need to see about Mike Norvell to prove it’s time for both sides to move on?

If there was any sliver of a doubt left going into Friday night’s nationally televised ACC clash at NC State, that was wiped away by a performance that was truly shameful in the Noles’ 21-11 loss to the Wolfpack.

And shameful might not be strong enough of a descriptor for the Seminoles’ special teams performance, which was the cherry on top of a terrible all-around night for FSU, who extended their road losing streak to 10 games dating back to November 2023.

Florida State’s special teams gags away a chance at a win in embarrassingly sloppy fashion

Despite moving the ball relatively well for the first 56 minutes of the game against NC State, the Seminoles – like they did against Clemson, Miami, etc. this year – failed to put the points on the board to match the yardage output and found themselves trailing 14-11 late but getting the ball back.

That’s when the comedy begin that was hilarious to everyone except those wearing garnet and gold. NC State’s Caden Noonkester punted the ball with just under 4 minutes left, and everyone ran downfield towards the returner. Well, the ball didn’t make it there, doinking off the helmet of FSU safety K.J. Kirkland, who had no idea where the ball was. Of course, it shot downfield towards FSU’s end, and NC State recovered for an embarrassing turnover.

Despite the crushing momentum shift, FSU’s defense – which obviously carried the water and kept the team in the game – held firm again, forcing another punt after a three-and-out with a little over 2 minutes left, giving FSU life again.

But Tennessee transfer Squirrel White, who’s contributed almost nothing this season outside of the opening drive against Alabama, spoiled that opportunity when he misjudged the punt and tried to catch it with his hands while retreating. That went as you’d expect, with the ball dropping to the turf and NC State’s Tra Thomas falling on it. NC State didn’t waste that opportunity, punching it in on fourth-and-g0al on a nifty catch by TE Justin Joly to lock up the win.

It’s another example of sloppiness that continues to plague this program and will be the lasting memory of the end of Norvell’s time in Tallahassee. In addition to the fumbles, Jake Weinberg missed two field goals, including a 35-yarder. FSU committed 8 penalties for 37 yards.

FSU now moves on to play Florida next weekend in Gainesville with bowl eligibility on the line. But does it even matter anymore? Not for Norvell’s future in Tallahassee. That show should have finally ended on Friday night in Raleigh, if the decision makers hadn’t already decided to cancel it before.

Florida State Seminoles News

National talking head argues Florida State should ditch plan to evaluate Mike Norvell and make a drastic move

Florida State has an expensive decision to make on their head coach.

Craig Smith