Paul Finebaum Gives 5 Reasons Florida State Seminoles Under Coach Mike Norvell Will Fail This Season.
In a bold and controversial statement, ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum has laid out five reasons why he believes the Florida State Seminoles will struggle under head coach Mike Norvell this season. Despite the optimism surrounding FSU’s recent resurgence, Finebaum is skeptical that the Seminoles can live up to the hype in 2024.
Here are Finebaum’s five key reasons for his pessimistic outlook:
1. **Strength of Schedule**
Finebaum argues that Florida State faces one of the toughest schedules in the country. With early matchups against top-tier opponents like LSU and Clemson, he believes the Seminoles may struggle to find their footing early on. A poor start could derail their momentum and damage their confidence for the remainder of the season.
2. **Quarterback Inconsistencies**
While many are excited about the growth of quarterback Jordan Travis, Finebaum questions his ability to perform consistently at a high level. He acknowledges Travis’ talent but suggests that his tendency for mistakes in big games could cost FSU in crucial moments, especially against elite defenses.
3. **Inexperience in Key Positions**
Though the Seminoles have some veteran leadership, Finebaum points to several key areas of inexperience, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. He believes this lack of experience in critical positions will be exploited by more polished teams, leading to costly breakdowns on both sides of the ball.
4. **Depth Concerns**
Finebaum highlights Florida State’s lack of depth, particularly when compared to other top programs like Georgia, Alabama, or even their ACC rival, Clemson. Injuries or fatigue could quickly expose FSU’s thin roster, making it difficult for the team to sustain a high level of play throughout the season.
5. **Pressure on Mike Norvell**
Finebaum suggests that Mike Norvell, now in his fourth season as head coach, is under immense pressure to deliver results. The expectations from fans, alumni, and the administration are high, and Finebaum argues that this added pressure could backfire. He notes that coaches often struggle to meet lofty expectations, leading to mistakes in game management or decision-making.
Despite these criticisms, many Seminoles fans and analysts remain optimistic about FSU’s chances this season. Norvell has significantly improved the team since his arrival in 2020, and the Seminoles are expected to contend for the ACC title. However, Finebaum’s skepticism provides an alternate perspective, adding even more intrigue to Florida State’s 2024 campaign.
As the season unfolds, the spotlight will be on Norvell and his team to prove critics like Finebaum wrong and solidify Florida State’s return to college football’s elite.
