Coach Mike Norvell Admits QB Struggles and Injuries Pose Major Hurdle for Florida State’s Season Ambitions
The 2024 college football season for the Florida State Seminoles was supposed to be a year of resurgence, filled with high hopes and lofty expectations. Ranked among the top 10 teams in the nation at the start of the season, Florida State looked like a legitimate contender in the ACC and even the College Football Playoff race. However, as the season has progressed, unexpected challenges have emerged, with quarterback (QB) struggles and a string of critical injuries throwing the team’s plans into turmoil.
Head coach Mike Norvell, known for his resilience and determination, has acknowledged the difficulties the team is currently facing. In a recent press conference, Norvell was candid about the obstacles in front of the Seminoles, citing both the inconsistent play at quarterback and the wave of injuries that have sidelined several key players. Despite the hurdles, Norvell remains committed to finding solutions and keeping Florida State in the hunt for ACC dominance.
The Expectations for Florida State in 2024
Heading into the 2024 season, Florida State was riding a wave of optimism. Under Mike Norvell’s leadership, the Seminoles had shown significant progress, culminating in a strong 2023 campaign where they made significant strides both offensively and defensively. With key returning players and a highly-touted recruiting class, there was genuine belief that FSU could challenge for an ACC title and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Norvell had managed to stabilize the program after several tumultuous years, and he had earned the trust of the fanbase. Much of the preseason hype centered around FSU’s offensive firepower, led by a talented QB room that featured returning starter Jordan Travis and highly-recruited backups. The team’s depth on both sides of the ball, combined with Norvell’s offensive acumen, had fans and analysts predicting a breakout season.
However, as is often the case in football, the unpredictable nature of injuries and player performance has thrown a wrench in the team’s plans.
Quarterback Struggles: The Heart of the Problem
The quarterback position is often the most scrutinized in football, and for good reason—teams with consistent QB play tend to thrive, while teams with inconsistency at the position often falter. Florida State has seen the latter this season, as injuries and underperformance have caused the QB situation to become a point of concern.
Jordan Travis, the senior quarterback who has been a steady presence for FSU in recent seasons, entered 2024 as the clear leader of the offense. A dual-threat quarterback known for his playmaking ability with both his arm and legs, Travis had developed into one of the ACC’s most dangerous players. However, early in the season, Travis struggled with injuries that impacted his mobility and decision-making. He was forced to sit out several key games, leaving the team scrambling to find consistency in the passing game.
In Travis’s absence, the responsibility fell to FSU’s backup quarterbacks, but neither was able to seize the opportunity fully. Tate Rodemaker, a redshirt junior, and Brock Glenn, a freshman, both saw time under center, but neither could provide the spark that the offense desperately needed. Rodemaker’s performances were marked by inconsistency, as he showed flashes of potential but also committed costly turnovers in critical moments. Glenn, though promising, was thrust into action before he was fully ready, leading to growing pains that further hindered the Seminoles’ offensive rhythm.
Coach Norvell has been transparent about the challenges the team has faced at quarterback. “It’s been a tough situation,” Norvell admitted. “We’ve had some injuries at the position, and it’s been hard to establish any real continuity. Jordan’s injury really set us back because he’s such a vital part of what we do offensively. We’ve had to adapt, but it hasn’t been easy.”
The lack of stability at quarterback has had a ripple effect throughout the entire offense. Without consistent play from the QB position, the Seminoles’ passing attack has struggled to gain traction, leading to stalled drives and missed opportunities in key games. Additionally, defenses have been able to key in on FSU’s running game, knowing that the team’s passing threat was diminished.
Injuries Across the Roster Compound the Problem
As if the quarterback struggles weren’t enough, Florida State has been hit with injuries across multiple positions, further complicating the team’s path to success. Several key players on both sides of the ball have been sidelined, forcing the coaching staff to rely on younger, less experienced players to step up in big moments.
The offensive line, a critical unit in any offense, has been particularly hard hit. Injuries to starting tackles and guards have led to a patchwork line that has struggled to protect the quarterback and open up lanes for the running game. This has exacerbated the quarterback issues, as both Travis and his backups have been under constant pressure, limiting the time they have to make plays.
The defensive side of the ball hasn’t been immune to the injury bug, either. Several key defensive starters have missed time, including standout defensive end Jared Verse, who was expected to be a leader on the defensive line. Without Verse’s presence, the Seminoles’ pass rush has been inconsistent, allowing opposing quarterbacks more time to pick apart the secondary.
Coach Norvell has acknowledged the impact of the injuries, but he has also refused to make excuses. “Injuries are a part of the game,” Norvell said. “We’ve had our share of bad luck in that regard, but that doesn’t change our expectations. We have talented players, and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to perform at a high level, regardless of who’s out there.”
Finding Solutions and Moving Forward
Despite the adversity, Norvell remains optimistic about the Seminoles’ ability to turn things around. He has emphasized the importance of preparation and staying focused on the team’s goals. “We’re not going to let injuries or struggles define us,” Norvell stated. “Our goal is still to compete for an ACC championship, and that hasn’t changed. We just need to keep working, keep improving, and trust the process.”
One area of potential improvement lies in the development of the younger quarterbacks. While Glenn has faced growing pains, Norvell believes that the experience he’s gaining now will pay dividends in the future. “Brock’s been thrown into the fire, but that’s how you learn,” Norvell said. “He’s a talented kid, and he’s going to get better with every game. We’re confident that he can lead this team when his time comes.”
Additionally, the coaching staff has focused on simplifying the offense to help the quarterbacks play with more confidence. By relying more on the running game and short, quick passes, the Seminoles hope to ease the pressure on their quarterbacks and find more success moving the ball down the field.
Defensively, getting key players healthy will be crucial. The return of Jared Verse and other defensive starters will bolster the unit and allow FSU to get back to the aggressive, hard-hitting style of defense that was a hallmark of the 2023 team.
The Road Ahead
Florida State’s road to a successful 2024 season is far from easy, but the team still has plenty to play for. With key matchups against ACC rivals on the horizon, the Seminoles will have opportunities to prove they belong among the elite teams in the conference. However, in order to do so, they will need to overcome the quarterback inconsistency and injuries that have plagued them so far.
Coach Norvell has instilled a culture of resilience within the program, and it’s that resilience that will be tested in the weeks to come. “We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve come out stronger,” Norvell said. “I believe in this team, and I believe in what we’re building. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re going to get there.”
As the season progresses, Florida State’s success will likely hinge on the health and performance of its quarterbacks. Whether Jordan Travis can return to form, or whether Tate Rodemaker or Brock Glenn can step up, the Seminoles’ offense will need to find its rhythm if they hope to compete for an ACC title.
A Season in Flux
The 2024 season may not be unfolding exactly as Florida State fans had hoped, but there is still time for the team to make a statement. Coach Mike Norvell’s leadership will be critical as the Seminoles navigate the challenges of quarterback struggles and injuries. If FSU can find stability at the QB position and get healthy on both sides of the ball, there’s no reason they can’t salvage the season and compete at a high level.
For now, the Seminoles remain a team in flux, but with the right adjustments and a bit of luck on the injury front, Florida State could still be a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.
