Florida State’s Big Win Over Wake Forest Delays Mike Norvell Decision

In a dramatic turn of events at Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University (FSU) grabbed a decisive 42-7 win over Wake Forest. For now, the noise calling for head coach Mike Norvell’s firing has quieted down.

This victory snapped a nine-game ACC losing streak. It’s given Norvell a much-needed breather in the middle of one of college football’s wildest coaching carousels.

The game showed off the team’s potential. It also stirred up more questions about Norvell’s future and the direction of FSU football.

Florida State’s Dominant Performance Against Wake Forest

With just 34 seconds left, the energy in Tallahassee was wild. FSU President Richard McCullough and Board of Trustees Chairperson Peter Collins hugged it out, a far cry from the cloud of doubt that’s hung over the program since their shocking loss to Stanford.

The Seminoles’ performance against Wake Forest showed real grit. They looked like a team refusing to fold under pressure, and maybe that says something about Norvell’s leadership after all.

Key Contributions from Players

FSU’s win came down to several players stepping up big:

• Tommy Castellanos: The quarterback voiced strong support for Coach Norvell and talked about the team’s drive to play for him.
• Samuel Singleton Jr.: The 2023 blue-chip recruit broke out with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown, easing some of the worries about Norvell’s high school recruiting.
• Ja’Bril Rawls: He snagged a fumble recovery, breaking a 12-game dry spell for FSU against FBS opponents.
• Mandrell Desir: The freshman notched a big sack to close out the first half.

The Intangibles: Team Resilience and Fan Support

Stats only tell part of the story. The Seminoles showed real resilience, especially in the second half when things could’ve unraveled.

One tense moment came after a fourth-and-7 pass interference gave Wake Forest the ball near the red zone. Instead of falling apart, FSU regrouped, took advantage of a bad snap, and scored seven plays later.

Fan Engagement and Attendance

Fans mattered, too. Despite some talk online about boycotting and a quieter-than-usual tailgate scene, the official attendance hit a solid 63,677.

That’s a big difference from the apathy that marked Willie Taggart’s homecoming game six years ago, which saw nearly 30,000 empty seats.

Norvell’s Rocky Tenure: A Historical Perspective

Mike Norvell’s time at FSU has been rocky, to put it mildly. He’s 6-15 over his last 21 games, and the comparisons to past coaches are tough to ignore.

Willie Taggart got fired after going 9-12 in 21 games. Even Bobby Bowden lost 13 of his last 28 before stepping down. Norvell’s recent losses—including the home upset by Jacksonville State and last month’s Stanford debacle—have been especially hard for fans to swallow.

The $55 Million Question

The big question: Should FSU keep Norvell for a seventh season, with $55 million on the line?

It’s not an easy call, especially with programs like LSU, Florida, and Penn State already hunting for new coaches. FSU’s decision-makers have to weigh the risk of fading into irrelevance against the value of some kind of stability.

The Path Forward: Remaining Schedule and Implications

Looking ahead, FSU’s schedule offers chances—and some traps. Next up is Clemson, who’s struggling, so maybe there’s an opening to build momentum.

Games against Virginia Tech, NC State, and Florida are all up for grabs. But let’s be honest, this team’s inconsistency means nothing’s guaranteed.

Potential Outcomes and Strategic Decisions

An 8-4 finish is possible if Norvell wins out, but for FSU’s proud history, that’s not exactly impressive. Still, beating a solid Wake Forest squad hints that this group can play at a higher level if things click.

Whether Norvell stays or goes probably depends on how these next few games play out. The stakes feel higher than ever.

Conclusion: A Momentary Reprieve

Now that the dust has settled from Saturday’s victory, questions still swirl around Mike Norvell’s future at FSU. Sure, the win against Wake Forest gave him a breather, but honestly, there’s still a lot to prove.