Six weeks into the season, the Florida State Seminoles football team has fallen far short of expectations. Florida State is 1-4 following a lopsided loss to their new ACC neighbour, SMU, and the season appears to be a wash.
The road setback to the Mustangs on Saturday could have been the tipping point for head coach Mike Norvell. Not only was it their fourth loss in five games, but it was also their third ACC conference loss, putting them to 1-3 in the league. Their single victory this season came against fellow ACC newcomer California.
The finger-pointing continues to fall on starting quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, who was projected to be a big transfer addition this offseason, replacing Jordan Travis’ shoes from last season. However, things haven’t gone as planned for the former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback, and things appear to be getting worse.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday that Uiagalelei is now labelled as a “or” on Florida State’s depth chart, alongside redshirt freshman Brock Glenn. Glenn had a brief debut in the last minutes of the game against SMU, attempting four passes but completing none.
With any serious season goals now out of reach, save from a possible bowl game, Norvell appears to be in desperation mode, looking for moves that will spark anything on this team.
Uiagalelei’s performance in the first five games has been less than brilliant. He’s completed just 53.8% of his throws, the lowest in the ACC, for 1,065 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions. Those numbers are insufficient to win many games, but it is worth remembering that he hasn’t had much assistance either. The Seminoles’ offensive line has been inconsistent at best, allowing Uiagalelei to be sacked 12 times this season, the second-worst total in the ACC behind Cal’s Fernando Mendoza.
Even if Glenn starts Saturday against Clemson, Uiagalelei’s former team, he will face the same issues, such as poor offensive line protection and dropped passes from his receivers.
Glenn’s sole other appearance for the Seminoles came in last year’s Orange Bowl loss to Georgia, as he completed 9 of 26 passes (34.6%) for 139 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.
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