10 preseason questions for Mike Norvell's Florida State ahead of 2024 season
A season ago, Florida State was oh so close to their goals. A 13-0 regular season and a conference title had to place them within the four-team College Football Playoff, right? Wrong.
An injury to QB Jordan Travis, a couple of underwhelming late games and FSU instead went to the Orange Bowl, where they lost (gulp) 63-3. Here's 10 questions about FSU's 2024 season.
10 preseason questions for Florida State
1. Are they over the brutal end to last season?
After a season where everything had gone right, everything went very, very wrong in the Orange Bowl. It's worth wondering if FSU is truly over that humiliation.
Of course, there's no shame in a 13-1 season and Georgia was not a team to play by the end of 2023. But it'll be important for FSU to just forget that the Orange Bowl ever happened.
2. Can DJ Uiagalelei be the man at QB?
To say that putting your program on DJ Uiagalelei's back is risky would be an understatement. For people wondering how Clemson stopped being a top-flight national power, DJ's poor QB play had plenty to do with it.
Yes, he's older and wiser and spent a year at Oregon State. But the first fourth quarter when DJ is under fire will be fascinating.
3. Who will replace Trey Benson at RB?
There are several good candidates, but it's unclear who will be the primary back for the Seminoles. Alabama transfer Roydell Williams is certainly deserving and senior Lawrance Toafili had 463 yards last season off the bench. Don't sleep on freshman Kam Davis either.
4. Who's WR1?
FSU returns only one receiver who had 10 catches last year for the Noles. Who will be the first man up? Ja'Khi Douglas (14 catches, 243 yards) is the top returner, but Alabama transfer Malik Benson and true sophomore Hykeem Williams are each deserving of a long look.
5. Could this be the nation's best offensive line?
For the second straight year, it's a tremendously talented and experienced offensive line for FSU. The 'Noles went from 27.6 points per game in 2021 to 36.1 and 34.6 over the past two years.
During the same span, sacks allowed went from 36 in 2021 to 45 in 2022 and 2023 combined. Darius Washington at tackle could be a revelation to casual fans.
6. Are the defensive linemen ready to step up?
Incoming Georgia transfer Marvin Jones and Maryland/Miami transfer Darrell Jackson have to make plays. Both guys have the pedigree and Jackson has a year at FSU under his belt. But a talented defense needs production from those two or Oregon State transfer Sione Lolohea.
7. Are the new guys good to go in the secondary?
Meanwhile, the secondary also has some significant changes. Add in UCF safety DaVonte Brown, promote corner Azareye'h Thomas and safety Conrad Hussey from within, and FSU has some new blood. This group looks like a strength, but it'll be interesting to see how quickly they adapt.
8. How big is the game in Dublin with Georgia Tech?
So here's the story for FSU in a nutshell. This is a game they should win comfortably. Much more than Week 1 rests on it. In FSU's last five seasons, twice they won the opener. They went 23-4 in those seasons.
Three times, they lost the opener (twice as a favorite). They went 14-20 in those seasons.
9. How many wins will FSU need for the CFP this year?
Florida State won't need a 13-0 season this year, needless to say. With a dozen spots, a 10-2 mark will probably get them into the CFP - as well as probably returning them to the ACC title game.
Florida State has an easy beginning to their season and should start 5-0. From there, Clemson, at Miami, and Notre Dame could be challenges. But a 10-2 mark should suffice.
10. What's the ceiling on this team?
The biggest question isn't - Can Florida State make the playoff? They can, and probably should. It's whether they've narrowed the gap with a team like Georgia. Last year's game felt like a fluke, but if the 'Noles make the Playoff, the pressure will be on to prove that it was.
What questions do you have for Florida State in 2024? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!