After a much-needed week off, the Virginia Tech Hokies (3-6, 2-3) are back on the field this weekend, as they face the Florida State Seminoles (4-5, 1-5) on Saturday night in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles actually began this season with big expectations. They defeated then-No. 8 Alabama in the season opener and started 3-0. However, FSU would drop four straight games, and all five losses have come against ACC foes.
What happened to the Seminoles? Like Virginia Tech, they could also be looking for a new coach. Things have gone south quickly for Mike Norvell over the last two years. While it looks like Virginia Tech will hire James Franklin, its not done yet. Will Norvell be fired?
To answer some of the questions, Gobbler Country spoke with Tim Alumbaugh of Tomahawk Nation. Tim gave us the skinny on the 2025 Seminoles.
FSU looked like a top-10 team in September. What happened?
The offense is a little easier to explain. Tommy Castellanos injured his leg/ankle against Kent State, and its definitely zapped his explosiveness on the ground. The result is that TC has morphed more into hero ball instead of just taking what is there. FSU is allergic to the middle of the field or short dump-offs; everything feels like a home run attempt. The running game is ok, but coaches have been inconsistent with which back to go with. And while I enjoy Gus Malzahns creativity, sometimes it implodes a drive.
Defensively, the line has not generated the pressure it needs to. It took the coaches a few games to realize this before they started finally calling more blitzes. Still, that remains inconsistent. The lack of linebacker recruiting has really reared its head, as teams have routinely hit crossers, wheel routes, etc.
Its a trickle-down effect of poor HS recruiting, combined with not enough urgency in the portal to stay consistent on the field.
Tommy Castellanos was a roller-coaster at Boston College. Has that followed him to Florida State?
To an extent. You can tell when his urge to try to be Superman takes over. He forces throws, keeps reads he shouldnt, and generally stalls the offense. Hes been bad at not taking what the defense gives you. At the same time, I do feel its not as bad as the BC era. Gus is the right type of OC for him and often puts him in the right plays to succeed. The injury has really been the game-changer in his play IMO.
Who are some offensive players to watch on Saturday?
Duce Robinson. If FSU wasnt 4-5, youd be hearing so much about his season. The FSU legacy could break 1,000 yards receiving, and thats with very little play against Pitt because of an injury. He has a video game-type catch every week, and I think FSU could get him the ball just about every play if they wanted (Im not sure why they dont). Also, freshman track star Micahi Danzy, who can turn a short catch into a big gain in the blink of an eye.
At running back, I would say watch out for Samuel Singleton Jr or Ousmane Kromah, but honestly, they may get 15 touches, they may get two.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this FSU defense?
Defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. is a force in the middle, often requiring double teams. Beside him, true freshman Mandrell Desir (and his twin brother Darryll to a lesser extent) is having a great season that was unexpected. But the ends often lose containment, and the pass rush is rough without help.
Safety Ashlynd Barker and corner JaBril Rawls are the names to know in the secondary, but a struggling linebacker unit allows offenses to stay on the field.
Will the Seminoles fire Mike Norvell? Is there anything he can do to save his job at this point?
I believe they will, but it just may not happen this year. The buyout is high, the market is crowded, and the 2026 schedule (even with Notre Dames departure) is tough.
Prediction.
I think FSU should win. But I will not be shocked if they lose. An ugly game produces a Seminoles victory: FSU 24, VT 17
Make sure to read Tims work over at Tomahawk Nation. They have the best Florida State you will find.