Can FSU Football Recover From a 2-10 Season? Josh Pate's Analysis

FSU's Unprecedented Season

• 📉 Florida State experienced an unprecedented drop, losing 11 fewer games in 2024 after an ACC title run, a historical anomaly at the power level.
• ⚠️ The only comparable instance in football history was Southern Miss under Ellis Johnson, which also resulted in a significant downturn.

Mike Norvell's Character and Challenges

• 👏 Josh Pate expresses immense respect for Mike Norvell's character, noting his principles and likability.
• 🎯 However, Pate emphasizes that personal qualities are not the sole determinants of coaching success or job retention.
• ❓ Norvell appears to fully believe in the changes made, including hiring new coordinators, but success is not guaranteed.

Roster and Recruiting Concerns

• 🔄 FSU is once again relying on a transfer quarterback, highlighting a lack of confidence in the homegrown talent.
• 🚫 The team has not recruited at an elite level, meaning they cannot assume a return to contention based on their own developing players.
• 🌟 Any potential resurgence this year will likely depend on unknown transfer portal additions rather than established young talent.

Building Energy vs. Guaranteed Success

• ⚡ There is significant energy and belief within the FSU building and among the players, a stark contrast to last year's team.
• ⚠️ However, Pate cautions that positive energy alone does not guarantee success, as many teams with good energy will miss bowl games.
• 🗓️ The Week 1 matchup against Alabama will be a critical early test, with FSU being a double-digit underdog.

Lack of Equity and Potential for Doubt

• 🚫 Coming off a 2-10 season, FSU has no equity or benefit of the doubt heading into the new season.
• 📈 An early loss, especially an embarrassing one, could quickly reignite the toxic environment and conversations that plagued the program last year.
• 🤔 Pate remains undecided and unsure about FSU's prospects this year, despite the perceived right moves being made.