Florida State Football: Don’t expect instant turnaround in 2020

How will Florida State football fare in 2020?

• Sept. 12: vs. Georgia Tech (W) — Georgia Tech really struggled last year in a transition season shifting from the triple-option. The offense should be more comfortable in the second season in the new scheme. The Yellow Jackets will still finish towards the bottom of the ACC. The Mike Norvell era starts off with an easy win.
• Sept. 26: at Miami (L) — In the battle of which program “is back”, I’m siding with The U here. One of Miami’s biggest issues has been the quarterback, bringing in Houston transfer D’Eriq King fixes that. Miami’s defense will be good and I trust King more than James Blackman.
• Oct. 3: vs. Jacksonville State (W) — Easy win against a clearly inferior FCS program. If Florida State loses this one, Norvell might be fired on site.
• Oct. 10: at Notre Dame (L) — With multiple conferences opting to not play in 2020, Notre Dame is joining the ACC and their conference-only schedule. The Irish could contend for the ACC title and will be one of Florida State’s toughest matchups.
• Oct. 17: vs. North Carolina (L) — Another really tough game for FSU. Mack Brown has turned the UNC program around and led by quarterback Sam Howell, the Tar Heels will be competing for a spot in the ACC title game.
• Oct. 24: at Louisville (L) — In the toughest stretch of the year, FSU loses another close game against a rising Louisville team. The Cardinals’ offense will be strong and it’ll be a great matchup for the Noles’ defense
• Nov. 7: vs. Pitt (W) — Pitt’s defense will be very strong again and one of the top in the ACC. This will be another close game but FSU pulls out a very close win
• Nov. 14: at NC State (W) —  NC State will likely finish towards the middle of the ACC after really struggling last year. Dave Doeren has done an amazing job in his time in Raleigh. FSU is the more talented team and should have the advantage on both sides of the field.
• Nov. 21: vs. Clemson (L) — In Norvell’s first battle against Clemson, Dabo Swinney comes out on top. Clemson is the national title favorite and has turned into the best program in the country. It’s gonna take a few years under Norvell before FSU is competing with Clemson.
• Nov. 28: vs. Virginia (W) — Bronco Mendenhall has really turned around the Virginia program. Last year was the first time the Cavaliers won nine games since 2007. The loss of quarterback Bryce Perkins is huge and this offense could struggle. FSU takes this one.
• Dec. 5: at Duke (W) — David Cutcliffe has done a good job producing solid seasons for a program that is clearly second to basketball in Durham. Florida State has won 17 straight against Duke and I’m not expecting that streak to end this year.

Final Record: 6-5, 5-5 ACC

Not the most impressive start for Norvell, but there will be plenty of things to build on heading into 2021. The damage Willie Taggart did to this program won’t be fixed overnight, it’s going to take a few years for Norvell to get FSU back to dominating in recruiting and rebuild the team.

You couldn’t have put together a tougher schedule for Florida State this year. Getting a UNC and Miami draw from the Coastal is tough and then adding in Notre Dame is as rough as you can make an ACC only schedule.

I believe Norvell is the guy who can bring Florida State back, but it’s gonna take a few years.