The 2024 Florida State Seminoles football season was a tale of great potential and untapped opportunities. Entering the season with high expectations and a sense of optimism, Mike Norvell’s team was poised to make significant strides in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and possibly challenge for a playoff spot. However, as the season unfolded, the Seminoles faced numerous challenges and ultimately did not finish the way they had hoped.
Despite a solid start to the season, including impressive wins over ranked opponents, Florida State struggled to maintain momentum through key games, ultimately falling short of its lofty aspirations. In this article, we’ll examine what went wrong for the Seminoles in the 2024 season, highlight key moments that defined their year, and look ahead to the future as the team aims to bounce back in 2025.
Preseason Expectations: A High Bar
Heading into the 2024 season, expectations for Florida State were set high. Coming off a successful 2023 campaign where the Seminoles finished 10-3, including a victory in the Cheez-It Bowl against Oklahoma, the foundation for success was firmly in place. The return of veteran quarterback Jordan Travis, coupled with an experienced offensive line and talented playmakers on both sides of the ball, made Florida State one of the most talked-about teams in the ACC and beyond.
The Seminoles were also fortunate to have a veteran defense, featuring players like Tatum Bethune and Jared Verse, who were expected to be key contributors. The team’s aggressive style on defense, combined with an offense capable of putting up points, led many analysts to consider Florida State a contender for the ACC Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
With this optimism, it seemed the sky was the limit for Norvell’s squad, and the Seminoles were ready to take the next step in their rebuilding process. However, as the season progressed, cracks began to appear in the armor.
Key Moments of the 2024 Season
The Early Successes: Setting the Stage
The 2024 campaign began with a sense of promise. Florida State won their first few games, including a dominant performance against LSU in the season opener, which solidified their place as a team to watch in college football. Jordan Travis played brilliantly in the win over the Tigers, showing the poise and leadership that made him one of the top quarterbacks in the country. The Seminoles were firing on all cylinders offensively, with a balanced attack that blended the talents of Travis, running backs Trey Benson and Lawrance Toafili, and playmakers like Johnny Wilson and Micah Pittman at wide receiver.
The defense, led by veteran linebackers Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach, also looked strong. The front seven, with the pass-rushing prowess of Jared Verse, was stifling against opposing offenses, setting the tone for the Seminoles’ playstyle.
With these early successes, the Seminoles appeared to be on track for a special season. The hype around the program reached new heights, and for many, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before they would claim the ACC crown and potentially make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Midseason Struggles: The Downward Spiral
Despite the strong start, Florida State faced unexpected challenges as the season wore on. The first sign of trouble came in a close game against Clemson, where the Seminoles were unable to finish strong, falling short in a heartbreaking 24-20 defeat. DJ Uiagalelei, the quarterback for Clemson, played a lights-out game, and Florida State’s defense, typically reliable, failed to make key stops when it mattered most.
That loss set the tone for a string of disappointing midseason games, where the Seminoles were unable to close out crucial matchups. Against teams like North Carolina and Virginia Tech, Florida State had opportunities to put themselves in the driver’s seat of the ACC but faltered late. In both of those games, missed field goals, critical turnovers, and defensive breakdowns all played a part in the team’s struggles.
At times, it appeared that the Seminoles’ offensive line was not up to the task, especially in the running game, where the dynamic trio of Benson, Toafili, and Rodney Hill could not find consistent room to operate. Although Travis remained steady in the passing game, he was often under pressure, and his ability to extend plays with his legs was limited by the defensive schemes he faced.
The defense also had issues, particularly in the secondary. While the defensive line remained strong, opposing quarterbacks had success in exploiting Florida State’s coverage. There were instances where Florida State’s defense allowed big plays in crucial moments, which ultimately led to losses in key matchups.
The Decisive Loss: The ACC Championship Game
The defining moment of the season came in the ACC Championship Game against North Carolina, where the Seminoles were outclassed in a 35-17 defeat. Despite their early promise, Florida State was unable to match the physicality of North Carolina on both sides of the ball. Drake Maye, North Carolina’s star quarterback, had a field day against the Seminoles’ defense, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Offensively, Florida State struggled to sustain drives, and Jordan Travis was forced to make plays under constant pressure. The Seminoles’ inability to establish a consistent running game was another factor, as they were unable to keep North Carolina’s defense off balance.
As a result, Florida State’s dreams of making the College Football Playoff were dashed, and their hopes of securing the ACC title evaporated. Although the team showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, their inability to execute in key moments ultimately cost them a chance at the championship.
Postseason: Another Bowl Game Disappointment
Despite being a solid team throughout the season, Florida State was not selected for a prestigious bowl game. The Seminoles were invited to the Orange Bowl, where they faced an underrated Mississippi State squad. After another valiant effort, the team came up short in a 28-21 loss.
The biggest disappointment of the postseason was the team’s inability to execute when it mattered most. While Jordan Travis once again showed flashes of brilliance, the offensive line failed to protect him consistently, and the defense struggled to stop Mississippi State’s high-powered offense. A couple of untimely turnovers and missed opportunities left the Seminoles unable to close out the game, and they ended the season with an 8-5 record.
Key Takeaways and What Went Wrong
Looking back at the 2024 season, several key factors contributed to Florida State’s inability to reach its potential. Let’s break down the key takeaways:
- Inconsistent Offensive Line Play: Despite having a talented group of skill players, Florida State’s offensive line was often inconsistent. Jordan Travis and the running backs had trouble finding rhythm when the line struggled to block up front. This led to poor protection for Travis and a lack of balance in the offense.
- Missed Opportunities in Close Games: Several close losses were marked by critical missed opportunities, particularly in late-game situations. Whether it was a missed field goal, an untimely turnover, or a defensive lapse, the Seminoles could not finish strong in crucial matchups.
- Defensive Issues: While Florida State had an impressive front seven, its secondary had trouble containing opposing passing games. Drake Maye and other top quarterbacks in the ACC were able to exploit weaknesses in the secondary, which contributed to losses in key matchups.
- Inability to Respond to Adversity: After the early-season success, the Seminoles were unable to bounce back from adversity. When things started going wrong, they struggled to regain their confidence and execution, leading to a midseason slump and disappointing finishes in big games.