Mike Norvell running out of time to fix FSU football's issues

When Ashton Daniels crashed his way into the end zone in the fourth quarter in an attempt to rally Florida State football against Clemson, he celebrated in front of stands that were mostly empty inside Doak Campbell Stadium.The message was loud and clear. The Seminoles (3-5, 1-4 ACC) fanbase has fractured from the football team and head coach Mike Norvell, whose approximately $51 million buyout looms over the program. As evidenced by the silver shine brought on by empty seats, the consistent boo's and the "Fire Novell" banner, typo and all, on display in FSU's 36-24 loss to Clemson on Saturday, Oct. 31.With a 10-22 record since 2024, a 1-5 record against Power 4 teams this season, and now a three-game losing streak and eight-game skid against rivals, frustration is more than warranted. Even with the Seminoles' attempted late rally, the result remained the same as Tait Reynolds broke off a victory-sealing 79-yard touchdown run before Daniels threw a game-ending interception, one of his four turnovers in the loss."You've got to go out there, and you've got to win," Norvell said about the empty seats. "That's what it comes down to. I guess for the people that left, I mean this team rallied and responded and still believed in what they could do and what they could accomplish and put ourselves in a position. I am grateful for that. I understand the frustration. We have high expectations for what we want it to be."Those expectations haven't been met, and it's left the program at risk of missing a bowl game for a third straight season, something that seems unfathomable for FSU. Norvell remains in charge, for now, and the pressure on his job is only going to ramp up. The loss comes during a week when university leadership has expressed that results have fallen short. How, and if, that influences a decision on the future of the football program remains to be seen. But empty seats and a plane banner that Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney labeled an "embarrassment" aren't going to ease any tension.The Seminoles face back-to-back road trips to Boston College and Pitt. Both are games that FSU teams in years past would be favored in, but given the program's last road win came in 2023, it's hard to predict a victory away from Doak. Norvell, whose team has its back against the wall, remained defiant and maintained that a turnaround is still possible. "This team, as long as they continue to show up, as long as they continue to pour into it, we're going to put a product on the field that fans can be proud of. And the wins will be coming, and that's our focus," Norvell said. "That's what we're doing as a football team."It's strong wording from Norvell, but the reality is he's running out of time to make good on his promise of "wins coming." Being flown over Doak right now ahead of FSU’s game vs Clemson. Calling for change with Mike Norvell, spelt Novell on the banner, and Peter Collins. Looks like someone could have used a copy editor pic.twitter.com/q5s0QLWHnw— Liam Rooney (@__liamrooney) October 31, 2026And if he's going to come good on his promise, it won't come with games like the one played against Clemson. The Seminoles left its defense in consistent short-field positions with woeful special teams execution, which included poor punting from Daniel Hughes. That allowed a painfully underperforming Tiger offense, which posted a total of 351 yards, to match its season total of touchdown passes, two, and score the second-most points this season, trailing only the 37 points scored against Charleston Southern, which kicker Nolan Hauser nailed five field goals. Another game of defensive shortcomings for FSU.Add in the Seminoles' pedestrian run game, which was always going to struggle with injuries to Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr., and four turnovers from Daniels, three interceptions and a costly red zone fumble, and the scoreboard reflects the proper result."Didn't play clean enough or good enough to win a college football game," Norvell said. A true statement, but one that is unlikely to earn Norvell much sympathy as fans, supporters and alumni of the program have made their stance clear. It's not good enough.Florida State football schedule 2026(Current Record 3-4, 1-3 ACC)vs. New Mexico State | 34-17 Wvs. SMU* | 27-24 LByeat Alabama | 50-36 Lvs. Central Arkansas | 34-7 Wvs. Virginia* | 38-7 Wat Louisville* | 44-20at Miami* | 43-35 L 2OTByevs. Clemson* | Oct. 31at Boston College* | Nov. 7at Pittsburgh* | Nov. 13vs. NC State* | Nov. 21vs. Florida | Nov. 27Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Mike Norvell running out of time to fix FSU football's issues