Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 8

Florida State Falls 27-24 to SMU as Mike Norvell Flags Passing, Defensive Failures

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 8

Florida State Falls 27-24 to SMU as Mike Norvell Flags Passing, Defensive Failures

Q: Will Ousmane Kromah’s explosive breakout be enough to save Mike Norvell’s job when Florida State faces Alabama?

No. Ousmane Kromah’s breakout helps Florida State’s outlook, but one strong rushing performance is unlikely to determine Mike Norvell’s future against Alabama. Kromah was the clearest positive in the 27-24 loss to SMU, rushing 22 times for 116 yards and a touchdown after showing promise as a freshman. His development gives Florida State a credible offensive foundation, especially with Ashton Daniels adding 71 rushing yards. But the SMU game also exposed the bigger issues threatening Norvell: Daniels threw for only 125 yards, the Seminoles managed just 324 total yards, and they failed to turn four takeaways into enough points. Defensively, they allowed Kevin Jennings to throw for 430 yards and nearly 600 total SMU yards. That matters because Norvell’s job pressure is tied to the full season, not one player or one game. Florida State is just 7-17 since its 13-0 regular season in 2023, and multiple analysts have framed eight wins as the rough benchmark for Norvell to stay. The buyout is also enormous — roughly $46 million to $51 million depending on timing — which may delay a move, but it does not remove the pressure. Against Alabama, Kromah can keep Florida State competitive if the run game travels. But unless the Seminoles show major improvement in the passing game, third downs, red-zone execution, and pass defense, his emergence alone will not “save” Norvell. What likely saves Norvell is visible team progress and enough wins over the rest of the season, not one breakout back.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 8

Florida State squandered a chance for an ACC statement, losing 27-24 at home to SMU and heading into next week's Alabama trip with more questions than momentum.
Mike Norvell said the Seminoles ran well but failed to make enough passing plays, a gap reflected in Ashton Daniels' 12-of-23 night for 125 yards despite two rushing scores from the offense.
Ousmane Kromah carried 22 times for 116 yards and a touchdown, but the defense undermined that ground game by allowing Kevin Jennings to throw for 430 yards and SMU to pile up nearly 600 total yards.
Florida State still forced four turnovers, making the narrow loss more damaging because it could not fully cash in on two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
A power outage delayed the game about 1 hour 40 minutes, and the Seminoles now face a tougher test at Alabama as pressure builds on a program seeking tangible progress after two disappointing seasons.