Florida State at Clemson Q&A Preview

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Ryan Kantor: Before last weekend, FSU had lost nine straight ACC games. In a time when James Franklin (PSU), Brian Kelly (LSU), and Billy Napier (UF) were fired for less, are you surprised FSU has kept Mike Norvell? Do you believe his job is still in the balance with some toss-up games remaining?

Tim Alumbaugh: I am not surprised that Norvell still has his job. Athletic Director Mike Alford locked Norvell up with a new deal following the 2023 season. The deal has way too much guaranteed money attached for a program like FSU with their financial challenges. If not for that barrier, I think he would have been gone last year. I do think his job is a toss up if they can find the buyout money but FSU’s 2026 schedule is tough. Do you feed a new coach to the wolves or send Norvell back out to take his licks, fire him then, and save about $10M?

Ryan: As I alluded to, Florida State broke through last week by dominating a pretty solid Wake Forest squad. Was it a watershed moment where everything clicked, or is this just the up-and-down nature of a squad that beat Alabama and lost to Stanford?

Tim: Tommy Castellanos has been hobbled since an injury against Kent State. In this game, it was the healthiest he has looked. Combine that with Wake shooting themselves in the foot and FSU connecting on explosive plays and it was a perfect storm. The defense also was simplified and the players responded. I’m still not sold they’ve solved the problem but it was a step in the right direction. 

Ryan: Thomas Castellanos is one of my favorite QBs to watch. He is fast, daring, and sometimes inaccurate. What has the Castellanos experience been like for FSU fans?

Tim: I think Tommy is at his best when he does what is asked by the coaches. If a play breaks down, his legs make plays happen. Tommy is at his worst when he goes into Superman mode. When the offense stalls, he thinks it’s up to him and he forces passes, keeps options, and generally tries to overplay. I think he has the skills to beat anyone on FSU’s schedule and also lose to anyone (FBS level).

Ryan: Clemson’s offense played poorly through the first three games, then rebounded after the open date while the defense regressed horribly. SMU torched Clemson with outside runs while Duke burnt the Tiger secondary with big plays. What’s the formula for Florida State to find success? How do you see this game playing out?

Tim: If FSU can imitate the Duke game plan, I think that’s the key. When Tommy and Duce Robinson are in sync, I think they’re one of the best QB/WR duos in the ACC. Gus Malzahn loves to establish the run game though, so I expect a heavy dose of running plays in hopes of softening up the secondary for the explosive plays downfield. 

Ryan: Lastly, I have to say that it is both sad and weird that this contest is on the ACCN. At the same time, I can’t remember there ever being less at stake for an FSU vs. Clemson game. While I’m still super engaged with college football and interested to see how this game plays out, I am more concerned with Coach Swinney’s offseason plans to fix the program than these next few games before the Palmetto Bowl (which still holds great importance). How are you and FSU fans feeling?

Tim: The FSU fanbase looks to be torn. Half want FSU to win and try to “climb” back to glory. The other half is out on Mike Norvell and want him gone. They’re pulling for losses in hopes that escalates his departure. Either way, it feels like a perfect microcosm of Norvell’s time at FSU which has been inconsistent, directionless, and an overall disappointment.

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