Sometimes, you just have to talk to the enemy to really get to know them. Fortunately, the lot over at Tomahawk Nation aren’t too hostile and Tim Scribble was kind enough to talk about FSU and his opinions on all things Seminole. There’s a lot of change happening in Tallahasee, and after their stinker of a season last year, change brings lots of optimism.
Florida State comes into 2025 with two brand new schemes – the Gus Malzahn offense, and a 3-3-5 defense under Tony White. I’m sure that literally
anything different than whatever happened last year is exciting for the sheer fact that it is different… but overall, how do you feel about the two new schemes?
Can one be excited about the change in coordinators but less excited about the schemes themselves? Florida State fans were rightfully miserable with last season’s coordinator duo of Alex Atkins and Adam Fuller. In fact, I think you and I could have been named the new coordinators and there would be some excitement. I believe the offense may find success before the defense mainly due to the legs of Tommy Castellanos and the veteran offensive lineman that were plucked from the portal. We’ve seen the success that Gus can produce with a running quarterback, especially early in the season before teams can adjust. I also maintain that if TC was the quarterback for FSU last season, he would have netted them at least 3 more wins.
On the defensive side of the ball, we have already seen some fire from Tony White. All indications is that he will not allow some of the laziness that occurred last season. I also feel confident in saying that White has a handful of players that are a strong fit for the 3-3-5 scheme (James Williams, Elijah Herring, Darrell Jackson Jr). The downfall is that the depth on the defensive line falls off quickly after the first line. And in their first real game in a new scheme against a program known to try and bully the trenches, you would love to have a strong rotation ready to deploy.
Mike Norvell has had two bad years, one promising year, one great year, and then an absolutely terrible year. 5 seasons in, how are FSU fans feeling about him as the head coach? At this point, you should pretty well know who he is in most every facet.
Norvell lacks the killer instinct and that could ultimately be his downfall with the FSU program. On the recruiting trail, he preaches “family” and “culture” and it resonates, but the staff often finds itself friend zoned by recruits. On the field, Norvell is loyal to a fault and will stick with a player, plan, or coach that is struggling. Last season, I believe he was forced to make more changes than he preferred, but if that is truly the “new” Norvell, maybe there is hope? I am in the I will believe it when I see it category.
How are Roydell Williams and Earl Little Jr doing? I truly do not know how Roydell still has eligibility.
You mean FSU starters Roydell Williams and Earl Little Jr? Williams only participated in four games last season due to an injury and honestly the offensive line was so bad last season, the jury is still out for the sixth-year senior. ELJ was a different story, he started slow last season but as the program faltered and players gave up, Little went in another direction. He still had missteps but there was definite improvement for Little at the safety position. His hard work stood out in the preseason and allowed him to earn the starting rover spot for the Seminoles.
QB Tommy Castellanos is basically Kyler Murray without the accuracy and is a one-year stop gap as a grad transfer. I could see him being fairly effective in Gus Malzahn’s offense (Gus sure did some good stuff at Auburn with QBs who couldn’t hit the broad side of the barn but could run), but I think the team is ultimately limited with him in the game. Is there any chance Brock Glenn or freshman Kevin Sperry could wind up taking the job sometime this season?
My gut reaction, no, I don’t see TC being overtaken by either Glenn or Sperry. Castellanos’ explosiveness could be the x-factor that FSU needs in several games this season. But you cannot ignore that last season happened. While there is still not a clear picture of what exactly happened in Chestnut Hill, it did happen and TC did not finish the season with the Eagles. If the program spirals and Norvell is let go by midseason, there could be changes at the signal caller position. If there are struggles, it could get ugly. Glenn has yet to show consistency and Sperry is still raw as a true freshman.
If my count is right, over half of FSU’s projected starting lineup are transfers from other schools. Which transfer has you the most excited? And who is your best player that is an FSU original recruit?
Your count is correct. On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Duce Robinson is the sexy choice but give me offensive center Luke Petitbon as the transfer I am most excited about. The former Demon Deacon heads to Tallahassee with 22 starts under his belt and brings leadership that the offensive line sorely missed last season. The line is going to start four new players this season and will need to gel quickly with Alabama being game number one. Petitbon is the type of player you need if you are going to have any early success.
On defense, it’s edge James Williams and linebacker Elijah Herring. Both players transferred in from a 3-3-5 defense and both players can be an instant impact for the Seminoles. Herring especially is important as the linebacker unit has been poorly developed over the last few seasons for FSU.
“Original” Seminole, it is probably Edwin Joseph at safety. He has shown flashes but is still putting it together in the defensive backfield.
Any true freshmen standing out this preseason that makes you think they will be a factor on the team this year?
Speaking of original Seminoles, I believe two of the biggest impacts on the offensive side of the ball could be true freshman. Running back Ousmane Kromah might be the best back in the stable and is already turning heads during the Summer. He may suffer early from the Norvell loyalty card but his talent will be too hard to keep off the field. Also, wide receiver Jayvan Boggs, who earned a starting spot out of camp. He has potential to be a consistent possession receiver that FSU depends on early and often.
What is the the Alabama weakness that you think FSU can exploit, and what FSU weakness are you most worried Alabama will exploit?
The Alabama weakness is difficult to answer, mainly because the Seminoles feel like such a question mark. I am going to say that potentially Florida State can take advantage of the Alabama offensive line. I really like the pieces FSU added from the portal. Micah Pettus and Gunnar Hansen give the ‘Noles their best tackle duo (on paper) in several years. Couple that with TC and the explosiveness of running back Jaylin Lucas and the Seminoles just might have an early advantage. FSU’s weakness feels like the easier part of this question and that is defensive depth, especially at the defensive line. FSU’s starters are solid but could wear down quickly against this Alabama offense. The backups are largely unproven.
What’s the minimum that you would consider to be a successful season for FSU this year?
Anything less than six wins and Norvell may not even get to put a Christmas tree out by the curb.
Who wins the ACC, and, shoot your shot, who wins the National Championship this year?
Clemson takes the ACC and the winner of Saturday’s matchup of Ohio State and Texas takes the National Championship.
How do you think the game goes this weekend?
There are too many factors working against Florida State for them to win this game (come on reverse jinx). The installment of new schemes, the lack of defensive depth, the burden of last season. I could go on, but in the end, Alabama is a better program in a better position than FSU. I think Alabama’s margin of victory is somewhere between 17-24, so let’s call it ‘Bama by 20.
