Mike Norvell weighs in on DJ Uiagalelei performance: 'He's giving us a chance'
Speaking with reporters Monday, Florida State coach Mike Norvell told reporters he’s pleased with how DJ Uiagalelei is preparing. He also said the Oregon State transfer is “giving us a chance” after a rough start to the year.
Uiagalalei and the FSU offense have struggled through the first three games of the season. He has completed 56.6% of his passes for 666 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions after coming in as the heir apparent to Jordan Travis.
Norvell noted the rough start for FSU heading into Week 4 against Cal. But he also pointed out the bright spots, which also show what Uiagalelei is capable of doing for the offense.
“Looking at DJ, obviously, it’s been a challenging start for everybody,” Norvell said. “It takes 11. We all have a job, we all have a responsibility. I think when you look at the game, there were some things that DJ did really well in putting guys in a position and trying to give opportunities. But there were also a few times that we had some missed opportunities on his part, in our overall execution. I am pleased with the way that he’s preparing. I am pleased with the things that he’s doing. You see the moments where he’s giving us a chance. He’s giving us an opportunity to have big plays. I thought there were a lot of the reads and things that he needed to do and the position where he needed to put the ball that was positive.
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“There were a few times that we need to be better. I’m believing that we’re gonna see growth from every position that we have. We’re gonna see continued competition at that. But I know what he’s putting in and I see what he’s seeing. And then, obviously, we’ve just got to all have to be more consistent about the execution of that and making sure that for this offense, we get the spark that’s necessary to go and be what I believe we can be.”
Florida State entered the season with high expectations after winning the ACC a season ago. The Seminoles were picked No. 10 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, but became the first team since Penn State in 2020 to lose its first three games after being ranked that high.
FSU will play its second conference matchup of the year on Saturday when Cal comes to Doak Campbell Stadium. Kickoff for that game is set for 7 p.m. ET.