Paul Finebaum: Florida State ‘still in good hands’ under Mike Norvell

Florida State will host Memphis on Saturday seeking its first win of the season after a shocking first two weeks of the Seminoles’ 2024 campaign.

While some might have their hands on the panic button, Paul Finebaum believes fans shouldn’t be so quick to write off this FSU squad and its head coach, Mike Norvell. He attemped to ease the minds of ‘Noles faithful during a recent appearance on Greg McElroy’s show.

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“I think the program is still in good hands overall,” Finebaum told McElroy. “But this game, to me, is a lot about Memphis. You and I both have been to Memphis recently, and this is the game that they have circled. This is the game that that Memphis can put the flag down and say, ‘Hey, we are now one of those Group of Five’s who deserve serious consideration, and with NIU winning, we tended to forget about Memphis a little bit, but I think it’s a winnable game.

“But I also believe Norvell is a superb coach, and even though we can all disagree about the playoffs last year, I think they’re fortunate to have him down there.”

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Meanwhile, Memphis is 2-0 heading into Doak Campbell Stadium. The Tigers have outscored their opposition 78-17 during their first two matchups but have not played an opponent the level of Florida State. They pitched a 40-0 shutout against North Alabama in the season opener and controlled Troy 38-17 in Week 2.

For the Seminoles, they haven’t been able to establish an identity on offense under new quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The same goes for the defensive unit, who lost some of its staples to the NFL Draft this past April in Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, who was on the call for Florida State’s loss to Boston College in Week 2, said that veteran leadership is what the Seminoles have missed during the first two games of the season. Riddick called them “glue guys.” He said Uiagalelei has to find a way take over football games in the same way Jordan Travis did during his time in Tallahassee.

It’s early in the season, but an 0-2 start to the season — both of which are in ACC play — is a tough pill to swallow for the regining conference champions. Mike Norvell and company will look to turn their fortunes around beginning this weekend against Memphis.

Kickoff between the Seminoles and Tigers is scheduled for Saturday at Noon ET live on ESPN.