Sep 203 min read

Seminoles Look to Overcome Skid Against Quality Golden Bears

Seminoles overcome Bears — © Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The 2024 college football season has certainly been disappointing for the Florida State Seminoles (0-3, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). After dropping the first three games of the season the team has struggled to find any kind of identity. On Sept. 21, the Seminoles welcome the Cal Golden Bears (3-0) to Doak Campbell Stadium.

This game will be the first-ever matchup between the schools and a bit of a family reunion. Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is a cousin of Cal running back Jaydn Ott. Will the Seminoles be able to overcome the Bears and end their skid to get their first win of the season? Here are some keys to the game.

What's at Stake?

For the Seminoles, after dropping their first three games of the season, this game is an absolute must for the team to put in the win column. After winning the ACC title last season, hopes were high entering the season for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles. A win against one of the conference newcomers would help the Seminoles turn the page.

For the Golden Bears and coach Justin Wilcox, the team has started surprisingly well. Already with a road win at Auburn on Sept. 7, the team is focused on making Year 1 in the ACC memorable and one of the best in the history of the Cal program. Will quarterback Fernando Mendoza continue to lead the offense with a 70 percent completion rate?

Seminoles to Keep an Eye On

All eyes will be on the offense. Uiagalelei has struggled in Norvell's offense with only a single touchdown pass through three games. Receivers Malik Benson and Ja'Khi Douglas have led the way for the passing game, there has not been any consistency from Uiagalelei or the receivers making catches. The biggest area for improvement needs to be in the offensive line, the run game for the Seminoles has been non-existent to this point and they have surrendered 8 sacks so far. Center Maurice Smith and tackles Darius Washington and Jeremiah Byers need to play with a viciousness to get the run game going and open the offense.

Who to Watch for the Golden Bears

Mendoza has taken the offense and made it his own in his second season. He's thrown for 5 touchdowns with only 1 interception and has averaged 7 yards per completion in the process. Although the buzz was surrounding Ott before the season, Jaivian Thomas has led the way rushing for Wilcox and the offense. Wide receiver Nyziah Hunter has been the go-to target for Mendoza with 4 touchdowns on the season. Linebackers Teddye Buchanan and Cade Uluave have set the pace for the defense with 52 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception between them. They are a fun duo to watch that fly to the ball and are always looking to make plays.

Key to the Game

The offensive line for the Seminoles needs to show up. They have not played up to their potential and the offense has struggled as a result. Will they be able to make a statement in both protecting Uiagalelei and creating lanes for Lawrance Toafili, Kam Davis and the running backs to make plays and gain chunks of yards?