What's Ahead for Florida State After Week 0 Upset?

© Tom Maher/INPHO via USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 season was full of highs for the Florida State Seminoles. Until it wasn't. After star quarterback Jordan Travis was injured towards the end of FSU's 13-0 regular season the 'Noles were excluded from the College Football Playoff despite their perfect record. FSU was forced to settle for an appearance in the Capital One Orange Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs. FSU entered the game with one hand tied behind its back as many of FSU's players had either entered the Transfer Portal or held out in preparation for the NFL Draft. The Bulldogs won 63-3. An ugly exclamation point on the playoff snub.

But that was the 2023 season. And there is optimism surrounding the program as 2024 kicks off. Or, there was. No. 10-ranked FSU (0-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) faced off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-0, 1-0 ACC) in Dublin, Ireland in Week 0, and Tech Ramblin' Wrecked the 'Noles' early season hype train after kicker Aiden Birr kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired. The Yellowjackets beat the Seminoles 24-21.

So, Now What?

So, what's ahead for Florida State after the Week 0 upset? This was the season the 'Noles expected to seek revenge for the playoff snub, and show the nation what it missed in 2023. Travis moved on to the NFL, but former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei transferred in, and the expectations were that the 'Noles wouldn't miss a beat as they returned to their winning ways from the previous season. But, alas. Here they sit, 0-1.

So, now what? In years passed, losing the opening game of the year would have been a season ender. But in the wonderful new world of the 12-team playoff, FSU still has life. Uiagalelei wasn't flashy (19-of-27, 193 yards), but made plays when it mattered the most, converting on two fourth-down conversions on the drive that tied the game with a more than 6 minutes to go. And head coach Mike Norvell praised Uiagalelei after the game for his clutch play. Even though the Seminoles may have taken a roster hit from 2023, the reloaded 2024, the 'Noles are still plenty talented.

It's Not Over

It's a long season, and after the Tech loss, FSU's path to winning the ACC will be uphill as they face a difficult schedule. And the offense has to improve from a paltry 3.2 yards per rush attempt against Georgia Tech.

But, it's not over for the Seminoles. They could even afford another loss in a top-heavy ACC. But if the FSU offense clicks, and the highly touted defensive front can keep teams away from 200 yards rushing a game, then the Seminoles still have every opportunity to make the playoffs. Opportunities for signature wins are all over the schedule with games against Clemson, SMU, Miami and Notre Dame still ahead. It will take some major adjustment, and navigating of a difficult schedule, but the 'Noles aren't out of this thing.

FSU looks to right the ship when they host the Boston College Eagles Sept. 2.