After dominating Alabama on both sides of the ball, Mike Norvell’s team looked like a championship contender this season. And why wouldn’t they? After a comeback string from last year’s 2-10 misery, a 3-1 run was nothing but a ray of hope for all Tallahassee fans. But then losing against Virginia raised questions about their consistency, and now? Their inability to even score a double-digit number against the Miami Hurricanes in the game just added more to that misery. The worst part? Losing on their home turf in front of all their fans ranting loudly for their win. But it looks like even fans lost hope in them as they left in shock before Q4.

The Miami Hurricanes are turning heads since the start of the season, with a 4-0 record; they look stronger than with Carson Beck. But the fear of messing up turned real as FSU trailed with a 9-28 score in the 4th quarter, which already gave fans their outcome. Their move? Leaving the game before the final whistle, an FSU alum, Dustin Lewis, took to X, making a bold revelation: “Fans are headed for the exits in Doak Campbell Stadium before the fourth quarter begins. Who would’ve thought this is how the night would unfold? #Noles”

No wonder fans predicted the right outcome. Even though Miami didn’t score a single point in the 4th quarter and Florida State couldn’t win the game and ended up with a 22-28 loss. But what exactly went wrong? Look, Mike Norvell’s team started on a strong note with a 70-yard field goal, but then they could do much with their offense, as they only gained 161 yards over the next seven drives. That means their explosive offense that made Alabama run for its life in their season opener couldn’t do much against Miami.

Then with that, their passing game also flinched. Going into the fourth quarter, FSU threw more interceptions than passes over 20 yards. Crazy, right? Their turnover made it an easy victory for Miami, and on top of that, ball security was also a major issue. As they fumbled the ball twice in the first half. That’s exactly why they were in single point till late in the 4th quarter.

Even the defense was a big disaster, as they failed to stop Carson Beck’s passing game, who completed 20 of 27 passes for 4 touchdowns against Mike Norvell’s team. The second half clearly showed their inability to perform under pressure. And the results were pretty clear. So, does that put Mike Norvell in despair?

Tension rises on Mike Norvell’s future

There’s no doubt that teams are looking for dominance and better outcomes this season; that’s exactly why they are parting ways with coaches who couldn’t do much for them. Like Brent Pry, DeShaun Foster, Mike Gundy, and Sam Pittman. But even after losing in 10 games, Mike Norvell stayed with his team. Why? Because of his hefty $80 million contract extension after winning the ACC championship in 2023. There’s no way Florida State would have known that this decision would turn out to be this disastrous for them.

Now, FSU did make some changes, like restructuring his $9.9 million salary to $5.43 million, as $4.5 now goes to NIL support for players. Currently his buyout stands at $64.1 million, which will decrease every year with 85% left in his remaining contract through 2031. But here’s the kicker: if he is fired without cause, he will get that $4.5 million of student share.

And let’s not forget his bonus amount of $750k for nine wins and $100k for ACC appearances are all added in it. So, firing Norvell won’t be that straightforward for Florida State, but if the losses continue, they might have to take a bold step. So, for now, winning is the only option left for him!