When we think it cannot get any lower than this, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell somehow finds a way to surprise everyone. After an emotionally draining 21-11 loss to NC State, the Seminoles were hit with another unsettling situation when a player suffered a post-game medical episode. Norvell kept the player’s name private at first, but people at the game said it was a true freshman.

On November 22, Warchant.com posted on X and allegedly revealed the player’s identity: “Mike Norvell says the player who had a medical episode after the game was able to get up and walk and was being evaluated by the medical staff. He didn’t say his name, but witnesses say it was Jayvan Boggs.” While Norvell offered a small measure of reassurance, fans quickly noted that witnesses pointed to freshman wideout Jayvan Boggs

Boggs’ rumored medical emergency only adds to an already tough season for both the young receiver and the team. He has appeared in just five games, recording a few receptions and one touchdown. In late October, Norvell confirmed that Boggs had suffered a setback from a previous issue, which kept him out against Wake Forest.

The Seminoles’ loss to NC State in Raleigh was the result of frustrating mistakes and missed chances. After taking a 3-0 lead early, FSU became stagnant. The offense struggled, managing only another field goal and a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to USC transfer Duce Robinson.

The sad part is it feels like JUCO players could do a better job than the Seminoles right now. By the time the fourth quarter came, FSU’s special teams were practically giving the game away, including two botched punts in the final minutes. NC State took advantage of the errors, scoring a late touchdown to close out the game and the Seminoles’ hopes. The loss dropped Florida State to 5-6, leaving their bowl eligibility hanging on their final regular-season matchup against rival Florida. Mike Norvell had some explaining to do.

Mike Norvell not meeting the board’s expectations

It’s still surprising how Mike Norvell still has his employment after putting back to back worst seasons. Last month, after his humiliation loss to Stanford, the school administration released some statement. Saying the program’s “high expectations” would play a major role in deciding Mike Norvell’s future after the season. When Norvell was asked on Friday if the team was meeting those expectations following another road loss, he answered “hell no,” admitting the Seminoles weren’t anywhere close. He explained that the team is “fully capable” but still not performing, calling the six losses “extremely frustrating.”

The NC State game was a perfect example of those problems. Norvell pointed to “too many missed opportunities,” saying the offense moved the ball but kept making small mistakes like dropped passes, missed field goals, and a turnover in scoring position. His message was simple: you have to finish drives and score points, especially on the road, and FSU has failed to do that n number of times throughout the season.

Now the Seminoles’ bowl hopes, and possibly Norvell’s job security, depend on beating Florida next week in Gainesville. Norvell ended his press conference by saying he still believes in his never-ending process.

“I’ve got faith that everything does happen for a reason,” he said in the post-game presser. “And I’m not alone on this journey. I understand the importance of the work. What needs to be done, of owning what you see, and we all have a responsibility in that. As a head coach, I’ve got responsibility for everything that we see.”