First and 10: How FSU became FIU, Travis Hunter’s NFL future and a Big Red moment

1. I don’t want to sound preachy, but …
   It’s clear now: FSU has turned into FIU within just a few months.

Once a national championship contender in 2023, they’ve now become the third FBS team in 45 years to start the season with two losses as a double-digit favorite.

Instead of being a contender for the playoffs, they’ve faced humbling back-to-back defeats to ACC teams Georgia Tech and Boston College.

From having a solid plan for the new NIL landscape and player transfers, to wondering what exactly is happening in the sports world.

“We’ve been knocked down,” said Florida State coach Mike Norvell after their latest setback against Boston College on Labor Day night. “We know how to get back up.”

They shouldn’t be in this situation at all. The root of this significant downfall at such a pivotal time stems from a decision Norvell made in late December 2023.

He chose to extend a scholarship — and thus, the starting position — to quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. After winning 19 consecutive regular-season games, Norvell took his successful program and dimmed its momentum.

He could have brought in Cam Ward, Will Rogers, KJ Jefferson, or anyone else who hadn’t just been average at their previous schools (Clemson, Oregon State).

This mess isn’t solely DJU’s fault; Norvell and his staff are accountable as well.

They understood Uiagalelei and his style of play, and like every other coach, they thought they could improve him. In a time when the vertical passing game dominates football at all levels, Norvell — who had made nearly all the right choices in revamping the FSU program — opted for a quarterback who can contribute to a win, rather than one who is the sole reason for victory.

You achieve victories thanks to former FSU standout Jordan Travis, while you achieve victories with Uiagalelei. At least, that was the plan.

For the next eight months, Norvell highlighted DJU’s work ethic and leadership, along with FSU’s capacity to support him with talent to achieve their ambitious goals. But as the season kicked off, the same struggles DJU faced in the previous four seasons resurfaced.

In just two games, Uiagalelei missed three critical touchdown throws—essential opportunities that any quarterback at this level must capitalize on. His accuracy is inconsistent, and the offense, much like at Clemson and Oregon State before, lacks urgency.

Winning games is tough when your quarterback has a completion rate of 58% and averages under 7 yards per attempt. However, the issues extend beyond DJU. Last season foreshadowed this outcome, as bowl game opt-outs left FSU with their current roster—which, minus transfer portal additions, suffered a 60-point loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

The plan was to enhance the Orange Bowl squad via the portal and hand the reins to DJU. The challenge? Talents like Keon Coleman, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Tatum Bethune won’t come through the door every year.

Additionally, Travis—a key portal acquisition—often masked numerous errors on both sides of the game with his exceptional play at the quarterback position.

But here’s the reality of the portal: many players are there for a reason, having struggled at their previous schools or seeking a quick payday before heading to the NFL. It’s a gamble, regardless of how you view it.

Over the past two seasons, Norvell has successfully integrated players who fit well into the system. Now, however, we see an overwhelmed quarterback and a mismatched roster lacking internally-grown leadership.

What was once a successful strategy with transfer additions now appears disjointed. The Seminoles are struggling to establish the run game and can’t defend against it either.

They’ve placed the weight of the team on DJU, who has repeatedly shown he isn’t a quarterback to build around.

Now, he’s not a quarterback the Noles can rely on for victories, either.

2. The Downfall and Its Implications

A collapse in 2024 will undoubtedly impact FSU’s well-publicized ambitions to exit the ACC in search of a new conference.

Over the past three months, three individuals connected to the Big Ten have informed USA TODAY Sports that forming a partnership with FSU — which is currently suing the ACC for release from its media rights agreement — is “not realistic” for several reasons. These sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

Foremost among these concerns is the belief that FSU has demonstrated itself to be a “poor partner,” according to one Big Ten insider. The question arises: “What will they do if things don’t go their way? Will they resort to suing their partners again?”

Additionally, there’s the matter of performance. Conference expansion considers both performance and compatibility. An elite program, which FSU was on track to become, is hard to overlook.

After the Big Ten added USC and UCLA in June 2022, officials soon realized they needed two more teams from the West Coast, leading to the addition of Oregon and Washington a year later. This choice was largely performance-driven rather than based on philosophical alignment.

While nearly half of the Big Ten presidents favored Stanford and California for their prestigious academics and fit, Oregon and Washington were ultimately chosen due to their on-field achievements. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the situation’s sensitivity.

Given its already precarious position with the Big Ten, FSU cannot afford a decline in performance, which would further deter the Big Ten from considering a potential alliance.

3. The Rapid Decline, Conclusion

Change at quarterback is crucial, despite the significant NIL investment in DJU.

FSU has a critical opportunity to prepare for a formidable Memphis team, featuring elite quarterback Seth Henigan, set to visit Tallahassee on September 14. This leaves 11 days to get either redshirt freshman Brock Glenn or freshman Luke Kromenhoek ready to take the field.

The Noles simply can’t keep playing a quarterback who managed to complete only 4 of 15 passes beyond five yards for 56 yards against Boston College. Even more concerning, he completed 12 of 14 attempts in the first half against Georgia Tech but had negative air yards per attempt.

If there’s going to be a change this season, it has to happen now. The Noles can’t risk putting DJU on the field again and expect different outcomes.

FSU’s very future in football—and its uncertain conference membership—might hinge on this decision.

“It’s on me,” a visibly distraught Norvell said after the loss to Boston College. “I have to fix this.”

4. A defining moment for Big Red

This is the reason Dylan Raiola chose Nebraska. The five-star quarterback recruit decided to leave his commitment to Georgia and transform a program rather than just be another player in a system.

After a straightforward win against Texas-El Paso, Raiola’s real challenge comes this week against fierce rival Colorado.

He appeared composed and self-assured in the game against UTEP, throwing for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while notably avoiding any interceptions or fumbles — a significant feat given the recent struggles of Nebraska quarterbacks.

Throughout the Scott Frost era and into the first year under new Huskers coach Matt Rhule, turnover issues at the quarterback position were glaring, especially highlighted by former quarterback Jeff Sims in 2023, who saw 35% of his 28 drives end in turnovers (six interceptions and four fumbles).

This translates to nearly a turnover every three drives, emphasizing how crucial Raiola’s clean play against UTEP was.

More importantly, Raiola enables Nebraska to expand their offensive game, making deeper throws and challenging defenses across the field. Last season, and for every season since their last bowl appearance in 2016, the limited passing game allowed opponents to control the pace of the game.

The Huskers averaged just 6 yards per pass attempt last season, but improved to 9 yards against UTEP, all while employing very basic plays. This week, expect an evolution in their strategy with a blend of short throws, deep crosses, and straight go routes.

This is when it will become clear just how vital Raiola’s decision to switch from Georgia is for the future of Nebraska.

5. The Weekly Five

Five coaches (ranked by potential impact) that Florida should consider if they decide to part ways with Billy Napier:

1. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss: The stronger Ole Miss gets, the less likely it is that he’ll be available for hire.
2. Jedd Fisch, Washington: Will he leave Seattle to return to his alma mater after just one season?
3. Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri: If the Tigers make it to the College Football Playoff, it will be tough to persuade Drinkwitz to move on.
4. Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator: At 37, he’s an exceptional offensive strategist and quarterback coach, plus five-star freshman DJ Lagway needs a reason to stay.
5. Lance Leipold, Kansas: The program architect, who has won an NCAA lower division championship, would finally land a prestigious role.

6. Your tape is your resume

An NFL scout evaluates a player eligible for the 2025 draft: Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter.

“Which position will he choose? That’s a crucial decision for him. He excels in both areas, and there’s more financial opportunity in playing offense. His (agent) will emphasize that. With deep speed and explosive capability after the catch, he showcases excellent body control in the air. He’s still developing his skills at the position; most of his current play involves outside throws. We need to see a broader range of routes, but expect that to evolve throughout the season. He’s undoubtedly a unique talent with the potential to excel at either spot.”

7. Power Play

This week’s Power Poll features 12 playoff contenders, including four teams outside the mix, and one major insight.

1. Georgia: Wow, that defense is something else. Just when a hiccup seems possible (refer to the 2023 SEC championship), this unit shuts down any doubts and highlights two rising stars in linebackers Jalon Walker and CJ Allen.
2. Ohio State: Two upcoming games against Western Michigan and Marshall provide the offense with opportunities to gel with three key new players (QB Will Howard, RB Quinshon Judkins, WR Jeremiah Smith) before entering Big Ten competition.
3. Miami: Cam Ward is a standout, but I predict the Hurricanes will finish the regular season ranked among the top five in the nation for scoring defense.

4. Oklahoma State: Just a reminder, the top four spots are for the best conference champions. So, welcome back, ‘Pokes, especially after ending South Dakota State’s impressive 29-game win streak last weekend!
5. Alabama: Regarding the wide receiver issues from the past two seasons? Freshman Ryan Williams made an impact in the opener with two catches and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 69.5 yards per catch. He’s only 17 and won’t celebrate his 18th birthday until February!
6. Oregon: After Week 1, I’m starting to feel a bit anxious about my prediction of Oregon winning it all.
7. Penn State: The new pass offense gives us a different perspective on the Nittany Lions, but we’ll have to wait six weeks for their next big test against USC on October 12.
8. Texas: This week poses a tricky challenge for the Longhorns. The Michigan defense will be a formidable opponent, unlike anything Texas faced since their loss to Alabama in 2022.
9. Notre Dame: Who cares if the biggest games are the first and last of the season (against USC)? Let’s appreciate Marcus Freeman evolving into a top-notch coach.
10. USC: The influence of new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn is already significant: the Trojans are appearing bigger, faster, and more aggressive, reminiscent of the Pete Carroll era.
11. Ole Miss: Check back in five weeks after a series of weaker opponents — including Middle Tennessee and South Carolina — leaves the Rebels undefeated but untested.
12. Liberty: Interested in watching the Flames? Check out QB Kaidon Salter, who opted to stay at Liberty despite interest from major programs.
13. Utah: QB Cam Rising has two more injury transition games before facing a tough challenge against Oklahoma State on September 21.
14. LSU: Coach Brian Kelly had his Denny Green moment, and the situation could have been worse for a team that hasn’t won a season opener since 2019. His previous teams at Notre Dame responded well to his public critiques. Will it work here?
15. Kansas State: Keep an eye on quarterback Avery Johnson. Get a jump on everyone else and tell your friends you’ve spotted the next Johnny Manziel.
16. Missouri: Another easy matchup against Buffalo before a more interesting home game against Boston College.

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8. Ask and you shall receive:
   Matt:
   Why is everyone overlooking the defending national champions? It’s as if Michigan’s last three years don’t matter. — Debbie Franklin, Detroit.

Debbie:
It’s not so much about ignoring Michigan as it is about wanting to see how first-time starter Davis Warren performs in high-stakes games. His first test is this weekend against Texas at home, with more challenges ahead (USC, Oregon, at Ohio State).

Warren, a top recruit chosen by former coach Jim Harbaugh, spent two seasons behind JJ McCarthy. His performance — along with a revamped offensive line — during a tougher-than-expected win over Fresno State raises some doubts.

Don’t buy into the idea that Michigan was holding back against Fresno State to save strategies for Texas; the game was competitive in the fourth quarter, and Michigan was completely focused on winning.

The passing game has dipped from 9 yards per attempt with McCarthy to 4.5 with Warren and a new receiver corps. Aside from tailback Donovan Edwards and tight end Colston Loveland, it’s pretty much a new offense.

The defense will face four top-tier offenses this season, starting with Texas this weekend. There’s plenty of talent in what Harbaugh built and what Sherrone Moore has inherited.

If they beat Texas, people will start paying attention to Michigan again.

9. The Draft Drought

Miami hasn’t had a quarterback selected in the first three rounds of the NFL draft since 1989.

That year, Steve Walsh was not picked in the regular draft, but he became a first-round pick in the supplemental draft, chosen by the Dallas Cowboys, who traded away their first-round pick in 1990 to select him.

The most recent Miami quarterback to be drafted in the first three rounds of the official draft was Vinny Testaverde, who was the first overall pick in 1987.

This is significant for two reasons: Following Ward’s standout performance in the season opener against Florida, along with his impressive three seasons before joining the Hurricanes, this streak could end in the upcoming draft.

It also highlights the absence of NFL-caliber talent at quarterback for the historically strong Hurricanes. While Ken Dorsey excelled in college in the early 2000s, he wasn’t considered an elite NFL prospect.

Since Dorsey’s era, Miami has seen a series of underwhelming quarterbacks, such as Brock Berlin, Kyle Wright, Kirby Freeman, Robert Marve, Jacory Harris, and Stephen Morris. Need I say more?

Ward stands out from the rest. A late bloomer in high school who went unnoticed, he started his first season at FCS Incarnate Word (which began playing Division I in 2013) before moving to Washington State.

Though he likely could have entered the NFL draft after his second season at Washington State and been a top-three round pick, he opted to return for another year in hopes of boosting his draft stock.

This offseason, Ward spoke with several schools, including Ohio State, Florida State, and Miami. He ultimately chose the Hurricanes after the Buckeyes picked Will Howard and the Seminoles signed Uiagalelei.

10. An Opening Prayer

Let’s hope for mercy on Marshall during Georgia’s 2025 season opener.

Since establishing itself as a premier program in 2021, Georgia has faced three elite teams in its season openers and allowed just nine points in total.

They gave up three points to Clemson in 2021, three to Oregon in 2022, and another three to Clemson last weekend. The total point margin across these three games: 93-9.

The only non-FBS opener since 2021 was a scrimmage against Tennessee-Martin last year, where the Skyhawks managed to score a touchdown in a 48-7 defeat.

So, that sets the benchmark for Marshall.