3 Key Takeaways from FSU’s Dominating Non-Conference Victory

Two hours before Florida State’s latest game, ESPN broke the news that Gus Malzahn would leave his coaching role at UCF to team up with his mentee, Mike Norvell, at FSU. Despite UCF’s struggles during his last seasons, Malzahn chose to return to coaching at a lower salary. He described himself as an “old ball coach” eager to focus on football again.

Three weeks into the 2025 season, FSU shows a new energy. Malzahn, now the offensive coordinator, has revamped the team’s rushing game. They set records with 498 rushing yards, 272 in the first half, and eight rushing touchdowns against Kent State. This aggressive strategy highlights Malzahn’s expertise in offensive play, earning him the nickname “Gus Bus.”

Coach Norvell praised the team’s performance, noting, “I thought our guys rose to the challenge.” FSU’s rushing game has drastically improved, largely due to Malzahn’s efforts. The team brought in four transfers to boost their offensive line, and it seems to be working. Under the leadership of center Luke Petitbon, FSU is averaging over 100 extra rushing yards each game.

In a surprising turn, FSU finds itself at the top of the ACC as other teams falter. Clemson, the defending champions, lost significantly, leaving FSU in a strong position without even starting conference play. Meanwhile, teams like NC State and Florida also struggled, making FSU’s rise even more apparent.

The Seminoles are demonstrating strong resilience. During their recent match, they faced some obstacles, such as a lightning delay and a touchdown from Kent State that briefly narrowed the score. Yet, FSU countered quickly, showcasing their ability to adapt and perform under pressure.

Norvell’s 2023 recruiting class has also started to shine. After a tough previous season, many promising freshmen chose to stay and contribute. Recently, several second-year players stepped up, like Kam Davis, who scored his first career touchdown, and tight end Landen Thomas, who also celebrated his first touchdown.

One standout has been Micahi Danzy, who made quite the impression, not only catching for 112 yards but also scoring on a 64-yard run. His performance could be pivotal as FSU moves forward, especially with some injuries in the receiver lineup.

The quarterback situation remains a concern. Tommy Castellanos left the game early due to an injury but later returned to the field, reassuring fans. If he cannot continue, true freshman Kevin Sperry stepped up admirably in his absence.

Coach Norvell remains optimistic, stating that they will assess Castellanos’s condition as the week progresses, but indications are looking positive.

As FSU continues its season, it’s clear they are not the same team that struggled last year. With improvements on both offense and defense, the Seminoles are turning heads and could be ready to contend in a wide-open ACC.



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