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FSU Loses to SMU After Outage, Pressure Mounts on Norvell

9/9/2026

7 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Mike Norvell Under Fire

Florida State fell 27-24 to No. 19 SMU after a power outage, prompting fans to chant “fire Mike Norvell.”
Mike Norvell remains under a $50 million buyout despite a 2-10 2024 season and a 5-7 record.
FSU converted only 2 of 15 third-down attempts, failing to convert any until the fourth quarter.
The team has 12 days to prepare for a road game at No. 13 Alabama as pressure mounts on Norvell.

Summary

Florida State Opens

Florida State opens 2026 season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State.
The Seminoles have a bye week before traveling to Alabama on Sept. 19.
After the SMU loss, Florida State hosts Central Arkansas on Sept. 19.
Florida State plays ACC opponent Virginia at home on Sept. 26.
Rivalry games are set against NC State on Nov. 13 and Florida on Nov. 21.

History

Historical Context

After Bobby Bowden retired in 2009 following 34 seasons, Jimbo Fisher became head coach in 2010, won the 2013 national championship and left for a $75 million Texas A&M contract in 2017. Mike Norvell, hired in 2019, delivered a 10-win ACC title season in 2022, yet the 2024 campaign fell to the program’s worst record since 1974, prompting fan calls for his dismissal.

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Mike Norvell Under Fire

Florida State fell 27-24 to No. 19 SMU after a power outage, prompting fans to chant “fire Mike Norvell.”
Mike Norvell remains under a $50 million buyout despite a 2-10 2024 season and a 5-7 record.
FSU converted only 2 of 15 third-down attempts, failing to convert any until the fourth quarter.
The team has 12 days to prepare for a road game at No. 13 Alabama as pressure mounts on Norvell.

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