Fresh off their best season in a decade, where the Florida State Seminoles went undefeated in the ACC (and an overall record of 13-1), Mike Norvell & Co. had big hopes for this year. Especially after being left out of the four-team CFP solely because of Jordan Travis’ injury. But their fall from grace has been like no other.

Seminoles fans went from coming across pieces that were titled, ‘5 Reasons Why FSU Can Continue Their Winning Steak Against Duke’ last year to articles titled, ‘5 Reasons Why FSU Could Lose to Duke’ this year. That’s right. Coming off of a bye week, Norvell and his team are headed to Wallace Wade Stadium for the 7th game of their season, currently with a record of 1-5. Although they’re 22-0 against the Blue Devils (5-1), October 18 could very well become the first time the Seminoles face defeat to them. And Brian Smith (editor of the Wetumpka Herald) gave two reasons why.

After their disappointing 29-13 loss to No. 15 Clemson on October 5, FSU’s postseason hopes have become almost non-existent. Considering the high they were riding coming into this season, who would’ve thought this would happen? In fact, The Athletic even predicted, “Even with [Jordan] Travis gone, the Seminoles have a clear path this year to the expanded 12-team bracket. They might not be as strong as last year’s team, but as the favorite in the ACC, they are a favorite for a top-four seed and first-round bye.” 

Well, it’s looking like this is now a near-impossible long shot, and things could get worse. On the October 13 episode of the Locked on Seminoles podcast, host Brian Smith discussed the upcoming Blue Devils versus Seminoles game. He said, “Duke is an attacking defense. They’re not gonna sit back. They’re gonna come after you. What does Florida State trouble with? Teams that attack. Not the combination you want.”

The Blue Devils have been mightily in terms of their defense this year. “They shut down teams for the most part with negative plays,” Smith said. “Florida State have been so inconsistent in the middle of the line, it’s insane… They’ve got to come up with an inside running play that negates some of it. They’re gonna have to.” The reason? Well, one of them is Aaron Hall.

Brian Smith explained, “The name I’m most concerned about is Aaron Hall. 6’4, 290 lbs, athletic, and very productive.” The junior Blue Devils DT has been a defensive star so far, recording 19 total tackles (9 solos) and 2 sacks. Smith said, “He’s a disruptive player. If you don’t double him, he’s the kind of guy that can be a game wrecker.”

Duke had been consistent through their first five games until the last loss to Georgia Tech in Week 6. And as Smith pointed out, there’s another threat that Norvell and the Noles should watch out for. “If you’re going to double big, Mr. Aaron Hall, they might have a player even better in Alex Howard playing behind him.”  The senior Duke linebacker has also been a formidable offense stopper, registering 47 tackles (22 solos) and 3 sacks in 5 games. 

The Seminoles only got to enjoy a sole celebration of their 14-9 win against California in Week 4. As Smith noted, “Unless Florida State is completely healthy at both tackle spots and right people are starting, I think they’re probably going to struggle quite a bit.” Could it be a replay of the struggle we’ve seen in five games?

FSU needs to up their game

The FSU collapse pointed fingers at many. But one of the main problems that Mike Norvell and FSU are facing this season mainly stems from their poor running game. They’re averaging only 58 yards per game and 2.2 yards per carry and rank No. 132 in the nation. “When it comes to the run game, it’s been awful,” Norvell said.

“There are some reoccurring issues that have shown up. If it’s making changes, if it’s making different adjustments, whether it’s a scheme, a concept, personnel, whatever that is, we’ve got to be willing to make those changes. It’s embarrassing what our run game has been.” Even their offense fared poorly and averaged 273.5 total yards, ranking 125th in the nation. 

Blocking hasn’t been up to mark either, which is why there’s a problem with the run game in the first place. FSU allowed 182 yards per yard again, sinking to the 109th rank. Both Florida State and Duke are coming off a bye week in Week 7 for this crucial ACC game, which would determine the Seminoles’ fate. Mike Norvell had better fix the holes before they meet their formidable opponent at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 18.