Florida State and California are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. A 0-3 for the Seminoles and a 3-0 for the Golden Bears. This is the last thing Mike Norvell wanted after their snub from the 2023 playoffs despite going undefeated. Fans are rightly frustrated at the underwhelming start. To add to Florida’s woes, things may not improve in their Week 4 matchup.

“They have not shown us anything to give us any sort of confidence that they’re going to win,” a commentator of ESPN’s ‘The Elle Duncan Show’ said. This goes with the widespread sentiment of fans who were hoping for a comeback after FSU’s recent struggles in the season, which did not happen. The show discussed plenty of other things as well, like how Texas is in the number one position right now, but their focus remained on how FSU’s season has been going downhill since the first game. One analyst said “This team stinks” while highlighting Florida’s poor performance. “All, you have to tell me, Florida State is playing a football game this weekend, and I’ll say, alright cool, that’s a dub for the other team,” an analyst hinted at Florida’s chances against Cal and predicted a loss on its way for FSU.

While discussing the odds of Florida making a bowl game, one analyst said, “The only reason we’re giving this team 21% is in honor of the 21-gun salute,” joked a commentator, highlighting FSU’s troubles. ESPN’s FPI granted them just 21% odds to end up in a bowl game this year. They further explained that it was so generous to even give that 21% to them. Added to that, they talked about FSU’s schedule after facing Cal, which is even brutal. They have a game scheduled against SMU and others, and it will be tough for FSU to pull itself out of this hole.

A tough game ahead for Mike Norvell

The upcoming matchup against the undefeated Cal Bears could be a bounce-back for Florida, but the critics don’t think that. The game will start at 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. It is the first-ever face-off between these two. There is Florida, with a recent defeat to Memphis, and there is California, entering with a powerful defense. The Bears’ recent victory over San Diego State was remarkable and set a base for their bright future in CFB.

Florida has players like star quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has thrown for 666 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. California is power-packed with quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s over-the-top 70.1% completion passes for 589 yards and five touchdowns.

This game will decide whether it will be a bounce back for Florida State or a cherry on top of California’s 3-0 score. Many analysts have already predicted a grim reality for FSU: that only a miracle can save them from a heartbreak tomorrow.

If you want to know more about college football, do watch this ES Think Tank podcast episode with Doug Sanders.