5 burning questions

The Seminoles were loaded with skill players, who led them to 13 consecutive wins last season. A lot of them are off to the NFL, but coach Mike Norvell has been pretty good at building his roster since arriving from Memphis in 2020. He uses the transfer portal as well as anyone in the country. There’s still plenty to figure out in a short time, but that has been his strength, too. — Bob Ferrante, Orlando Sentinel Correspondent

Will FSU’s erratic pass game settle in and find consistency?

In preseason camp, the passing game has had impressive moments where Oregon State transfer DJ Uiagalelei displayed his strong arm and FSU’s receivers showcased their speed. There also were moments where Uiagalelei’s accuracy popped up and drops were frequent.

Taking a realistic outlook, the Seminoles are going up against an FSU defense that could be among the top 20 nationally in each practice. Uiagalelei and the receivers need more time to build a cohesive passing game. Malik Benson has been by far their most consistent receiver, but others need to improve. It will take time.

On the plus side, Norvell’s offenses have always valued running backs and tight ends for their versatility. Backs such as Lawrance Toafili and Jaylin Lucas are dependable pass-catchers, while Kyle Morlock has improved his route-running and blocking.

How efficient will FSU’s ground game be?

Trey Benson ran for 906 yards and 14 touchdowns last fall and FSU averaged 4.54 yards per carry. But even with Benson off to the NFL this running back corps is deeper.

Alabama transfer Roydell Williams has fit right in to a crowded, impressive room that includes Jaylin Lucas, Kam Davis, Caziah Holmes, Sam Singleton, Micahi Danzy and Toafili.

And FSU’s offensive line is loaded with fourth- and fifth-year seniors, with potential All-ACC picks in Darius Washington and Maurice Smith, as well as transfers in their second years at FSU including Keiondre Jones and Jeremiah Byers.

Could this FSU defense be as good (or better) in 2024?

The group allowed just 19.3 points per game last fall, and the Seminoles were the only FBS team to hold opponents below a 50% completion rate (48.3). Yes, that’s pretty impressive — and tough to replicate with Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones and Tatum Bethune off to the NFL.

But the 2024 defense has a somewhat hidden gem in tackle Darrell Jackson, who was ineligible last year as a two-time transfer. Jackson has taken out his frustrations in practice and is a challenging 1-on-1 assignment for offensive linemen.

FSU’s defensive line could feature Jackson and Joshua Farmer on the inside plus Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia transfer) and Patrick Payton on the edge. Cornerbacks Azareye’h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress have been very consistent in camp (Thomas has been projected as an All-American by Norvell). The defensive backfield is deep, and the linebacking corps has been shored up by Auburn transfer Cam Riley as well as the development of Blake Nichelson and Justin Cryer.

If the game is close, will FSU’s special teams make a difference?

FSU didn’t play many close games, those decided by eight points or less, in 2023. But three of those were rivalry wins against Miami and Florida in regulation, as well as Clemson in overtime.

Alex Mastromanno averaged 45.5 yards per punt, but the net-punt average (43.2) reflects his rugby style, hang time and the coverage unit. Ryan Fitzgerald made 19 of 21 field-goal attempts.

FSU also added Lucas, who at Indiana averaged 26 yards per kickoff return last fall and had three touchdowns in his two seasons. Special teams will be a positive.

Will FSU deliver on ‘money downs’?

As difficult as it is to find flaws with a 12-0 regular season and an ACC title, the ’Noles struggled on third and fourth downs (money downs). They converted just 36.2% of third downs (94th in the 133- team FBS) and 47.62% on fourth (87th in the FBS).

This year could be different, starting with a bigger quarterback in Uiagalelei (6-4, 252 pounds) who could use his body to convert on third-and-2 or fourth-and-1. For reference, Uiagalelei and Oregon State’s offense were 33rd in the FBS on third downs and 51st on fourth.

For all of the focus on third and fourth downs, coaches often remind that you can’t start off behind with struggles on first and second. They’re right. But Norvell loves going for it on fourth, so expect the Seminoles to convert at a higher rate.