On The Bench: An FSU football podcast network

On this mailbag edition of On The Bench, Chris Nee, John Evans, and Kolby Crawford answer questions from fans during the Seminoles' bye week. The crew discusses Mike Norvell's uncertain future at FSU, what it would take for him to return in 2027, and how the administration's handling of the situation could impact the program moving forward.

The conversation also covers potential head coaching candidates, Tony White's future as defensive coordinator, roster retention, quarterback plans, and the state of FSU's 2027 recruiting class.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:00) - Will Mike Norvell return in 2027?

(8:40) - Would a 6-6 record save Norvell's job?

(17:50) - What needs to change with FSU's administration?

(22:00) - Is FSU searching for a new AD or head coach?

(27:00) - Potential replacements for Norvell

(36:50) - Which players should FSU prioritize retaining?

(40:00) - FSU's quarterback situation for 2027

(43:00) - The future of FSU's recruiting class

(50:00) - Predicting FSU's final five games

(55:00) - ACC realignment and Miami's independence threat

(61:40) - FSU soccer's postseason outlook

(64:00) - Can FSU basketball make the NCAA Tournament?

Florida State nearly pulled off a stunning upset of Miami, but the Seminoles ultimately fell 43-35 in double overtime at Hard Rock Stadium.

On this episode of On The Bench, Chris Nee, John Evans, and Kolby Crawford break down FSU's performance against the Hurricanes, including Ashton Daniels' impressive showing, the defense's continued struggles with explosive plays, and the controversial officiating decisions that overshadowed the finish.

The crew also discusses the latest surrounding Mike Norvell's job security, what the performance means for his future at Florida State, and what lies ahead as the Seminoles enter their bye week before hosting Clemson.

(0:00) - Intro

(6:00) - Ashton Daniels and the offense step up

(10:45) - Defensive breakdowns and explosive plays

(15:45) - Fourth-down decisions

(20:45) - Controversial officiating takes center stage

(34:45) - Mike Norvell's press conference and injury updates

(37:00) - Recruiting updates

(42:45) - The latest on Mike Norvell's job security

(55:30) - Final thoughts

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X’s and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Florida State heads to Miami for a rivalry matchup against the undefeated Hurricanes on Saturday at 7:00 p.m..

On this episode of On The Bench, Trey Rowland, Kolby Crawford, and John Evans break down the matchup, including Miami's explosive offense led by quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney, Florida State's defensive struggles, and the challenges Ashton Daniels will face against a talented Hurricanes defensive front.

The crew also discusses the growing frustration surrounding Mike Norvell's tenure, the widening talent gap between the programs, and what another blowout loss could mean for the future of Florida State football.

(0:00) – Intro

(5:30) – Florida State's Offensive Challenges

(8:10) – Breaking Down Miami QB Darian Mensah

(16:00) – The Challenge of Covering Malachi Toney

(25:50) – Miami's Defensive Front vs. FSU's Offensive Line

(31:00) – Miami's Secondary and Ashton Daniels' Opportunities

(34:30) – FSU vs. Miami Score Predictions

(43:00) – Is This the Breaking Point for Mike Norvell?

(46:00) – The Talent Gap and FSU's Recruiting Problems

(49:00) – Florida State's Future and the Need for Change

(54:00) – Final Thoughts and Closing

Florida State's struggles continued Friday night with another road loss, this time at Louisville. On this episode of On The Bench, Chris Nee, John Evans, and Kolby Crawford break down what went wrong against the Cardinals, including FSU's defensive collapse, offensive inconsistencies, and the inability to win away from home.

The crew also looks ahead to rivalry week against Miami, where the Seminoles enter as massive underdogs. Beyond the on-field issues, the discussion turns to growing frustration surrounding Florida State's football program, questions about leadership and investment, and the lack of clarity regarding the future of FSU athletics.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:45) - The Fourth-and-Goal

(6:10) - Searching for Positives in the Loss

(10:55) - Louisville Runs All Over FSU's Defense (13:40) - Previewing the Miami Matchup

(19:00) - Frustration With the Direction of the Program

(25:20) - Silence Surrounding FSU's Athletic Administration

(30:30) - The Standard at Florida State and What Comes Next

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X’s and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Florida State jumped out to a 14-0 lead against Louisville before everything unraveled in a 44-20 road loss. The Seminoles surrendered 397 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. On this instant reaction episode of On The Bench, the crew breaks down FSU's defensive collapse, the offensive execution issues that plagued the Seminoles, and the continued struggles under Mike Norvell. They also discuss Tony White's defensive scheme, ongoing roster concerns, and whether Florida State has answers for the remainder of the season.

(0:00) - Intro
(4:00) - Louisville Exposes FSU's Run Defense
(8:00) - Evaluating Mike Norvell's Offensive Game Plan
(12:00) - Why Does FSU Continue to Struggle on the Road?
(16:00) - Assessing the Coaching Staff
(22:00) - FSU's Standards, Leadership and Administration
(26:00) - Final Thoughts and What's Next for FSU

Florida State heads back on the road for a Friday night matchup against Louisville, looking to build on its dominant 38-7 victory over Virginia.

On this episode of On The Bench, Trey Rowland, Chris Nee, John Evans and Kolby Crawford break down the matchup between the Seminoles and Cardinals. The crew examines Louisville's explosive offense, the challenges Jeff Brohm's scheme presents for FSU's defense, and the vulnerabilities in Louisville's struggling secondary.

On the other side of the ball, the guys discuss how Ashton Daniels and Florida State's offense can exploit Louisville's defense, the importance of establishing the run, and the potential impact of the Cardinals' pass rush.

The crew wraps up with keys to the game and score predictions.

(0:00) - Intro

(6:30) - Can FSU Build on Its Win Over Virginia?

(12:30) - Louisville's Dangerous Running Backs

(16:30) - Louisville's Receiving Threats

(18:30) - How FSU Can Slow Down Jeff Brohm's Offense

(23:30) - Breaking Down Louisville's Defense

(30:30) - FSU's Passing Game Against Louisville's Secondary

(41:00) - FSU-Louisville Score Predictions

(48:30) - Final Thoughts and Keys to Victory

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X’s and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Florida State responded in a major way Saturday, overcoming a slow start before scoring 38 unanswered points in a blowout of Virginia. On this episode of On The Bench, the guys discuss Mike Norvell's comments following the win, whether Saturday's performance can become a turning point for the Seminoles, and what stood out on both sides of the ball.

The discussion dives into FSU's dominant defensive performance, including 10 sacks and major improvement from the linebackers, while also breaking down Ashton Daniels, the Seminoles' playmakers and an efficient offensive attack. The guys then turn their attention to Friday night's road matchup against Louisville and what FSU must do to show the Virginia performance wasn't a one-off. Plus, they wrap up with recruiting notes following a productive visitor weekend in Tallahassee.

(0:00) - Intro
(4:43) - Breaking Down FSU's 38-7 Win Over Virginia
(7:54) - Defensive Adjustments & a Dominant Pass Rush
(13:41) - Breaking Down Florida State's Offense
(19:20) - Ashton Daniels and FSU's Offensive Playmakers
(26:14) - Can Florida State Finally Find Consistency?
(29:31) - Early Look at Louisville
(34:58) - Recruiting Notes From the Virginia Weekend
(41:32) - Final Thoughts Before Turning to Louisville

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Florida State delivered its most complete performance of the season, dominating Virginia for a 38-7 win. The guys break down FSU’s offensive production and the performance of a defensive front that produced 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. They also discuss what this win says about Mike Norvell’s team, and the bigger question facing Florida State: can the Seminoles build on this performance on a short week at Louisville?

(0:00) - Intro
(5:05) - FSU Finally Puts Everything Together
(8:12) - Ashton Daniels’ Day & FSU’s Offense
(16:59) - Florida State’s Defense Dominates With 10 Sacks
(21:12) - What Does This Win Mean for Mike Norvell?
(30:01) - Final Takeaways From FSU’s Dominant Win

Florida State is back at home for the second straight weekend for a pivotal matchup against Virginia. The On The Bench crew breaks down Virginia’s veteran offensive line, physical rushing attack and efficient offense, while examining how FSU can create explosive plays and take advantage of opportunities against the Cavaliers’ defense.

The guys discuss the importance of establishing the run with Ousmane Kromah, getting Ashton Daniels involved on the ground, and forcing Virginia out of its preferred game script. They also dive into FSU’s defensive concerns, recruiting ramifications surrounding the program, visitors expected in Tallahassee and how another loss could impact the Seminoles’ class. The episode closes with score predictions.

(0:00) - Intro

(5:00) - How FSU Can Attack Virginia

(9:27) - Virginia’s Running Game and Offensive Identity

(14:59) - Virginia’s Offensive Line vs. FSU’s Defensive Front

(20:00) - Virginia’s Offensive Playmakers (24:22) - Breaking Down Virginia’s Defense (36:00) - The Importance of Playing a Clean Game

(39:37) - Recruiting and Weekend Visitors (48:35) - Score Predictions and Final Thoughts

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X’s and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.