TALLAHASSEE -- With Florida State's season in a tailspin, Mike Norvell has deflected questions about making changes.
When asked about inconsistent quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, Norvell said: "It's been a challenging start for everybody. It takes 11, and we all have a job."
He offered his most terse criticism for perimeter blocking, ripping receivers for not helping to turn short rushes or receptions into chunk plays. "It was awful," Norvell said of his 0-3 team. "There's no easy way to put that."
Norvell's depth chart reflected no changes ahead of Saturday's game against California (3-0). But there should be moves.
No position group on offense played well in the loss to Memphis. But the offensive line was destined to be shaky when right tackle Jeremiah Byers was declared out, while left tackle Darius Washington was quickly replaced after warming up with the first-teamers.
Washington's return against Cal will solidify a pressing concern. But there is also a need for personnel changes, and it should start with redshirt freshman Andre' Otto stepping in to start either in place of left guard Richie Leonard or right guard Keiondre Jones. Otto has shown consistent physicality and has earned a starting role.
While not as far along as Otto, redshirt freshman Lucas Simmons also needs opportunities and should earn a few drives at tackle. He's not nearly polished enough to match up against some of the ACC's top edge rushers. But he could get reps on the right side, for example, and FSU could slide a tight end over to help if needed.
If the offensive line stability is restored, giving a decent foundation for a younger quarterback, there's no reason redshirt freshman Brock Glenn shouldn't start. He processes plays faster, is decisive and is athletic, with the ability to run to buy time to find receivers downfield.
Inserting Glenn as the starter won't directly translate to a win, but the offense could be more efficient -- because it can't get much worse. Uiagalelei is completing a career-low 56.6% of his passes with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.
Uiagalelei was perceived as a bridge quarterback, buying time for FSU's coaches to develop Glenn and true freshmen Luke Kromenhoek and Orlando native Trever Jackson. The bridge isn't stable when the offense is averaging 15.3 points per game (124th among 134 FBS teams), the lowest among Power 4 schools.
If the development plan was to use Glenn late in games when FSU was ahead, well, the Seminoles can't win games, let alone grab a lead. Glenn needs to start now.
Through three games, the issues on offense appear systemic. The Seminoles can't block or run well enough, catch passes consistently (or block on the perimeter) and the offense is dysfunctional. FSU's defense made modest strides in stopping the run and pressuring the passer, albeit against a less-experienced Memphis offensive line.
Mathematically, FSU needs to go 6-3 the rest of the way to be bowl-eligible. Considering there are games ahead with ranked opponents such as No. 8 Miami, No. 17 Notre Dame and No. 21 Clemson, there is no margin for error.
Why even make this a topic in mid-September with an 0-3 team? Perception is one, considering FSU's preseason ranking in the top 10. However, player development also is important: If FSU doesn't make a bowl game, the coaches lose on-field time in December to prepare for the 2025 season.