Florida State coach Mike Norvell did get a chance this week to address the overtime controversy that followed the Seminoles’ loss to Miami, but the bigger issue around ACC officiating still hangs over the conference.
At his first press conference of the week, Norvell said he had spoken with Gary Patterson, the ACC’s supervisor of officials, about the two calls in overtime that helped turn the game. Norvell described Patterson’s handling of the conversation as “respectful manner”.
Those calls are still the ones Florida State fans can’t shake. In Week 7, the Seminoles dropped a heartbreaker in overtime after battling what looked like perhaps the strongest team in the country.
A touchdown from Duce Robinson was wiped away when a holding penalty erased the play before it, even though no hold appeared to be there. Then the next snap produced the other flashpoint: what looked like a clear touchdown turned into an interception after the defender wrestled for the ball.
Norvell had already said in his first press conference after the game that he had contacted the ACC about the overtime sequence. This week’s update at least confirmed he had a direct conversation with Patterson, but that doesn’t resolve the larger concern: ACC crews have been under fire all season for game-changing mistakes.
Florida State is hardly alone in that frustration.
Duke got burned by an ugly roughing the passer call against Georgia Tech when Tyshon Reed Jr. was flagged after a routine hit on the quarterback. Georgia Tech then scored a touchdown later in that drive and went on to win 28-25.
“The worst roughing the passer call of the year. https://t.co/Ae3zwXDWfE pic.twitter.com/CLXvparUA6
- JMann_ (@JMannsTakes) October 10, 2026
Boston College also found itself on the wrong end of a head-scratching pass interference flag against Georgia Tech. Marcus Upton was penalized on a ball that neither player had a real shot at catching, with the receiver falling backward into him before hitting the ground. The call gave Georgia Tech a fresh set of downs, though Boston College limited the damage to a field goal and still won comfortably.
“Just an absurd PI call on Marcus Upton late in the 2nd.
ACC should be embarrassed by this officiating crew (both ways). @ACCFootball @newftbj @BCEagleAction pic.twitter.com/vNDvZ1r7Ss
- Kevin J. Stone (@kstone06) October 24, 2026”
For Florida State, the only path now is to move on from the blown calls and leave the Miami loss behind. The conference’s officiating problems have been piling up, and the overtime drama in Florida State’s game only threw more fuel on the fire. With the conversation between Norvell and Patterson remaining confidential, there’s little indication the ACC is prepared to publicly answer for the mistakes that have shaped so many games this season.
In Other News...
Mike Norvells Future Just Got A New Twist Florida State Fans Need
Several Power Four programs have already reshuffled their coaching staffs during the 2026 season, with Maryland, NC State and Baylor among the schools making changes, and Oregon also moving on from offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer. For Florida State, those openings matter because they only add more noise around Mike Norvell, who remains under scrutiny as the Seminoles continue to search for steadier results and a clearer direction.
Norvell is still guiding Florida State through the season, but the uncertainty around his tenure has not gone away, and the latest movement elsewhere only feeds the speculation. Oregons offensive coordinator vacancy is one more job to watch in a coaching market that keeps shifting, and for Seminoles fans, it leaves Norvells future in the middle of a conversation that is far from settled. [Read more 🡒]
FSU Found One Bright Spot In 2026 But A Costly Flaw Remains
For a Florida State team still searching for consistency in 2026, special teams has quietly been one of the steadier parts of the operation. Placekicker Gabe Panikowski has graded out well nationally, giving the Seminoles a reliable leg in a season where dependable execution matters, while linebacker AJ Cottrill and tight end Chase Loftin have chipped in to help make that phase of the game a real asset.
The one area not matching that standard is punting, and it has been hard to ignore. Daniel Hughes has lagged near the bottom in hang time among ACC and Power 4 players, leaving Florida State with a hidden problem in a spot that can swing field position and cover for mistakes elsewhere. It is a sharp contrast inside the same unit, and one the Seminoles will need to address if they want their special teams to stay a strength rather than a split decision. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Still Waiting On A Defensive Boost Before Clemson
Florida States defense is still working through its depth chart in the week leading up to Clemson, with Mike Norvell offering a mixed update after practice. Senior linebacker Blake Nichelson has been out since the season opener, but Norvell said he is progressing while also suggesting this matchup comes too soon for a return. He has not been ruled out for the rest of the season, which at least keeps the door open for the Seminoles as they navigate the stretch run.
There is better news on the back end, where defensive back Jordan Crutchfield is expected to be available against Clemson after a season slowed by injuries. For a Florida State defense trying to get healthier at the right time, having one potential contributor closer to game-ready matters even if another remains on the sideline. The Seminoles are still waiting for the full boost they were hoping for, and the timing of that recovery will matter with a tough test ahead. [Read more 🡒]