Rick Stockstill’s first message as Florida State’s interim coach wasn’t really about X’s and O’s. It was about keeping the fan base from drifting any farther away.
Stockstill stepped in after Mike Norvell was fired Sunday, a move that came on the heels of Saturday night’s 36-24 loss to Clemson. Norvell finished his run at Florida State with a 41-39 record over seven seasons, and the Seminoles are sitting at 3-5.
When Stockstill met with the media Monday for the first time, he asked supporters to hang on.
“You became a fan of Florida State because you love Florida State,” said Stockstill. “Don't let a bad game or a bad year or two bad years, don't let that steal your love and joy and passion for Florida State.
Don't give up. Stay loyal to Florida State.
”
That plea lands after a rough stretch that wore thin on the fan base. Over the last two and a half seasons under Norvell, Florida State went 10-23 overall and 4-17 in ACC play, and the frustration spilled from the stadium into social media.
The on-field results never matched the language coming out of the program. Through fall camp, practices and game weeks, the buzzwords were growth and execution. On Saturdays, those ideas rarely showed up the way Florida State wanted.
Stockstill also made one thing clear: he is not taking over the offense. Offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. will handle the play-calling duties.
“I talked to Tim yesterday,” said Stockstill. “And Tim (Harris) will be the play caller.
I'm not a micromanager. I haven't been in those offensive meetings, so it would be unfair for those offensive coaches for me to jump in here and do this or do that.
So, I've got a lot of faith and trust in Tim and the offensive guys on that staff.”
That opens the door for a different look on offense, especially with receivers Duce Robinson and Michai Danzy. Both were described as underused during Norvell’s tenure.
Robinson brings a 6-foot-6 frame and the kind of size that can win contested catches against smaller defenders. Danzy, meanwhile, has elite track speed and should be one of the fastest players on the field every week.
For Stockstill, though, the immediate task is bigger than schematic tweaks. His job this week is to get the team ready for Saturday’s road game at Boston College, where the Eagles are 4-4.
Boston College is coming off a 47-2 loss to Duke, and in each of its four defeats this season, it has not scored more than 16 points.
Florida State has controlled this matchup for a long time, holding a 15-6 edge over the Eagles. The Seminoles have won 12 of the last 14 meetings, including three straight in Chestnut Hill.
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