Florida State beat Central Arkansas, Mike Norvell’s alma mater, but the win did little to ease pressure on the coach, an SB Nation analysis says. UCA ran 25 more plays and held the ball nearly twice as long; FSU returns to ACC play against Virginia next weekend.
Former Florida State athletic director Michael Alford arranged the game after the school removed Notre Dame from its 2026 schedule, honoring Norvell’s ties to UCA. Norvell played receiver there and is in its athletics Hall of Fame; UCA coach Nathan Brown was his quarterback for two seasons. Norvell’s family also donated funds to have the school’s nutrition center named in his and his wife’s honor.
After the game, Norvell said FSU held UCA to seven points but wanted more offensive opportunities and still had areas to improve. UCA had a 20-play drive, gained seven first downs on FSU penalties, and quarterback Ashton Daniels threw an interception. FSU now begins a three-game stretch as an underdog before its second and final bye; the writer says many, including them, believe a 2–5 start would end Norvell’s tenure.
