Florida State, Charleston Southern push for positives in forgettable season

As they draw toward what is already one of the worst seasons in program history, Florida State isn't done yet as the Seminoles host Charleston Southern on Saturday afternoon in Tallahassee, Fla.

The Seminoles (1-9) have lost six in a row and one more loss would match their worst record after 11 games since going 1-10 in 1974. Florida State's worst record ever was a winless 0-11 season in 1973.

"What they've been able to do this year obviously as a football team, our performance is nowhere near what any of us expect or what we desire," Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. "So we go back and evaluate where our potential disconnects, where can we have maybe a bigger point of emphasis to get the

desired result that we want, and that comes in every area."

A loss to a struggling FCS program in Charleston Southern (1-10) could make things even worse for Florida State. During the bye week following a dismal 52-3 loss at Notre Dame, the Seminoles made sweeping changes to Norvell's staff, releasing offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and longtime receivers coach Ron Dugans.

FSU just had its worst season in conference play since joining the ACC, going 1-7. After hosting the Buccaneers, the Seminoles close out the season at home against rival Florida.

"I thought the guys have handled the changes, some of the changes there just around the program. I think guys have handled it really well," Norvell said. "Obviously, everybody has feelings about that, coaches, players, all of us, just anytime you do have change, but I thought they did an outstanding job of coming in, focusing on the moment, continuing to push and work, and just looking to play our best game here this week and going to be able to put that on display."

The Bucs are coming off a deflating 16-13 overtime loss to Eastern Illinois despite their defense recording a season-high seven sacks. It clinched Charleston Southern its first winless season in Big South/Ohio Valley Conference play since 2011.

The Bucs also had a pair of interceptions by Leon Thomas and Ja'Kobe North while Dylan Manuel had a sack and recovered a fumble which was forced by Darrius Bell, who also had a sack.

"Our guys, this season, they have fought and have bled and given us everything we could ask for," Charleston Southern coach Gabe Giardina said. "I feel bad for them because this is a difficult way to lose."

--Field Level Media