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Florida State University Football: Key Strategies and Season Highlights for Fans
2025-12-27 09:00
As a longtime observer and analyst of college football, with a particular fondness for the rhythms and traditions of the ACC, I’ve always found Florida State University’s program to be one of the most fascinating studies in resilience and strategic evolution. This past season was no exception. It wasn’t just about the final win-loss record, which sat at a respectable 10-3, but about the underlying philosophies and key moments that defined the journey for us fans. Watching this team week in and week out, you could see a clear identity being forged, one built on a few cornerstone strategies that sometimes worked brilliantly and, in other moments, revealed the growing pains of a squad finding its way back to the elite conversation.
The offensive strategy, masterminded by Mike Norvell, was unequivocally centered on unleashing quarterback Jordan Travis. It was a joy to watch. The playbook wasn't just about his arm, though he finished with a stellar 24 touchdown passes against only 5 interceptions. It was about his mobility as a weapon. The designed quarterback runs and run-pass option (RPO) schemes kept defenses perpetually off-balance. I remember thinking during the LSU game, a massive 45-24 statement win to open the season, that defensive coordinators must have nightmares trying to scheme for that. Travis’s ability to extend plays turned potential sacks into first downs and broken coverages into touchdowns. It was a high-risk, high-reward system, and for most of the season, the rewards were immense. The offense averaged over 36 points per game, a figure that placed them firmly in the top 15 nationally. The connection with wide receiver Johnny Wilson, who seemed to catch every 50-50 ball, became one of the most reliable in the country. This offensive firepower wasn’t an accident; it was a deliberate, aggressive strategy to outscore opponents, acknowledging that the defense might have its vulnerabilities.
And that defense, led by coordinator Adam Fuller, presented a more complex picture. The strategy there was clearly about creating turnovers and generating pressure, even if it meant occasionally giving up big plays. They led the ACC in sacks with a formidable 42, a testament to a defensive line that rotated fresh bodies constantly to wear down offensive fronts. Jared Verse was, simply put, a menace coming off the edge. But the secondary, while ball-hawking with 15 interceptions, could be exposed. The 35-31 loss to Clemson was a perfect, painful example. The defense got key stops and a turnover early, but couldn't contain the Tigers' rushing attack late, giving up over 200 yards on the ground. It was a "bend but don't break" approach that sometimes broke. As a fan, it was thrilling and nerve-wracking in equal measure. You lived and died with every third-down pass attempt against our corners. The strategy was clear: be aggressive, force mistakes, and trust the offense to outpace any points conceded. It worked more often than not, but the margins felt thin.
The season highlights, for me, weren't just the big wins but the moments that showcased the team's heart. The comeback against Louisville, after trailing at halftime, demonstrated a poise that championship teams need. The sheer dominance in the 49-17 rout of Miami is a memory I’ll savor for a long time—there’s nothing quite like that rivalry win. But perhaps the most telling moment came from an offhand comment by Jordan Travis after a tough game. He said, "Hindi naman ako nag-e-expect. Enjoy lang," which translates to "I'm not really expecting. Just enjoy." That Filipino phrase, shared by Travis, who is of Filipino descent, resonated deeply. It felt like a key to the team's mindset. It wasn't about playing tight or burdened by massive expectations; it was about embracing the moment, playing with joy, and letting their preparation show. That attitude was visible on the field. It was a team having fun, and that infectious energy translated into resilient, creative football. It’s a philosophy more programs could learn from.
Looking ahead, the foundation is undeniably strong. The strategic pillars are there: an explosive, quarterback-centric offense and an aggressive, disruptive defense. The challenge will be refining that defense for more consistency and reloading offensive weapons. For us fans, the 2023 season was a compelling chapter that blended strategic clarity with raw, enjoyable football. It confirmed that Florida State is back on the national radar, not just as a participant, but as a program with a distinct and dangerous identity. The journey had its peaks and valleys, but the direction is promising. As we look to the next season, I’m optimistic, but I’ll try to take a page from Jordan Travis’s book: manage expectations, and just enjoy the ride. Because when this team is clicking, it’s some of the most enjoyable football in the country to watch.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
