Florida State HC not placing all the blame on QB DJ Uiagalelei

Florida State is 0-2 with losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College.

The quarterback FSU brought in to replace Heisman candidate Jordan Travis, DJ Uiagalelei, has been uninspiring — to say the least.

Not surprisingly, Florida State's offense has been listless as well.

Uiagalelei has completed just 40 of 69 passes for 465 yards, one touchdown and one interception while FSU's offense has put up just 34 points through the two games. It totaled 291 yards of total offense against GT and 296 against BC.

Speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Mike Norvell didn't place blame squarely on his quarterback's shoulders.

“I’m not gonna get into specifics but there have been issues,” Norvell said (h/t On3). “I say ‘issues’ it’s not pointing to one person, to one group. I think that we have to be more consistent overall as an offense, and there’s been times where obviously he’s been on point or maybe we’re a couple of yards too deep on route depth or maybe there’s a protection issue. There’s different elements.”

While the players around Uiagalelei have to step up, Norvell didn't shy away from calling him out as well. After all, he's a fifth-year quarterback with experience at both Clemson and Oregon State. 

"There’s been a few missed throws that he’s had whether that was due to a drop or a progression," Norvell said. "I think those are all opportunities for us to get better."

Ultimately, the head coach feels his quarterback has the right mindset to help FSU pull out of this funk, and that much is needed. From a potential College Football Playoff team to a team that looks like it may not become bowl-eligible in two weeks, the Seminoles can use every bit of leadership they can get out of Uiagalelei.

"I’ve really liked his mindset and his approach," Norvell said. "He’s got a lot of experience and he understands how to play the game. He understands how to respond to good and obviously to responding to some of the challenges that showed up."

Up next for Florida State is 2-0 Memphis.