Is the future now for Florida State football? With starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei suffering a finger injury during Saturday night’s game against SMU, the Seminoles will likely turn to freshman Brock Glenn as they prepare to face Clemson. Glenn stepped in to replace Uiagalelei after the injury, though head coach Mike Norvell indicated that the switch was already planned regardless of the quarterback’s injury. This move comes after growing calls from fans for Glenn to take over the starting role since the Boston College game earlier this season. Even I was among those calling for a change after that game. However, Norvell had consistently maintained that Uiagalelei gave Florida State the best chance to win.
Unfortunately, the Seminoles’ offensive struggles have continued, with the team failing to score more than 14 points in any game since their season opener against Georgia Tech. Although I initially supported the idea of giving Glenn the starting job, I argued that it might be best to wait until after the Clemson game to make the transition. With Uiagalelei now sidelined, that plan seems out of the question, and it’s officially next man up for the Seminoles.
One silver lining for FSU is that the Clemson game will be played at home. Glenn, while inexperienced, has faced top-tier defenses before—most notably in the Orange Bowl last December, where he played against a formidable Georgia Bulldogs defense. My primary concern for this game is Glenn’s health, particularly with a bye week on the horizon. Escaping the Clemson matchup without injury would allow Glenn to get valuable reps and build confidence heading into the second half of the season, which features a more manageable slate of defenses.
While Miami and Notre Dame both have respectable defenses, the challenges they present aren’t quite on the same level as Clemson’s. If Brock Glenn can get through the Clemson game, the remaining schedule will provide him with the opportunity to develop as FSU’s potential future quarterback. For Mike Norvell, these upcoming games will offer a chance to evaluate Glenn’s potential and determine if he has the upside to lead the Seminoles into the 2025 season.
Sources: Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei is undergoing testing to figure out options for a broken finger on his throwing hand, which he suffered against SMU. He’s expected to miss the next few weeks, but a clear timeline will come with further evaluation. pic.twitter.com/mk7TNOEV2r
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 30, 2024
It’s important that fans keep their expectations in check for Saturday’s game and don’t rush to criticize Glenn if things don’t go smoothly. Clemson boasts the best defense Florida State will have faced this season by a wide margin. It’s crucial to remember that Glenn is still a freshman being thrust into a high-pressure situation. As much as anything can happen in college football—just look at Miami’s freshman quarterback Emory Williams, who led his team to a victory over Clemson last season—it’s important for fans to temper their expectations.
This is the moment many have been asking for, with Glenn finally getting his chance to prove himself. Now, it’s time for Seminoles fans to rally around him, regardless of the outcome. The focus should be on Glenn’s development and what he can bring to the table in the future, rather than expecting an immediate turnaround against a tough Clemson defense.
Saturday’s game may not be a must-win for FSU, but it is an important step in shaping the team’s future, especially with Brock Glenn under center. As the Seminoles look to the future, this is a time to show support and patience, giving Glenn the opportunity to grow into the role he’s been given.
