On The Bench: An FSU football podcast network

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Football
**On The Bench: An FSU football podcast network**

Come for the Florida State football and recruiting news, stay for the nonsense.

Latest Episodes:

Instant React: Miami 43, FSU 35 Oct 18, 2026

Show notes

FSU at Miami Preview: Key Matchups and Score Predictions Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

Florida State heads to Miami for a rivalry matchup against the undefeated Hurricanes on Saturday at 7:00 p.m..

On this episode of On The Bench, Trey Rowland, Kolby Crawford, and John Evans break down the matchup, including Miami's explosive offense led by quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney, Florida State's defensive struggles, and the challenges Ashton Daniels will face against a talented Hurricanes defensive front.

The crew also discusses the growing frustration surrounding Mike Norvell's tenure, the widening talent gap between the programs, and what another blowout loss could mean for the future of Florida State football.

(0:00) – Intro

(5:30) – Florida State's Offensive Challenges

(8:10) – Breaking Down Miami QB Darian Mensah

(16:00) – The Challenge of Covering Malachi Toney

(25:50) – Miami's Defensive Front vs. FSU's Offensive Line

(31:00) – Miami's Secondary and Ashton Daniels' Opportunities

(34:30) – FSU vs. Miami Score Predictions

(43:00) – Is This the Breaking Point for Mike Norvell?

(46:00) – The Talent Gap and FSU's Recruiting Problems

(49:00) – Florida State's Future and the Need for Change

(54:00) – Final Thoughts and Closing

Blown Out at Louisville and a Super-Dog at Miami Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Florida State's struggles continued Friday night with another road loss, this time at Louisville. On this episode of On The Bench, Chris Nee, John Evans, and Kolby Crawford break down what went wrong against the Cardinals, including FSU's defensive collapse, offensive inconsistencies, and the inability to win away from home.

The crew also looks ahead to rivalry week against Miami, where the Seminoles enter as massive underdogs. Beyond the on-field issues, the discussion turns to growing frustration surrounding Florida State's football program, questions about leadership and investment, and the lack of clarity regarding the future of FSU athletics.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:45) - The Fourth-and-Goal

(6:10) - Searching for Positives in the Loss

(10:55) - Louisville Runs All Over FSU's Defense (13:40) - Previewing the Miami Matchup

(19:00) - Frustration With the Direction of the Program

(25:20) - Silence Surrounding FSU's Athletic Administration

(30:30) - The Standard at Florida State and What Comes Next

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X’s and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Instant React: Louisville 44, FSU 20 Oct 10, 2026

Show notes

Florida State jumped out to a 14-0 lead against Louisville before everything unraveled in a 44-20 road loss. The Seminoles surrendered 397 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. On this instant reaction episode of On The Bench, the crew breaks down FSU's defensive collapse, the offensive execution issues that plagued the Seminoles, and the continued struggles under Mike Norvell. They also discuss Tony White's defensive scheme, ongoing roster concerns, and whether Florida State has answers for the remainder of the season.

(0:00) - Intro
(4:00) - Louisville Exposes FSU's Run Defense
(8:00) - Evaluating Mike Norvell's Offensive Game Plan
(12:00) - Why Does FSU Continue to Struggle on the Road?
(16:00) - Assessing the Coaching Staff
(22:00) - FSU's Standards, Leadership and Administration
(26:00) - Final Thoughts and What's Next for FSU

FSU at Louisville Preview: Can the Seminoles Build on Virginia Win? Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Florida State heads back on the road for a Friday night matchup against Louisville, looking to build on its dominant 38-7 victory over Virginia.

On this episode of On The Bench, Trey Rowland, Chris Nee, John Evans and Kolby Crawford break down the matchup between the Seminoles and Cardinals. The crew examines Louisville's explosive offense, the challenges Jeff Brohm's scheme presents for FSU's defense, and the vulnerabilities in Louisville's struggling secondary.

On the other side of the ball, the guys discuss how Ashton Daniels and Florida State's offense can exploit Louisville's defense, the importance of establishing the run, and the potential impact of the Cardinals' pass rush.

The crew wraps up with keys to the game and score predictions.

(0:00) - Intro

(6:30) - Can FSU Build on Its Win Over Virginia?

(12:30) - Louisville's Dangerous Running Backs

(16:30) - Louisville's Receiving Threats

(18:30) - How FSU Can Slow Down Jeff Brohm's Offense

(23:30) - Breaking Down Louisville's Defense

(30:30) - FSU's Passing Game Against Louisville's Secondary

(41:00) - FSU-Louisville Score Predictions

(48:30) - Final Thoughts and Keys to Victory

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Breaking Down FSU’s Blowout of Virginia and Looking Ahead to Louisville Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Florida State responded in a major way Saturday, overcoming a slow start before scoring 38 unanswered points in a blowout of Virginia. On this episode of On The Bench, the guys discuss Mike Norvell's comments following the win, whether Saturday's performance can become a turning point for the Seminoles, and what stood out on both sides of the ball.

The discussion dives into FSU's dominant defensive performance, including 10 sacks and major improvement from the linebackers, while also breaking down Ashton Daniels, the Seminoles' playmakers and an efficient offensive attack. The guys then turn their attention to Friday night's road matchup against Louisville and what FSU must do to show the Virginia performance wasn't a one-off. Plus, they wrap up with recruiting notes following a productive visitor weekend in Tallahassee.

(0:00) - Intro
(4:43) - Breaking Down FSU's 38-7 Win Over Virginia
(7:54) - Defensive Adjustments & a Dominant Pass Rush
(13:41) - Breaking Down Florida State's Offense
(19:20) - Ashton Daniels and FSU's Offensive Playmakers
(26:14) - Can Florida State Finally Find Consistency?
(29:31) - Early Look at Louisville
(34:58) - Recruiting Notes From the Virginia Weekend
(41:32) - Final Thoughts Before Turning to Louisville

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Instant React: Florida State Steamrolls Virginia 38-7 Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

Florida State delivered its most complete performance of the season, dominating Virginia for a 38-7 win. The guys break down FSU’s offensive production and the performance of a defensive front that produced 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. They also discuss what this win says about Mike Norvell’s team, and the bigger question facing Florida State: can the Seminoles build on this performance on a short week at Louisville?

(0:00) - Intro
(5:05) - FSU Finally Puts Everything Together
(8:12) - Ashton Daniels’ Day & FSU’s Offense
(16:59) - Florida State’s Defense Dominates With 10 Sacks
(21:12) - What Does This Win Mean for Mike Norvell?
(30:01) - Final Takeaways From FSU’s Dominant Win

FSU vs. UVA preview: What the 'Noles need to do to win, key matchups, and score predictions Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Florida State is back at home for the second straight weekend for a pivotal matchup against Virginia. The On The Bench crew breaks down Virginia’s veteran offensive line, physical rushing attack and efficient offense, while examining how FSU can create explosive plays and take advantage of opportunities against the Cavaliers’ defense.

The guys discuss the importance of establishing the run with Ousmane Kromah, getting Ashton Daniels involved on the ground, and forcing Virginia out of its preferred game script. They also dive into FSU’s defensive concerns, recruiting ramifications surrounding the program, visitors expected in Tallahassee and how another loss could impact the Seminoles’ class. The episode closes with score predictions.

(0:00) - Intro

(5:00) - How FSU Can Attack Virginia

(9:27) - Virginia’s Running Game and Offensive Identity

(14:59) - Virginia’s Offensive Line vs. FSU’s Defensive Front

(20:00) - Virginia’s Offensive Playmakers (24:22) - Breaking Down Virginia’s Defense (36:00) - The Importance of Playing a Clean Game

(39:37) - Recruiting and Weekend Visitors (48:35) - Score Predictions and Final Thoughts

You can subscribe to On The Bench, X’s and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated!

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Reviewing FSU’s Win Over Central Arkansas, Previewing Virginia and a Crucial October Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Florida State improved to 2-2 with a 34-7 win over Central Arkansas this past Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium. The On The Bench crew breaks down the performance against the Bears, the defense's struggles getting off the field, and which younger players made the most of their opportunities.

The guys turn their attention to Virginia as the Seminoles prepare to begin a critical stretch of ACC play. We break down the Cavaliers' experienced offense, rushing attack, and the matchups that could decide Saturday's game. We also discuss what the upcoming month could mean for Mike Norvell's future and the ongoing athletic director search.

(0:00) - Intro
(5:01) - Did FSU Do Enough Against UCA?
(10:00) - Players Who Stood Out Against Central Arkansas
(15:46) - Turning the Page to Virginia
(17:24) - Breaking Down Virginia's Offense
(21:55) - How FSU's Offense Matches Up With Virginia
(27:01) - The Biggest Concern for FSU Against Virginia
(31:00) - A Crucial October Begins for Florida State
(35:59) - FSU's Athletic Director and Coaching Timeline
(41:59) - Recruiting Update

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Instant React: FSU 34, Central Arkansas 7 Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

Florida State improved to 2-2 with a 34-7 win over Central Arkansas on Saturday afternoon at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles gained 417 total yards and allowed 248. Offensively, FSU had 238 passing yards and 179 rushing yards. UCA threw for 138 yards and ran for 110 yards.

Ashton Daniels was 12-18 for 224 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Jayvan Boggs had six catches for 122 yards and one touchdown. Ousmane Kromah ran for 86 yards and two touchdowns on 11 attempts.

The X's and Noles crew provides their instant thoughts on Florida State's win over Central Arkansas.

(0:00) - Intro
(1:43) - Concerns With FSU’s Defensive Performance
(5:13) - Bigger-Picture Thoughts on Mike Norvell and FSU
(7:08) - Backup Quarterback Debate: Sperry vs. Marshall
(10:16) - Breaking Down FSU’s Offensive Performance
(12:47) - Defensive Struggles and Communication Issues
(16:01) - Positives From the Win
(19:14) - Looking Ahead to a Pivotal Virginia Game

Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

On The Bench: An FSU football podcast network

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected