TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State coach Mike Norvell is facing renewed scrutiny after the Seminoles dropped a 27-24 decision to SMU on Monday night, a loss that came despite forcing four turnovers and that intensified pressure already building after back-to-back losing seasons.

The game was delayed by a nearly two-hour power outage before Florida State finally took the field. Once play began, Florida State created the takeaways it believed would be a key factor, but Norvell said the Seminoles failed to capitalize.

“We were able to create takeaways it’s something we knew going into the game it was gonna be a big factor. unfortunately we only had seven points off takeaways which you knowwhen you get four turnovers, you need to be able to put points on the board in those situations,” Norvell said.

Florida State remained in position to win until the final moments. SMU broke a 24-all tie with a field goal with 21 seconds left, handing the Seminoles their first loss of the season.

“We’re devastated in the locker room. We know that’s a game that we should have won. And we had many, many opportunities to win. And that hurts,” Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels said.

The missed opportunities extended beyond the offense. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards, and Norvell described a 50-yard touchdown on the Mustangs’ opening drive as a “total bust in coverage.”

Florida State linebacker Omar Graham Jr. pointed to execution on the field.

“The coachesthey prepare us well. They put us in the right situations, the right calls. We just gotta go out there and do our job, honestly. So that falls on us,” Graham said.

Outside the locker room, criticism centered on Norvell. Social media included calls for his firing, and fans booed inside Doak Campbell Stadium as Florida State struggled in the fourth quarter. Some fans also chanted “Fire Norvell” as they left the stadium.

According to The Athletic, Norvell entered the season with his coaching seat rated “hot.” The Athletic also reported that firing him would be costly, putting his current buyout in the $45 million range, subject to offset.

Norvell acknowledged the reaction from the stands.

“You notice it But at the end of the day, there’s always going to be outside perspective. If you don’t want to get booed, continue to play, continue to work and play better,” he said.

The loss sends Florida State into its bye week with questions lingering about how quickly the program can turn things around.