Dabo Swinney Calls Airplane Banner Aimed at Mike Norvell Shameful

A Banner Above Tallahassee

Clemson earned a 36-24 road win against Florida State on Saturday night in Tallahassee. Before kickoff, a plane flew over Doak Campbell Stadium carrying a banner urging the school to fire Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell. The message misspelled his name as Novell.

Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney spoke about the banner without prompt during his postgame press conference. He called the banner embarrassing, shameful, and disrespectful. Swinney said Bobby Bowden was one of his heroes and defended Norvell as a good man, husband, and father.

Earlier in the week, university president Richard McCullough wrote a letter to supporters. He acknowledged fan frustration but urged people to support the student athletes.

Florida State Struggles Continue

The loss drops Florida State to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in ACC play. The Seminoles are tied with Georgia Tech for last place in the conference. FSU entered the game as a six point favorite, but the program has not defeated Clemson at home since 2014.

Norvell is in his seventh season leading the program. Since winning the ACC championship in 2023, he has a 10-22 record. On Saturday, Florida State trailed 29-10 at the start of the fourth quarter. They cut the lead to one score with five minutes left, but many fans had already left the stadium.

Norvell noted after the game that he understands the frustration and that his players are angry and sad. He added that the team will keep fighting for the program and block out outside noise.

What it means for the next game

Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Boston College Eagles win 52%, Florida State Seminoles win 48%; projected score Boston College Eagles 29, Florida State Seminoles 26. Our safest pick: Florida St +13.5.

Clemson Tigers at Syracuse Orange (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Syracuse Orange win 45%, Clemson Tigers win 55%; projected score Syracuse Orange 25, Clemson Tigers 26. Our safest pick: Clemson +9.5.