Florida State faced a significant setback with the loss of quarterback Jordan Travis to injury. The challenges for the Seminoles, however, have intensified as they now grapple with additional quarterback issues, with backup Tate Rodemaker’s availability for the game yet to be determined.
Should FSU manage to secure a victory, it would mark the team’s initial ACC Championship triumph and potentially open the door for a College Football Playoff appearance, a prospect not realized since 2014.
The status of Tate Rodemaker remains uncertain as the game’s kickoff approaches. No specific timeline has been publicly revealed for his complete recovery. Rodemaker sustained a head injury during the team’s last regular-season game in 2023, a 24-15 win over Florida. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter after a late hit to the head during a scrambling attempt. While Rodemaker briefly left the game, he returned for the final three kneel-downs on FSU’s last possession.
On Friday, FSU head coach Mike Norvell mentioned that Rodemaker had passed initial testing on the field Saturday but began experiencing symptoms on Sunday. Norvell emphasized the necessary process and benchmarks to assess Rodemaker’s condition leading up to the game, expressing readiness from the team’s other quarterbacks.
In the event that Rodemaker is unable to start against the Cardinals, freshman Brock Glenn is slated to take his place. Glenn has been the primary recipient of practice reps throughout the week. He gained some live experience against North Alabama when FSU held a significant lead, completing 2 of 3 passes for 35 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown. Glenn also made a brief appearance against Florida after Rodemaker’s injury, attempting one incomplete pass.
Rodemaker’s statistics from the 2023 season reveal that most of his contributions came in relief appearances. While he has performed adequately when called upon, he has yet to deliver a standout performance of his own.
| Game | Comp | Att | Pass Yds | TD | INT |
| at Florida | 12 | 25 | 134 | 0 | 0 |
| vs. UNA | 13 | 23 | 217 | 2 | 0 |
| at Pittsburgh | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| at Wake Forest | 1 | 1 | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| vs. Syracuse | 2 | 2 | 60 | 1 | 0 |
| vs. Virginia Tech | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| vs. Southern Miss | 3 | 3 | 73 | 2 | 0 |
| Season total | 32 | 56 | 510 | 5 | 0 |
