Florida State University (FSU) head coach Mike Norvell didn’t hold back his frustration following a tough 35-18 loss to Virginia State University (VSU), blaming controversial officiating for several key moments that he believes swayed the outcome. The heated Division II HBCU football matchup, played at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick, Virginia, was a pivotal contest within the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), but it wasn’t just the scoreboard that left Norvell upset—it was the refereeing.
Throughout the game, a number of calls—or non-calls—appeared to frustrate the FSU sideline. In the post-game press conference, Norvell didn’t mince words, citing several officiating decisions that he felt unfairly impacted the Broncos’ chances. “We had some key moments where calls didn’t go our way, and it’s frustrating when that happens,” Norvell said. “Our guys worked hard all week and battled today, but it’s tough when we’re dealing with questionable calls that change the momentum.”
One of the most disputed moments occurred during the second quarter when a potential pass interference penalty was not called against VSU’s defense, halting what could have been a game-changing drive for Fayetteville State. Instead of continuing downfield, the Broncos were forced to punt, giving VSU control of the game’s pace.
Another contentious moment came in the third quarter, when FSU’s defense appeared to force a fumble that was initially ruled in their favor. However, after a lengthy review, the officials overturned the call, allowing VSU to retain possession and eventually score a critical touchdown that extended their lead.
“That fumble should have been ours. No doubt in my mind. The momentum swings in games like this, and when you get a call like that reversed, it hurts,” Norvell remarked. “We pride ourselves on playing disciplined football, but when things like this happen, it’s difficult to overcome.”
Despite his frustrations, Norvell praised his team’s effort, particularly the performance of quarterback Joe Owens Jr. and wide receiver Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah, who connected on a 19-yard touchdown in the first quarter. However, he emphasized that the Broncos struggled to regain control after key moments were affected by officiating decisions.
While the loss drops Fayetteville State to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in CIAA play, Norvell’s comments underscore the larger debate over the role of officiating in close contests. “We’re not looking for excuses, but we want a fair game,” Norvell stated. “These players deserve that.”
As the CIAA season progresses, Fayetteville State will need to regroup quickly, but the controversy surrounding this game will likely linger. Norvell and the Broncos will aim to move past the defeat while hoping for more consistent officiating in future matchups. Meanwhile, VSU’s victory solidifies their standing as one of the top teams in the CIAA, but it’s clear that the fallout from the officiating debate may overshadow the on-field performance
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