Even though Florida State was off last weekend, it was a very fortuitous bye week for the Seminoles.FSU (2-0) rose three spots to No. 7 in this week’s AP poll while sitting at home.The Seminoles return to action Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla., when they close out nonconference play for now against Kent State (1-2).While the Golden Flashes have lost their last 24 games against FBS opponents, FSU head coach Mike Norvell has seen some significant improvements early this season under Kent State interim coach Mark Carney, who nearly snapped that drought Saturday.”They’ve had a challenging offseason. The interim head coach, I think, is doing a remarkable job,” Norvell said. “… It’s a team that’s getting better.”The bye gave the Seminoles a week to rest before a stretch of five straight games starting this week.Although it’s still early in the season, the Seminoles’ dominant win over Alabama and 77-3 waxing of FCS foe East Texas A&M have FSU measuring up well nationally on both sides of the ball.FSU is tied for third nationally in points per game (54), ninth in yards per game (555.5) and tied for 14th in scoring defense (10 points per game).In just two games this season, the Seminoles already have nine rushing touchdowns, surpassing the eight they scored in 12 games last season. With 591 rushing yards, they are well on their way to surpassing the 1,079 yards they accumulated as a team in 2024. Six different players have rushed for a touchdown, Gavin Sawchuk leading the way with three.Norvell provided an update on linebacker Ethan Pritchard, who’s been hospitalized since being shot on Aug. 31 while leaving a family gathering. He said Pritchard, who has been sedated while in critical but stable condition, opened his eyes for the first time Sunday.”There has been progress,” Norvell said. “… It was something that was emotional for everybody. It’s still a long process moving forward, but it puts all things in perspective, the appreciation of a blink.”