Mike Norvell and Florida State got a taste of the big time last season. The Seminoles are not about to let that slip away this fall. “It sets the stage and opportunity for us to continue to push and continue to elevate this program to ultimately where it deserves to be,” Norvell said after leading Florida State to its first Atlantic Coast Conference title in nine years last season.
“That's among the nation's elite, when you look across the course of college football." That wasn't everyone's opinion with the undefeated ACC champions getting snubbed by the College Football Playoff due in large part to an injury to starting quarterback Jordan Travis. The season ended with a a 63-3 bashing by equally passed over Georgia in the Orange Bowl with the Seminoles hurting from injuries and opt-outs.
No matter, Norvell said. His 10th-ranked team, picked to defend its ACC title this season, wants to leave no doubt they belong with the game's very best. “At the end of the day, a lot of people from the outside might have a perspective of who is great, who is the greatest,” said the fifth-year coach.
“For us, let's control the things that we can control. Let's go out there and be the best that we can be.” It won't be easy with the talent Florida State lost on offense, including Travis, receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Davis, tight end Jaheim Bell and tailback Trey Benson.
But Norvell believes he's got plenty of skilled players, led by former Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei.