Mike Norvell previews Clemson, praises Will Shipley.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell realizes what's at stake on Saturday at noon in Death Valley. The Seminoles (3-0, 1-0 ACC) have a chance to seize control of the conference not just for this year, but for the foreseeable future. He also has presented a calm and confident demeanor, something that's reflected in his team.
Norvell caught up with the media this week and shared his take on what Clemson has done so far this year and what he expects to see from the Tigers on Saturday.
Seminoles.com
"It’s a talented team," said Norvell. "You look at their offense, you’ve got a new offensive coordinator - really sharp - knows how to put his guys in position to make plays. The versatility of [Will] Shipley is what makes him special. He can catch the ball. He can run the ball. He’s tough. He’s physical. We’ve seen him firsthand the last couple of years, really been an X factor in our game. So we know that we’re going to have to gear up. We’ve got to control him. The other back, Phil, he is really talented as well. Big, strong, tough-nosed running backs, but if they get in the open field, they’ve got the speed to take it the distance. They’re an experienced offensive line. Cade is a really talented quarterback. He can locate the ball. He can make every throw. He’s probably more athletic than people give him credit for, just what he can do, just extending plays, being able to move. You can see the growth in the receiving corps. It’s going to be a great challenge for us."
Like Swinney, Norvell pointed to turnovers as Clemson's biggest issue so far this year but acknowledged that the Tigers have done a better job as of late.
"Obviously you look at some of the early, probably the first six quarters of the season, they had some uncharacteristic turnovers. I think they turned the ball over three times within the 10-yard line or coming out with no points in those situations, had an early turnover in the first quarter. I think he threw a pick-six. Then since that, the last six quarters of football, they played at a very high level. So you could see that all that — kind of coming into play for them. So it’s going to be a great challenge, but I know our guys are excited about it and looking forward to a wonderful week of work and get a chance to go play there on Saturday."
How to Watch FSU at Clemson
- Who's playing: Florida State (3-0) at Clemson (2-1)
- Gameday: Saturday, September 23rd
- Game time: 12:00 pm ET
- TV: ABC
- Location: Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC)
- Stream on ESPN - HERE
- Commentators: Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath
- Listen: ClemsonTigers.com
