Florida State HC Mike Norvell Says Team is Getting in 'A Great Spot' for Miami Game

No. 4 Florida State is set to host the Miami Hurricanes this Saturday for their first instate rivalry of the 2023 Season. The annual rivalry against the Hurricanes has been circled on every Seminole calendar since last year's 45-3 rout over the 'Canes.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles are currently sitting at the top of the ACC and have secured their spot in the conference championship game. A win against Miami would only help solidify their spot in the College Football Playoffs.

Norvell met with the media after Wednesday's practice and was pleased with the effort and energy that the team brought and said that they are in a good spot for game week.

"Overall, I thought it was a good day," Norvell said. "We saw guys getting a lot of good work, continuing to compete, push themselves, and get in a great spot for game week. We have two more days leading up to Saturday, so we need to continue growing and cleaning up our mistakes."

Multiple players on the FSU roster are from Miami or grew up close by, and the intensity of one of college football's greatest rivalries is not lost on them. A lot of the players from both teams were either teammates or grew up playing against each other in South Florida. With the familiarity of the history and the chance for bragging rights over the state of Florida, emotions can run high as the 3:30 p.m. kick-off inches closer to reality. Norvell said that the need to control those emotions is not only important but essential.

"Controlling emotions in such an emotional game is essential. We prepare emotionally every day, pushing the players to be in control and apply the finest details in the heat of the moment," Norvell said. "Running out of the tunnel is a unique experience, and we simulate it as best as possible during practice to prepare for the intensity of the game. Rivalry games like this are always important, and our players understand the significance of this matchup and the history it carries."

If you look at the history of just Norvell's tenure as head coach against Miami it parallels the climb Florida State has been on since he took over in 2020. Florida State lost big that year to the Hurricanes 52-10 and then won by a little in 2021, before blowing them out last season. From the outside looking in, the hard work and dedication started to pay off and the significance of that victory can't be understated.

"It helped a lot of guys. I think it was one of those emotional days, and they had the opportunity to be in the game. I thought they controlled their emotions and responded well. We started the game on a positive note," Norvell said of the 2021 matchup. "While there were some expected challenges, our guys maintained their composure and executed effectively."

Miami leads the series 35-32 and the 'Noles are currently 14-point favorites per Draft Kings.

Norvell's Full interview can be seen below.

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