Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell Keeping Players Focused Ahead of Orange Bowl
Florida State is set to face No. 6 Georgia in the 2023 Orange Bowl next week, and the Seminoles are wrapping up practices before they head to Ft. Lauderdale. A lot of attention has turned to this game as FSU was historically snubbed from the College Football Playoff in favor of Alabama and Texas despite having a 13-0 record and winning the ACC Championship.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell met with the media after the final home practice and explained how he's kept his team in the right mindset after the heartbreaking news of their exclusion.
"It's still our opportunity. You get to play against a great opponent. You get to play in the 90th Orange Bowl, which is just a special, special game. I don't ever want to make it about that," Norvell said in reference to the snub. "It's what's in front of us. Yes, we all are hurt. All of that was real coming out of the championship weekend. But at the end of the day, the good Lord's blessed us with an opportunity."
The football world's debate about leaving Florida State out of the playoff has been plastered across social media platforms. Alongside prominent figures in the news media, the decision to leave FSU out has prompted Senators to speak out.
Additionally, an investigation has been launched by the Florida Attorney General. Norvell acknowledged that access to outside noise can distract his players and that he does not have to give any extra motivation to a team that is ready to play.
"There's so much access, whether it's social media and all the news and all those things. So, it's easy to get distracted with other things. But, you get a chance to go compete. You get a chance to go get better, and that's really been it." Norvell said. "'Cause, in this game, heck, in life, you're not guaranteed anything. You've got to make the most of what you have. I think the practices have been really good. So, it's not something that I'm having to go out there and ramp up."
The Orange Bowl occurs on December 30 at 4:00 p.m., which is what Norvell said the team was focused on and that the circumstance can't dictate what is in front of them.
"I mean, it is what's in front of us. And if we're only dictated by circumstance, you can miss out on some great things that are out there. We have a great opportunity, and I'm looking forward to seeing these guys go out there and compete to the best of who they are."
Norvell's full interview can be seen below.
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