FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell Wants Seminoles to 'Push For That Edge'
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has the Seminoles rolling into Week 7 with a fast 5-0 start and a ranking of No. 4 in the country. Their next test will be on Saturday against the Syracuse Orange and although FSU is coming off of a 39-17 win against Virginia Tech, there have been moments in games this season where the team hasn't played up to their potential.
"I know we've talked about that throughout the year. We cannot have moments or lapses, which have shown up at times, in just our overall execution or being able to perform at the level that I know that we're capable of," Norvell said to the media after Wednesday's practice. "So, we have to continue to push and fight against that. It's been a big point of emphasis for us."
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Having a winning edge will be crucial if the Seminoles want to continue their 11-game winning streak and beat the Orange. The intensity of Wednesday's practice was apparent and emotions were running high.
"You know, just pushing the intensity of the work. But I thought our guys did a nice job of continuing to take the game plan things. We are working to get that cleaned up," Norvell said. "Still, some things that we have to clean up here in the next couple of days. We'll lead up to game day and continue to push for that edge."
The Syracuse defense can be a tricky one to read under defensive coordinator Rocky Long who can throw a variety of different looks at offenses to keep them on their toes.
"They're going to pressure a good amount, and it's not just like blitz. It's line games, it's variations in coverage. You try to find things that can help you throughout the course of the game. But somebody that's really good, which he is, they change up the looks."
The Florida State offense can be explosive through the air and on the ground, with weapons all around quarterback Jordan Travis to choose from. They're a perfect 20 for 20 in the red zone this season and have scored at least 30 points in their last 11 games. They will need a complete performance to avoid falling into a trap game.
"The focus is on us and, there's plenty of traps out there," Norvell said. "You go out there, you turn on film, you see talent, you see ability. This team is very capable. Absolutely 100%. And they're well-coached, and they're coming here. We've got to go play our best ball."
The 'Noles will face off against the Orange at home on Saturday, October 14th at 12:00 p.m.
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