Mike Norvell gives initial impressions of LSU ahead of Seminoles' Sunday night clash

Mike Norvell can see opportunity staring him in the face, and the LSU Tigers are staring back.

As Florida State looks to continue their unbeaten season, Brian Kelly and company are ready to make a statement in their debut with the Tigers. Something’s got to give, and neither program wants the loss.

Ahead of Sunday’s showdown, Norvell evaluated his formidable opponent.

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“Two extremely talented position groups,” Norvell started, speaking about the LSU defensive line and receiving corps. “Defensive front, receivers — both those groups have high draft pick prospects in it.

“Overall as a team, you see size, speed, athleticism. Defensively, they’ve been able to bring in a good number of transfers, especially in the defensive backfield. Guys that all have experience and can really fly around the field. Great size that compliments that. They’ve got great depth on the defensive front. Athletic, powerful. That’s going to be a great challenge for us.”

Continuing, Norvell recognized that LSU is going to look plenty different under their new coaching staff, but they’ve gone to great lengths to prepare.

“A little bit of unknown, as far as the presentation of what they’re going to do schematically,” added Norvell. “The defensive coordinator, Coach House, he’s been in the NFL for the last few years. We’ve looked at everything he’s done this off-season, whether it’s going back to Kentucky film from ‘18-‘19, being able to watch Kansas City, watching the Chiefs, trying to get as much of a broad perspective of what we could potentially see, but also in the fact of studying the personnel of guys that were there, and guys they’re replacing.

“So offensively, being able to go against and compete against Coach Kelly over the last few years. Obviously I have a history with the offensive coordinator, when he was at Cincinnati. Very well coached. When you have weapons like they have at wide receiver, they’re going to — they know how to use them. They’ll be able to create space. Try to get those matchups. They’ve got talented quarterbacks there, and guys that can get them the ball.”

Nevertheless, Mike Norvell is excited for the showdown, and believes these are the games you get into coaching for.

“It’s going to be a fun matchup to have to prepare for,” stated Norvell. “These are the type games, when you’re playing against the top players in the country and great coaches. It’s going to be a fun week, and that’s what you look forward to in being able to build up to Sunday night.”