Mike Norvell, Florida State won't be sleeping on Duquesne in Week 0
The Florida State Seminoles and head coach Mike Norvell are chomping at the bit to get their college season underway and redeem themselves from their subpar 2021 campaign. While many have their Week 1 matchup against the LSU Tigers circled on their calendar; the Seminoles will have a Week 0 matchup to start their year. Florida State will officially kickoff its season against Duquesne at home on Saturday. And Norvell understands the importance of starting off this season strong, which is why Florida State won’t be sleeping on Duquesne in Week 0.
“Our guys are excited to play, and being able to play at home, like I mentioned, is something that we’re definitely excited about,” said Norvell. “And this Duquesne team that’s coming in, it’s a program that’s had a lot of success over the last couple years. Their head coach has been there, I want to say going to 18 years — very disciplined football.”
Norvell on Duquesne’s talent
Duquesne finished with a 7-3 record last season, good enough for second in the Northeast conference. The Dukes went 2-1 in other conference play, including a blowout loss to the TCU Horned Frogs. In 2022 they will field a team with talent and experience on both sides of the ball.
“They’ve got really quality football players. I want to say they got seven or eight preseason all-conference players that are returning. This is a team that you know that you can play really good football. And for us, I’m gonna say the same thing next week and the week after, it is about us; it is about us going out there and being able to execute the plan that we have. To be consistent in our approach, and how we are able to respond throughout the course of the game. Whatever a play result might be, we’ve got to be able to learn from that and be able to move forward, whether it’s good or bad.”
The Seminoles will have a solid test to start the season in Duquesne, but one that they should conquer without too much difficulty. But if Florida State were to stumble or even face-plant right out of the gate in week 0, fans should anticipate another long, tumultuous season.
The game is scheduled to kickoff at 4:00 PM CT, on Saturday, Aug. 27, from the home of the Seminoles, Doak Campbell Stadium. You can catch all the action from Florida state’s home opener on the ACC Network.