Mike Norvell reacts to Florida State upset over Alabama: 'It was a complete team victory'

A year ago, Florida State won just two games as it looked to build off an undefeated 2023 season. Mike Norvell went to work completely overhauling the program – from the coordinators to the players on the roster.

It paid off in a big way. Florida State welcomed No. 8 Alabama on Saturday and took full control, eventually coming away with the 31-17 victory. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos helped lead the charge with both his arm and his legs, and the retooled FSU defense stepped up, as well.

That led to a sea of fans on the field at Doak Campbell Stadium, celebrating a Top-10 win. Amid the crowd, Norvell reacted to what just unfolded, pointing out the impact on the school given its history.

“It’s incredible,” Norvell told ABC’s Katie George. “All glory to God. I’ve been so blessed with the opportunity to coach these great players, to be at this wonderful institution. It’s truly special. The newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, all the investment, all the support, all the great former players who were here with us tonight – this is for them.

“I’m just so grateful that the good Lord is with us tonight. I’m proud of how our guys prepared, and they showed who they were tonight.”

Castellanos had a huge game for Florida State in his program debut. He completed 9-of-14 passes for 152 yards in the air, but made his mark on the ground with 16 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown as part of a high-powered Seminoles rushing attack under new coordinator Gus Malzahn.

Asked about Castellanos’ performance, Mike Norvell said it was emblematic of the way the whole team played. Florida State got it done in all three phases, which shows the payoff of the work the program put in over the offseason.

“It was a complete team victory, and that’s what I love,” Norvell said. “Offense, defense, they showed up big. … That’s what this game is all about. That’s how we train, that’s how we work. They were there for each other and just did a great job together.”

Alabama looked to impose its will on offense with the ground game, but the Florida State defense held strong. The Crimson Tide totaled just 87 rushing yards while Ty Simpson completed 23 of 43 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in the air. FSU, meanwhile, totaled 230 rushing yards on the ground – led by the 78 from Castellanos and 56 yards on three carries from Micahi Danzy.