Mike Norvell shares impressions of LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels
We’re being treated to one of the most anticipated quarterback matchups during Week 1’s headline game featuring No. 5 LSU and No. 8 Florida State.
Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell has been doing some scouting of Tigers star QB Jayden Daniels as of late. Based on last season’s showcase mixed in with everything he did after the fact — Norvell knows it’ll be an uphill battle for his defense in the season opener.
“Daniels, you saw that in how he played,” Norvell said on Thursday. “He was very impactful in our game with his legs and the plays he was able to make throughout the contest. He’s a talented player. He’s a guy you have to account for. Obviously, you see the development, growth and confidence he had within the pocket and he has a tremendous group of receivers to throw the ball to, tight ends.
“That’s a very experienced and tough offense to have to defend. We have our work cut out for ourselves.”
Many inside the LSU program are hoping that 2023 will be the start of Daniels’ Heisman Trophy campaign. In 2022, he passed for 2,913 yards and 17 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions on a 68.6% completion percentage. He also contributed 885 rushing yards and 11 more touchdowns on the ground — and is only expected to build on that during the 2023 season and continue to improve as the season moves along.
Luckily, for the Seminoles — they land the LSU matchup in Week 1. Florida State gets the rawest version of Jayden Daniels that we’ll see all season long. But can Florida take advantage of it?
Based on last season, it’s certainly a possibility. FSU took home last year’s season-opening victory in a 24-23 thriller thanks to a last-second shanked extra point attempt that bounced Florida State’s way. Still, Daniels put up 323 total offensive yards and combined for two scores against the ‘Noles but it ultimately wasn’t enough to get the job done.
On the flip side, Florida State star QB Jordan Travis — who also has Heisman hopes this season — was just as efficient in that matchup. He completed 20-of-33 passes for 260 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. The same production, if not more will be needed to take down the Tigers this season.
After 2022’s thrilling finish, both teams went on to have unexpectedly successful seasons, each notching double-digit wins by the time the season was over — something neither team had done the year prior. Fast forward to 2023, and both teams have made appearances in the preseason top 25 poll this year. It’s sure to be an exciting matchup.