Mike Norvell views every day as a test after knocking off LSU in Week 1
After knocking off LSU to open the season in Orlando, it would be easy for Florida State to overlook its next stretch on the schedule. It’s going to be head coach Mike Norvell‘s job to prevent any sort of complacency from happening within the team.
As Norvell explained, he views every day as a test, not just games like the one against LSU.
“It provides an opportunity to continue to be tested,” Mike Norvell said. “But every day is a test. I know that’s — but it is.”
Florida State’s next game is at home against Southern Miss. Ahead of that game, Mike Norvell is looking to catch examples in practice. He’s doing that on a short week the same way that Florida State prepped for LSU.
“Each day we have to get up and make a decision on what we want to be, and I challenged the guys last week. I think it was our Wednesday practice. I mean, that was a test. Ultimately, there was some sloppiness and some things that showed up at that point that showed up early in the first half of the game,” Norvell said. “And that p****d me off.”
Norvell explained that practice needs to be about getting the team where it needs to be and challenging the team.
“I thought our Thursday and our Friday were much better. That also shows up. But the structure of this week, it 100 percent does provide an opportunity to have to challenge yourself to another level, just in the sense of urgency of getting your body back to where it needs to be. Coaches, players, everybody involved in the preparation of what we’re going to do, the plan of attack, and obviously going and being able to execute it,” Norvell said.
“So, we spent a lot of time this summer preparing for this game. I know it would be a short week, so we had a good plan in place, got a lot of early work. Now we’re here, we’ve got to go do it. So, I’m excited to see our guys continue to respond to this week.”
Mike Norvell credited the fans for the Week 1 atmosphere
The game against LSU took place in Orlando and had the feel of a Florida State home game at times. Because of that, Mike Norvell took the time to thank fans for their support.
“I would be remiss to not — and that atmosphere, our crowd, our fans, unbelievable job. That was an electric atmosphere that we got to play in, and great to be here in our home state and to see such a wonderful turnout, and just the energy in that game,” Norvell said.
“It had a championship-type feel to it, and you know, I thought it was just a great experience for our players and all that are a part of the program.”