Florida State heads into Saturday’s meeting with Virginia carrying a simple message from Mike Norvell: the work has been sharp, and the Seminoles need to turn that into production.
FSU, 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the ACC, will host Virginia at 3:30 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium. Virginia comes in at 3-1 and 1-0 in league play. Norvell and Ousmane Kromah spoke with local media after Wednesday’s practice, and the Florida State coach sounded encouraged by what he saw earlier in the week.
Norvell singled out Tuesday’s practice as one of the best the program has had in a long time, especially with younger players taking on a bigger role.
“It was outstanding.”
He also said the team still needs to sort through availability issues, including Caleb LaVallee, and said the official availability report would come later in the night.
“We’ll have the availability report tonight, but I want to see how a few guys came out of it today, just where they are.”
Virginia’s offense is set up to test Florida State in multiple ways, and Norvell said the run defense will have to be collective.
“Every person on the defense will find themselves in fitting the run this week. But also making sure that we’re on point for the play action.”
That’s only part of the challenge. Norvell also pointed to the Seminoles’ pass-rush opportunities and said they have to finish when they get a clean shot.
“When you get opportunities, you’ve got to finish. We’ve had too many missed opportunities on sacks where we’ve had a free runner.”
Virginia’s defense, meanwhile, is built to make things uncomfortable. Norvell noted the variety in its coverages and the problems that can create.
“Just the variations of coverages, the things they’ll do, they can present some great challenges.”
For Florida State, winning those individual matchups will matter across the board.
“You get 1-on-1 opportunities, whether you’re blocking, running, throwing, catching, you’ve got to go win them.”
Norvell also discussed Duce Robinson, saying the receiver is going to draw plenty of attention but can’t be the only threat the Seminoles lean on.
“He’s going to be a focal point, but we’ve got to be really good guys around him as well. If we’re able to establish the running game, that also does wonders for being able to pull safeties down a little bit and allow everyone 1-on-1s versus corners.”
Ashton Daniels was another topic, with Norvell stressing decision-making and awareness if Virginia fails to account for him.
“If they don’t account for him, then you’ve got to make them pay. … He’s got to be great with his eyes and then locate the ball in open spaces.”
Kromah’s view of the matchup was direct. He said Virginia has a good defense, but called Florida State a “better offense.”
He also praised Daniels, saying the quarterback is playing with more confidence and taking on more leadership.
“Ashton is having way more confidence to do what he wants on the field. Being more of a leader.”
And when asked about Tre Wisner, Kromah kept his answer short and pointed.
“Just wait until Saturday. I’m not going to lie, that boy has had a week.”
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