Florida State’s second and final fall scrimmage of camp sounded like a night that belonged to the defense.
After three physical practices in Jacksonville and a week Mike Norvell wanted treated like a “game week,” the Seminoles wrapped up their fall scrimmage work on Sunday. When Norvell stepped to the microphone afterward, he made it clear which side of the ball stood out.
“I thought (the defense) really did a nice job,” the head man said in his opening statement. “(They were) flying around and made some explosive plays and created some TFLs. I liked tonight that there was a great balance of pressures, four-man pass rush, and guys going out there and having to win a 1-on-1.”
The defensive front, shaped by Terrance Knighton and first-year coach Nick Williams, sounded like the biggest takeaway from the night. Norvell pointed to the Desir twins turning up around the ball and Jalen Anderson coming through with a speed sack.
“I thought the defensive line was really impactful. I saw the Desir twins multiple times making an impact.
Jalen Anderson had a great speed sack…You felt that disruption. When you’re sitting out there, it’s good for one side.
On the other side, you have to continue to improve.”
The offense, by contrast, didn’t seem to have the same kind of rhythm. Norvell mentioned some “explosive plays” from that group, but he didn’t spend much time on specific drives or standout moments. He did say the opening stretch of possessions didn’t go the way the offense wanted.
“Offensively, there were a couple of drives there at the beginning that didn’t necessarily go the way guys wanted. But you continue to stay the course, continue to focus on that next play.”
Even in a scrimmage that appeared to tilt toward the defense, Norvell still praised quarterback Ashton Daniels and the way he has handled the offense.
“Tonight there were a few opportunities that he created…I think he’s got a great understanding and control, and he’s been highly efficient and explosive in the things we have asked him to do.”
Sunday was Florida State’s final scrimmage of the fall, since NCAA rules only allow two. Now the Seminoles move into what Norvell called “moving week,” the stage where the depth chart starts to take shape and position battles begin to sort themselves out.
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