College football insider believes fear of UCF plays a role in Florida State's desire to leave the ACC

Regardless of it they can get out of the ACC or not, it’s very clear that Florida State has an interest in joining the carousel that is conference realignment. In the opinion of the AP’s Ralph Russo, competition in the state has increased their urgency around that desire.

Russo shared his thoughts on the Seminole’s wanting to make a move during a conversation with On3’s Andy Staples on Sunday. He felt that the addition of UCF into the Big 12 may have been what finally crossed the line for FSU and sent them over the edge in this matter.

“I am convinced that all of this Florida State bluster is them looking at UCF and thinking, ‘They are going to be making more money than us in a few years. We cannot have this’. I think the UCF piece of this really triggered Florida State a little bit,” Russo said. “Like, that idea that UCF is now at our level? A huge school, a bigger city? It’s got to be unsettling to some Florida State people. You’re staring at a new reality there that is an uncomfortable spot.”

That dynamic is an interesting one considering how much talent and competition is in The Sunshine State.

Florida State already finds itself in a position where they’re competing with Florida in the SEC and Miami in the ACC all the time. UCF going from the AAC to the Power Five adds yet another competitor for them to battle with. That’s not even mentioning all of the other smaller programs that are vying for spots on the state’s food chain.

Florida State doesn’t want to slip at all and potentially lose its spot in the upper echelon in their state. That’s why Russo believes that they’re as motivated as they are to get out of the Atlantic Coast Conference and potentially find greener grass elsewhere.

Norvell calls Florida State’s relationship with ACC ‘great’

For as outspoken as some leadership at Florida State has been, Mike Norvell says it has nothing to do with his Seminoles on the field. As he reminded everyone to end his media availability at FSU’s practice today, the focus of their program is currently on camp and preparing themselves for a high-profile season.

“I know there’s always going to be outside things. But, from our program, we’re focused on preparing for fall camp, we’re preparing on getting better today,” said Norvell.

As far as realignment conversations, Norvell leaves that to the powers at be in Tallahassee. He has full faith in their calls on that matter considering how they have handled business since his arrival.

“Like I said, we’ve got a wonderful administration, we’ve got a great university, got unbelievable support. It’s a wonderful place to be,” Norvell said.

Regardless of their intentions, unrest remains in the ACC. That’s the case even though their deal has them locked in for more than another decade. As Norvell said, though, that’s not something that’s currently on his plate considering his goals for this season.

“My focus is preparing this team to go be the best that we can be this year,” said Norvell.

“We’ve got a great relationship with the ACC,” Norvell said. “You look at our past and the legacy we have within the ACC? It’s one that’s respectable. It’s one that, obviously, we’re working to go this year and be able to push to be at the top.”