Mike Norvell 'absolutely' respects opportunity for FSU to play in the Orange Bowl

There’s no denying the clear dissatisfaction at Florida State after they were left out of the College Football Playoff. However, Mike Norvell fully believes that, as they have all season, his Seminoles will approach their opportunity in the Orange Bowl with the appropriate mindset.

Norvell had a lot to say about his team’s bowl berth in his opening statement during a press conference for the Orange Bowl on Sunday. He didn’t deny all the feelings around Tallahassee at the moment but also expressed their program’s regard for this specific game that they’ll be playing in on December 30th.

“Today has been an emotional day coming off of last night,” said Norvell. “Just so proud of our team finishing up an undefeated season, the ACC Champions.”

“We absolutely respect the opportunity that’s here at the Orange Bowl,” Norvell said. “There’s such a great history with Florida State and the Orange Bowl.”

Norvell then went on to share their respect for their final opponent as well. While neither Florida State or Georgia thought that they’d be here, he expects that both teams will want to make up for it by putting on a good showing in their last games of the year.

“To be able to get matched up against the best team in college football over the last three years? You look at Coach Smart and the job they’ve done? This is a special team that we’re going to go against,” Norvell said. “Obviously, last night did not go how they wanted. But this is a team that has really set the standard over the last few years with the work that has gone in.”

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Smart – the way that he operates a program, the consistency that they’ve shown,” continued Norvell. “To be able to match up with them? With what I believe is two of the best teams in all of college football here this year? It’s really going to be a special matchup.”

Again, this appearance in the Orange Bowl is little comfort to those who were excited to see Florida State have a shot at a national title.

Still, as Norvell pointed out, the M.O. for the Seminoles all season long has been overcoming hurdles. It might not be the chance that they wanted or deserved but, in the end, he fully expects them to rise to the moment again and show their worth when they take the field in Miami.

“Our players? They’re disappointed. You’ll hear today with the news of not getting a chance to compete for a national championship. But we’ve had a team that has responded throughout the course of the year,” said Norvell. “They responded to adversity, they’ve had to fight through, they’ve had to overcome. I believe in the heart and the character of this team. I know that they will respond once again.”

“We’re excited for the opportunity to be a part of this tremendous game,” Norvell said. “To get a chance to compete once again? For this team to showcase their identity, who we are, and what we’re truly aspiring to be? We’re just grateful for the opportunity.”