Mike Norvell credits top players for not opting out of bowl game

There are a lot of teams going into bowl games without their full rosters. Players opting out of bowl games has become a major talking point in college football, as the best players often choose to skip bowl games. However, that hasn’t been a problem for Mike Norvell and Florida State.

While speaking to the media, Mike Norvell explained why the Seminoles’ best players have chosen not to opt-out of the bowl game.

“The great thing, there was no convincing that needed to be made,” Mike Norvell said. “I mean, I remember the first bowl practice, we had a couple of our top players that were going to meet with the media afterwards. I hadn’t even talked to them about anything when it comes to opt-out or decisions or any of that.”

“But, we had a practice scheduled and it was an opportunity to go get better and there was nobody that was missing out on that,” Mike Norvell explained.

“So, I talked to the players right after I got done with the media, just said, ‘Hey, just so you know, you don’t have to go and make any decision.’ And they’re probably gonna get asked about it. 20 minutes later, I’m looking at my phone and we’ve got a couple players that are already, ‘I’m playing in this game. This is it.'”

Importantly, Florida State is full of players who love the game. They wanted to play. So, it really wasn’t that difficult a decision for anyone.

“And that’s what it should be. I mean, these guys, they love playing the game. They love playing and getting a chance to represent each other and each situation is unique to itself. So, the fact that I don’t have to try to convince anybody to play–I mean, ultimately, you always look at each decision, whether guys like to go pro, like to come back–you know, it’s about each individual,” Mike Norvell said.

“We try to help them along through the process by providing information, by helping to guide, and if there are any opinions I want them to be educated opinions of how we guide them through their careers. But, it’s always about them, and that’s what’s been so nice because this team, they’re excited to play.”

Mike Norvell explained that this Florida State team has the chance to do something special. They all know that too. It’s helping them to keep their focus and determination ahead of the bowl.

“They’re excited. I’ve talked about it, when you get the chance to do something that’s gonna change a wall at Florida State, you’ve done something, and that’s where we talked about the opportunity to go win your 10th game is big. It’d be the 25th time in our program’s history, right? That’s a great challenge, but also a great opportunity for these guys to finish this season the way that they worked and continuing to push to our expectation and standard of how we want to operate.”

Florida State takes on Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl on Thursday, December 29th.

Jared Verse on why Florida State players didn’t opt-out

Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse believes that he knows why the Seminoles didn’t see top players opting out. They wanted another chance to play with teammates that they care about.

“I’m still talking to my family, deciding what is best for me; what’s best for my family moving forward,” Jared Verse said.

“But I have been very communicative with the coaches and the staff working around me. They have been very helpful, giving me the information I need. But it’s just whenever I feel right about it.”