Mike Norvell downplays challenges of calling plays with new clock rules

As the 2023 season approaches, it’ll be the first chance for coaches to get to call games with the new clock rules. It’ll mean an adjustment in the pace of play and create some new situational football.

Florida State coach Mike Norvell downplayed the overall impact the new clock rules will have on the game, though.

“We operate at tempo and it’s no real difference in the course of the game,” Norvell said. “It’s going to shorten the game a handful of plays, but those are things that there’s not too much change.”

With the new rules the clock will now run after first downs at all times except inside the final two minutes of each half. Previously the clock would stop after a successful first down conversion, starting again once officials marked the ball ready for play.

That will take out a handful of plays per game, as Norvell noted.

It’ll also require teams that are trailing to be even more efficient, knowing they may have a little less time than they’re used to to get back into the ballgame. The new clock rules might make come-from-behind wins a little tougher, especially from large deficits.

But knowing how to manage things around the final two minutes of the half will be key too.

“There’s a couple situations around the two-minute mark where the clock will stop and when it won’t stop, so just being aware of that,” Norvell said. “But not a whole lot of structural change.”

Jordan Travis’ chemistry with receivers on point

One thing the new clock rules shouldn’t really impact is quarterback Jordan Travis‘ chemistry with his receivers. He’s had a few new ones to work with this fall.

So far through fall camp, Travis seems to be building a nice rapport, but that will continue into the season.

“It’s repetition, and it doesn’t matter how many games you’ve played or the number of practices, but as you build upon your experiences,” Norvell said. “Because every play is unique to itself, but when you have a better understanding of where the receiver’s gonna be, you guys are working that [chemistry].

“People talk about chemistry. Well chemistry doesn’t happen just because you want it to, it’s something that’s gotta be earned, it’s gotta be developed. And I think our guys have done a great job with that investing the time and you see those reps start to show up.”

Florida State will get a chance to debut that chemistry and test the new clock rules on Sept. 3 when it takes on LSU in a preseason top-10 matchup.