Mike Norvell explains how Florida State has built program to this point

When Mike Norvell came to Florida State from Memphis, the Seminoles needed a hard reset. The Jimbo Fisher era ended on a low note, which was followed by the brief but frustrating Willie Taggart era. So, despite how big of a brand Florida State is, rebuilding the program was never going to be quick or easy for the Seminoles.

This year, things started to click for Florida State and Mike Norvell beat both Miami and Florida on the way to a 9-3 record and a birth in the Cheez-It Bowl.

Mike Norvell explained how he has built Florida State to this point over the last three seasons in the Cheez-It Bowl press conference.

“Coming in there had been quite a bit of change around Florida State over the years prior to being able to come, and it was important that we set those values and we really established an understanding for our players and what to expect. And, because there had been different leaders, with every leader there’s gonna be different languages and different expectations,” Mike Norvell said.

“So, trying to establish that overall mindset of, you know, the willingness to work. Being able to push to that standard of being your best day in and day out. Then, being able to do that in all aspects. Not just in one area, maybe on the field, but being able to carry that over into the weight room, into the training room, into the classroom, into the community, and in all things that you do, pushing yourself to that expectation. It takes time to build trust and, obviously our first year coming in we had another challenge with COVID, and not being around the guys, and just having to do a lot of that virtual, which was unique to itself, but I’m grateful for every step in the journey that we’ve had.”

Mike Norvell explained that, while the team has dealt with adversity, it’s that adversity that has helped them to grow as a program.

“I think that even through those challenges, you know the experiences that we’ve been able to gain confidence in because like I tell our team, sometimes you have to go through what you need to prove you can get through, and we have proven that we can get through some of the adversity that showed up and some of the unexpected bumps that we’ve had to face, but it’s all about that continued growth,” Mike Norvell continued.

“But, being able to be consistent and to have continuity and for our players to now take ownership in that and really help us accelerate that process. There’s a lot of things we’re seeing this year, and I’m really proud of them for all the work that they put in.”

Mike Norvell on playing Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl

With a win in the Cheez-It Bowl, Florida State will move to 10 wins for the first time since 2016. Standing in the way is Oklahoma. Mike Norvell spoke about what he expects from the game.

It’s a great matchup,” Mike Norvell said.

“It’s a great opportunity with two of the storied programs in all of college football history to be able to link up in a great game, great place and great atmosphere. I’m glad that we’re being able to play in our home state. This Oklahoma team that we’re playing has a lot of great players. They’ve recruited well over the years and it’s gonna be a challenge for our guys. They’ve had some close contests throughout the season, but it’s gonna be — it’s what you want toward the end of the year. You work hard to earn a bowl game. Then to be able to have a matchup against a very talented team is something I know that our players are gonna be excited about.”