Mike Norvell explains why first preseason scrimmage was 'a good start' for FSU

Mike Norvell is satisfied with the way Florida State is handling the onset of their 2022 journey.

Following the Seminoles’ first preseason scrimmage, the Florida State leader explained why the scrimmage was a “good start” for his team.

“I thought the overall function of what we were trying to do — like I said, we had some guys that were thrust into more advanced roles due to some injuries — but I like all in all where what I saw, where we are. Obviously a lot of things to clean up with the first scrimmage, but it was good. Especially for some of these newcomers,” stated Norvell. “Being able to get the opportunity to go out there and showcase exactly where they are. We’ve got some newcomers that are going to help this team. That’s exciting. Unfortunately with lightning in the area we weren’t able to be in Doak — we had to go into the indoor. Which was unfortunate. Try to look at this week’s schedule and see if we can get in there a little bit before we head to Jacksonville.

“I thought it was a good start. Able to present a lot of different looks on both sides of the ball. Live out situations. Mistakes that were made are definitely things that we’ll get to correct. All phases of it. Having ACC officials here was something that was good for our guys. It had a few issues that showed up and you know obviously very correctable. Things were going to continue to work on.”

While there’s still plenty to work on, the groundwork is being laid for a successful season for Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles. The college football world knows the program needs it, but it’s up to the team to follow through.

Mike Norvell provides an initial assessment of FSU’s first preseason scrimmage

Following the recent scrimmage, Norvell met with media afterwards, detailing the entire thing. We’ll let him do the talking:

“I thought tonight was a good first scrimmage. Got, you know, a little over 100 plays. Got some live special teams work. That was something we wanted to be able to introduce a little bit more with our return games. You’re really trying to push those. I thought there was some really good work that showed up there. You know, the investment that we’re making when it comes to the fundamentals aspect to it. You’ll put some of the different returners and guys competing in those roles. I thought that was some great work this evening.”

Odd to start with the special teams among all the takeaways, but sounds like FSU will field a dangerous return team. Norvell continued, talking about the injuries that forced some new faces to step in:

“It was a good back and forth. I thought our first defense really flew around the ball. Made some great plays. I thought there was a good balance. You know, I mentioned the other day, we had a few linemen that were down. So I really got to kind of force some of the newcomers and younger guys to be thrown into the action.”