Mike Norvell explains importance of quick start in front-loaded ACC schedule

A new era is here for the ACC, with three teams officially joining the conference in 2024. And while the exact opponents for next season were known, the full schedule had not been released. Until Wednesday, when schools such as Florida State found out exactly when they will be playing conference games.

Mike Norvell was live on ACC Network to give his reaction to the schedule, with an unusual quirk being brought up. Florida State will wrap up ACC play in early November, closing out the year with three consecutive nonconference games. A bye week will be mixed in there too, making for a front-loaded schedule.

The Seminoles will have to come out of the gates swinging, needing to be playing good football to kick off the season.

“It just puts such an emphasis on how we start,” Norvell said. “As we sit there and we go through it, it’s a great schedule. Obviously, some new teams, some new faces that we’re going to have to go against. We have guys on our team that get to showcase who they are and what they’re all about. Building that continuity. Continuing to build upon the leadership that we have. And you’re seeing the next stars emerge.

“I’m excited for it but there is little time to waste. As we jump into conference play, a lot of season will be done and established. With four weeks left in the season, we’ll be wrapped up with ACC. Ultimately, we got to make every game count.”

Florida State plays Week 0 against Georgia Tech in Dublin, being the ACC’s first matchup of the entire season. All eight of the program’s conference games will occur in the first 10 weeks, with the final coming on Nov. 2 against North Carolina.

Notre Dame will occur the following weekend in South Bend, setting up for an exciting game. But despite the Fighting Irish’s affiliation with the ACC, it will have no bearing on conference standings. Charleton Southern and the in-state rivalry against Florida wrap up the 2024 schedule.

Norvell hopes the North Carolina game will not be the final ACC team Florida State sees on a field. The ACC Championship will take place in Charlotte and the Seminoles enter as the defending champions. Getting back there is the first of many goals Norvell will surely have.

We will just know if they are going to play in the ACC Championship a lot earlier than usual.