Mike Norvell looking forward to great atmosphere to open season

No. 8 Florida State will open the season with one of the nation’s showcase games, getting a chance to take on No. 5 LSU in a neutral site at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla in what figures to be a great atmosphere.

It’s the second half of a two-game series between the two, after the teams met last year in the Superdome in New Orleans, La.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere. Last year we played in New Orleans and it was a great atmosphere there as well,” coach Mike Norvell said. “We’ve got a special fanbase. I know being here in our home state it’s definitely going to be a wonderful turnout, and we’re looking forward to being able to kick off the season there in Camping World Stadium.”

The game will have a lot riding on it. Both top-10 teams will have goals of contending for their conference crowns and reaching the College Football Playoff, and while the former won’t be impacted by the season opener, the latter definitely will.

Both teams will want to come out 1-0, with some serious momentum and a major notch on the resume.

Florida State is hoping it being the “home” team this year will help in terms of the crowd and the atmosphere.

“Being able to play in our home state is special,” Norvell said. “It’s kind of ironic to be able to start this season where we finished last season. Orlando’s a great city for us in a lot of ways in just recruiting, we’ve got some young men that are from there. This is a showcase game, and to be able to do that here in the state of Florida, we’re excited about it and we know it’s going to have a great turnout. Definitely looking forward to it.”

That Florida State played in Camping World Stadium last year in the Cheez-It Bowl against Oklahoma gives it some small advantage over LSU. Most players will already be familiar with the site and any oddities it might present.

Either way, Florida State is hoping to leave an imprint on the minds of college football fans across the country in the opener.

It’s an opportunity to send a message.

“It’s a wonderful stage to be able to kick off the year,” Norvell said. “Only game on national television that night. It’s going to be special. Playing two top-10 teams coming into the season, very talented players on both sides. It’s going to come down to execution, adjustments and being able to go implement the plan on that stage.”