Mike Norvell on what Week 0 matchup in Dublin means, process of getting passports

The Florida State Seminoles will kick off the 2024 season with a Week 0 matchup against ACC foe Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. That matchup between the Seminoles and Yellow Jackets will also be the opening game of the season, and it’s scheduled to be played on August 24.

Before Florida State travels across the pond to take on Georgia Tech, head coach Mike Norvell sat down with ESPN college football expert Greg McElroy. During the conversation, the Seminoles head coach joked about the difficulties of acquiring passports for the entire team and how long the process took.

“It’s been a two-year process,” said Norvell. “From basically the day that this game was announced, we started the process of getting passports. Our administrative team has been great, being able to set a plan. Because it really does affect a year and a half of all planning, not just getting the passport, which for a lot of our guys it’s the first time they ever they ever go to get a passport.”

While it may be the first time the majority of the Florida State players get to leave the country, it is still a business trip on the field for the Seminoles. However, Norvell is not going to allow his team to overlook the benefits this trip has to offer. For the Florida State headman, their trip to Dublin, Ireland, is both business and educational. As he continued, Norvell discussed the importance of the trip.

“Well, it’s definitely the stage that this program is built for,” Norvell said. “And to be the first game in college football (this season), we’re honored to be able to be a part of [it]; to be able to have a unique experience going play in Ireland. It’s definitely great.

“It’s gonna be the first time for most of our guys ever leaving the country. I’m glad that the schedule worked out so that we don’t play till the following Monday — the Monday of Labor Day. So we’re actually going to stay an extra day so guys can get an educational experience there and get a sense of the culture and the people. So it really works out in both regards. Our guys understand the expectation they understand the sense of urgency. We’re excited about the opportunity, but we’re gonna do everything in our power to go and start the season as good as we possibly can.”

Florida State and Georgia Tech will go head to head on Aug. 24 at Avila Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST and will air on ESPN. For those who cannot be in front of a TV, you can also catch all the action live by streaming via the ESPN app.