Mike Norvell 'really proud' of Florida State's focus after break

Florida State football players received a well earned break to begin bowl preparations, but now it’s full-go for Mike Norvell’s Seminoles as they inch toward next week’s Cheez-It Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Seminoles headman said the time off was a necessity for arguably the hottest team in the ACC down the stretch in the regular season. Fast forward to Monday, and FSU practiced in full pads for the first time this postseason. They didn’t miss a beat, according to Norvell.

“It’s something I was really proud of. It started at the end of practice yesterday. They brought good energy, good spirit,” Norvell said Monday. “Today, it’s good to see them back in full pads. We tried to take a little off their bodies earlier in the bowl process, but they came out and we got good work. The energy, way guys are flying around – it’s what we needed.”

Florida State will be riding a five-game win streak heading into the bowl game, the longest streak in the ACC at the moment.

During the ‘Noles streak, star quarterback Jordan Travis threw for 1,095 yards, an 11-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. That’s not even to mention Travis added five more scores on the ground – no defense has been able to stifle the junior QB down the stretch.

That might not bode well for a Sooners team who’s ranked 120 out of 131 FBS schools in total defense. The Oklahoma defensive unit has give up an astounding 5,406 yards and 45 touchdowns. That averages out to just about 450 yards per game; music to the ears of Travis and the high-scoring Florida State offense.

Kickoff between the Seminoles and Sooners is set for Thursday, Dec. 29 inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN.