Mike Norvell reveals his messaging to FSU players ahead of Duke game

Florida State and Mike Norvell recognizes that Duke football is no longer an easy win for ACC opponents.

Joining SportsCenter ahead of the showdown, Norvell took some time to praise the Seminoles’ opponent this weekend. He’s not taking the Blue Devils lightly, even if Florida State has handled them in the past.

“You turn on the tape, and I mean, the tape speaks for itself. This is a really, really good football team,” Norvell delineated. “One of the best defenses. I think they’re fourth in the country, scoring defense. Offensively, I mean they’re tough, they’re physical. The misdirection. The vertical shots. They have really good skill position players. Obviously their quarterback, Riley [Leonard] is a special player. He was unavailable last weekend, and they just kept churning out yards. The running backs did an outstanding job. They hit the vertical pass plays.

“I mean, this is a well-coached, tough and very talented team. So you know, I haven’t had to have any motivational speeches, for our guys to get ready. They see it on the film, and they know it’s going to take one of our best games here Saturday night.”

While Duke stumbled a bit in suffering their first loss earlier this month, they’re still as dangerous as any team in the ACC. If Florida State can win on Saturday, it’ll be a huge one for the Seminoles.

One thing is for sure, Mike Norvell will have Florida State roaring and ready to roll for kickoff against the Blue Devils.

Duke vs. Florida State: Early point spread released on Blue Devils, Seminoles

Continuing, Duke and Florida State have both gotten out to excellent starts to the 2023 season, promising one of the more intriguing matchups in series history this weekend. And the early point spread has been released.

Florida State will open up as a 14.5-point favorite over Duke, according to FanDuel. The over/under is set at 49.5.

Moreover, the Seminoles are undefeated and playing like one of the top teams in the country, in large part thanks to quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis has been elite throughout the season, even earning himself some Heisman Trophy talk. He’s has led the Seminoles to a 6-0 start, with very few of the team’s games actually in doubt.

Earlier this season, Florida State had a close call late against Boston College on the road, then beat Clemson in overtime. But other than those two games, the Seminoles have blasted every opponent they’ve faced. And they’ll get Duke at home. The challenge for Duke will be slowing Travis and company.

Additionally, Travis has plenty of weapons, too. Receiver Keon Coleman is perhaps the most dangerous of them, having logged 29 catches for 418 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s capable of plucking just about anything out of the air. Fellow receiver Johnny Wilson is also a real problem, with 20 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns this season.