Mike Norvell reveals lesson learned from last season's 0-3 start

Florida State hasn’t been able to replicate the winning formula produced by former head coach Jimbo Fisher, who left during the 2017 season. That isn’t to say they haven’t tried – the Seminoles just can’t seem to catch a break.

Current head coach Mike Norvell has led the Seminoles to an 8-13 record in his two season tenure that includes an 0-3 start to last season. During that three-game span, the Seminoles suffered the one of the most embarrassing losses in program history when Jacksonville State upset Florida State at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on the final play of the game.

“Last year was a year of great opportunities for us, and it didn’t start the way that we wanted, but as a football team, being able to show a response, show an identity,” Norvell said. “There were a lot of lessons that were learned, and it builds to a lot of excitement for what’s ahead.

“As we went through this last season and you see the growth, the development really setting a foundation and the relationships that were built throughout those experiences and the great number of guys that we have coming back for this season and some of the new additions that we’ve been able to bring in our program, it’s been an incredible offseason.”

Norvell can see the growth and development of his players. He’s noticed a new confidence built by work ethic, experience and dedication. His returning players remember what that disappointment felt like early last season and believes his squad has bought into the belief that his Seminoles are going to do something special this season.

The Seminoles players, coaches and entire program are excited for what the future holds – and Norvell believes this offseason has proved that.

“Guys are done a great job,” Norvell said about the offseason. “You see the physical development, the mental development, just the confidence that they’re approaching every day just to improve and to go be their best. We talk about that a lot within our program. I think our football team and the players that we have are doing a great job of showing that on a consistent basis.

“Now we have an opportunity ahead. Definitely excited about being able to kick off in Week 0 and just to be able to get on the field and to start this journey for this 2022 Florida State football team and being able to showcase the identity of who we are and what we’re all about.”