Mike Norvell shares key to motivating players after playoff snub

Despite finishing the regular season undefeated and winning the ACC Championship, Florida State was excluded from the College Football Playoff. FSU head coach Mike Norvell isn’t allowing the snub to spoil his team’s bowl game.

“It’s still our opportunity. You get to play against a great opponent. You get to play in the 90th Orange Bowl, which is just a special, special game. I don’t ever want to make it about that,” Norvell said in reference to the snub. “It’s what’s in front of us. Yes, we all are hurt. All of that was real coming out of the championship weekend. But at the end of the day, the good Lord’s blessed us with an opportunity.”

Although FSU didn’t reach the CFP, it certainly won’t finish its season on an easy note. The Seminoles will square off against No. 6 Georgia in the Orange Bowl. The Bulldogs’ only loss this season was to Alabama in the SEC Championship.

Like FSU, they will attack the bowl game with something to prove. Despite the frustration FSU has faced over the past couple of weeks, Norvell doesn’t want his team to be focused on proving people wrong. He wants them to enjoy the experience.

Mike Norvell tries to block out the noise

“There’s so much access, whether it’s social media and all the news and all those things,” Norvell said. “It’s easy to get distracted with other things. But, you get a chance to go compete. You get a chance to go get better, and that’s really been it.

“Cause, in this game, heck, in life, you’re not guaranteed anything. You’ve got to make the most of what you have. I think the practices have been really good. So, it’s not something that I’m having to go out there and ramp up.”

Florida State has no shortage of motivation. According to FanDuel, Georgia is a 14.5-point favorite in the outing. Again, the Seminoles feel overlooked. Norvell is ready for his team to remind the nation why they went undefeated this season.

“If we’re only dictated by circumstance, you can miss out on some great things that are out there. We have a great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to seeing these guys go out there and compete to the best of who they are,” Norvell said.

FSU will face off against Georgia at 4 p.m. ET on Dec. 30 in the Orange Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.