Mike Norvell to FSU seniors ahead of Florida game: 'What better way to go out?'

There’s really only one thing left to play for this season for Florida State: Pride. And entering the season finale at home against rival Florida, head coach Mike Norvell can think of few better ways to end the season with held head high than a rivalry win.

That’s especially the case with it being senior day. For a group of seniors that’s seen some of the highest highs and now low lows with the Seminoles, Norvell knows it’ll be a simple message before their last ride in garnet and gold.

“What better way to go out?” Norvell said. “This would be a really special opportunity for them and there’s going to be emotion that’s going to go into this game regardless but knowing that it’s their last one, you’ve gotta go empty the tank this week and you’ve gotta put everything that you have into being your absolute best.”

The end-of-year showdown between in-state rivals always carries significant stakes, if for nothing else than local bragging rights, often for players and coaches that have deep familiarity going back to the high school ranks and recruiting battles.

Add in the fact that Florida is currently surging and Florida State could put a nice coda on an otherwise forgettable year by killing the Gators momentum, there’s plenty for the Seminoles to get up for.

For plenty, it’s the type of game that’s a life-long dream — and they surely dreamed of winning.

“Let’s go finish with everything that you have,” Norvell said. “All the work that’s gone in, man go finish the right way. And go put all that we have into it. I’m grateful for the work that those guys have poured in. I’m grateful for the impact that they’ve made. Some of these guys have been here five, six years and they’re seen the ups and the downs and this is their last opportunity to play as a Florida State Seminole. To be able to be at home, to play at Doak Campbell Stadium, it’s really — it’s a special experience. It’s one that a lot of these guys dreamed about it when they were growing up at little boys and they go to live out that dream.”