Mike Norvell evaluates Tate Rodemaker taking over at QB, approach against Florida

Florida State will have to continue its 2023 season without Jordan Travis. A heartbreaking injury took place on Saturday against North Alabama, with Travis later confirming his college career is over. Mike Norvell was emotional talking about his quarterback and knows it’s a huge loss for the program.

Tate Rodemaker is the one taking over for Florida State, beginning with a huge in-state rivalry game against Florida on the road. While some coaches might be nervous about a backup quarterback on a huge stage, Norvell has full confidence in Rodemaker. In fact, the Seminoles’ offense will be run as if Travis was still out there.

“Tate can run the entire offense,” Norvell said. “He’s got a great arm. He can make every throw that we have. He’s actually a lot more athletic than people give him credit for. He can extend plays. He’s just been playing behind one of the best players in college football. What I love is just his intangible and the way he works.”

Rodemaker is a third-year player, originally being part of the 2020 recruiting class. Most guys would not sit around and wait for their opportunity in this day and age of college football.

Norvell gave Rodemaker credit for doing so, saying all of his focus has been on Florida State. Preparing every week as the starter is hopefully going to pay off in a big way.

“In today’s age, there are probably a lot of guys that would have probably left,” Horvell said. “But he believes in this team. He’s a son of a coach, he’s played at a high level throughout his opportunities that he’s been presented. He’s been preparing for this moment. Tate has all the qualities and tools we need to go and play at a high level.”

Tate Rodemaker taking over does not change how Florida State approaches Florida

Rivalry games can cause people to do crazy things. And then add in a spot in the College Football Playoff potentially up for grabs and Florida State could attempt to switch things up. Having an undefeated record against an in-state foe with a backup quarterback…

Norvell does not believe anything needs to be changed, though. Florida State is going to go in the Swamp and still find a way to play their game. Yes, the Travis injury is something everyone in Tallahassee is still thinking about a few days later.

But taking care of business against Florida will remain the No. 1 goal. Based on how Norvell talked about it, there is still confidence coming from the Florida State locker room.

“We don’t need our team to go do anything different than be who they are,” Norvell said. “Ultimately, I’ve got a lot of confidence in this team. We’ve shown, over the course of the season, to play at a very high level. We’ve had our ups, we’ve had our downs. But this team has always found a way. We’ve got a great character, we’ve got a determined football team.

“They’re resilient in all that they do. So, we need to go and be us. Our objective is to be better with every opportunity. We’ve got a big one this Saturday in a huge rivalry game. Our team will continue to prepare the way that I know we will. We’ve got confidence in how we’ll play.”