Brian Kelly has high praise for Mike Norvell, FSU ahead of Sunday night showdown

Brian Kelly will open his first season at LSU with a program he’s familiar with in Florida State. Kelly matched up against the Seminoles as recently as last year in a 41-38 win for Notre Dame. Now, he’ll face them as a head coach in the SEC.

Kelly broke down Mike Norvell and his program during his press conference on Monday. He spoke highly of the program Norvell has built in Tallahassee based on the team the Irish faced last season.

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“We’re playing a team that I’m quite familiar with. I opened up against Florida State last year. I know Mike very well. Mike Norvell has done a really outstanding job in developing this football team,” said Kelly. “They’re a disciplined group now. It wasn’t the same group that we saw a couple years ago. Last year they took us to overtime with the team that I coached last year. It’s a team that has some talented players.”

Even with the close call Norvell’s team gave Kelly last season, this is a different team. Another year under their belt has them even more experienced than the team he faced last season. With that in mind plus what he saw from their opener against Duquesne, he sees a group that could give his team a challenge this weekend.

“Defensively, they have physicality at the defensive line position and athletes at the second level and backfield,” said Kelly. “From an offensive standpoint, it starts at the quarterback position. Jordan Travis is a great competitor, can make things happen. People use ‘dual threat quarterback’ He can throw the football, he runs, he keeps plays alive…He’s led by a deep, talented receiving corp. And what we saw on Saturday was them rushing for 406 yards. That certainly gets your attention.”

LSU and Florida State are two of the southeast’s overall best and most recognizable football brands. The two programs clashing will be one of the final two games of the opening week’s schedule. Even with it coming week one, this game will mean a lot for both squads down the road. That’s what has Brian Kelly eager to hit the field and see what comes out of this game.

“This is a team that has a good program. So it’ll be a great opener for us and one that we’re excited about.”