Mike Norvell reveals helmet communication issue from Georgia Tech game

Florida State and Georgia Tech‘s Week 0 matchup last Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland not only marked the first college football game of the 2024 season. It was also the first time that in-helmet communication between players and coaches was used in college football.

The NCAA approved of widespread use of helmet communication this offseason along with the use of tablets on the sidelines for players and coaches to evaluate real-time game film. But following the Seminoles’ 24-21 upset loss to the Yellow Jackers, FSU head coach Mike Norvell revealed that the helmet communications went a little bit haywire during the matchup.

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“The helmet communication, it was good. In the second half they said that their helmet communication went down and so we actually weren’t using it there in the part of the second half, because the official came over and told me that it went out,” Norvell explained.

“And then even whenever we tried to use it, it wasn’t in full operation there later in the game. So that was all part of it, but that’s part, and that’s just the game. Different factors and elements that you that you work through.”

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Norvell did not make it clear if issues surrounding helmet communication had an impact on Florida State’s loss. Falling in upset fashion to Georgia Tech on a 44-yard game-winning field from Aidan Birr as time expired in the fourth quarter after the reining ACC Champions entered the game as double-digit favorites.

In the offseason through spring practice and fall camp, FBS teams across the nation have been practicing with helmet communication and adapting to its new implementation. With the quarterback being able to receive play calls from a coach on the sidelines and one defensive player doing the same for that side of the ball. But issues with the technology on a game day, especially in another country, are hard to prepare for.

Helmet communications aside, Georgia Tech employed an effective game plan versus Florida State. Holding the Seminoles to under 200 yards passing and 100 yards rushing in the game. As the Seminoles will hope to bounce back on Monday in another crucial conference matchup against Boston College where helmet communication hopefully runs smoother in Doak Campbell Stadium.