FSU football: Mike Norvell wins ACC Coach of the Year reaction

FSU football head coach Mike Norvell has won the ACC Coach of the Year. Mike Norvell has led a remarkable turnaround for the Noles, leading FSU to their first undefeated regular season since 2014. This season comes after a 10-win season in 2022 and going 5-7 in 2021.

FSU ranks No. 4 nationally and will go to the College Football Playoff if they defeat Louisville and clinch the ACC Championship Saturday night in Charlotte. It has been a long journey for Mike Norvell and FSU football fans, and I can’t think of a more deserving coach.

Honestly, FSU coaches have seemed to have been snubbed over the years for a perceived talent advantage over the rest of the ACC programs. Although Coach Norvell deserved the award the most, I wouldn’t have been shocked if Louisville’s Jeff Brohm had been given the award.

Mike Norvell went undefeated in ACC play (8-0) and 2-0 against the SEC. FSU has two wins over teams currently ranked in the top 25 and beat Duke when they had a top 25 ranking. FSU defeated eight teams who are bowl-eligible.

Not to mention, the ACC had a winning record against the SEC this season. I know there’s been a lot of talk about FSU’s resume with the College Football Playoff Committee, especially since Jordan Travis was lost for the season due to injury.

There’s no question FSU is one of the best teams in college football. They rank among the top 15 in all three phases and have the eighth highest winning margin nationally at 19.9. That’s the third highest among teams in the top four in the College Football Playoffs.

FSU also has the fewest blue-chip players on its roster compared to those four teams, which speaks volumes about the job Mike Norvell has done in Tallahassee.