ELIMINATE PENALTIES
Florida State has been relatively clean, committing a low number of penalties this season (four per game; 13th in the FBS). They have a mindset that involves intensity and physicality, which could lead to more penalties. This is something that head football coach Mike Norvell talks about all the time: Playing smarter.
This is the Seminoles' first road game of the year. This could come with challenges that could make them feel uncomfortable. There should be an emphasis on not having false start penalties in the game. Gus Malzahn's offense wants them to stay ahead of the chains.
This is a dangerous spot for the Seminoles as they have Miami next week. Their heads could be in Tallahassee before they even finish the game. This should be a good barometer of whether this Florida State squad is focused.
Penalties happen in football, and it could be a lapse of judgment by one single player, but they cannot let that snowball into something that could make them lose the game. Virginia is averaging 5.50 penalties per game and ranks 52nd in the FBS.