At a certain point, a game gets mentioned as a "trap game" so much that the trap is basically gone. Virginia is no longer a "trap game" for FSU, it's an opportunity for the Seminoles to show how far they've come or how far they need to go.
That's why these comments from former Nole and current CBS Sports analyst Bryant McFadden stick out. There are a lot of challenges in Charlottesviille on Friday, but being underprepared for the opponent shouldn't be one of them.
I said in July, regardless of what happened vs. Bama UVA, would be our most important game. 1st rd game, 1st ACC game on a weird night all the week before Miami. UVA has a fierce QB that can play FB. Dont play with your food. Start fast & play harder & smarter for longer. #Noles
— Bryant McFadden (@BMac_SportsTalk) September 22, 2025
McFadden points out all the legitimate issues — first road game of the season, first conference game of the season, short week of preparation and that "in between" week before a Miami game that's probably way bigger than anyone could have expected.
This is not a trap game, this is a test of maturity. That was a point Mike Norvell tried to bring home during his press availability this week.
"There's going to be momentum swings in this game. It happens at home, and sometimes you get to thrive off that energy, ...you go on the road, and it's the complete opposite," Norvell said "If you have a bad play or something doesn't go how you want, you feel the weight of all the energy that's in the stadium. And you have to be in control of your response."
Expect Cavaliers to hit FSU with their best shot
After two soft touches in a row, the best thing that could happen to FSU is a physical play early in the game to let the team know that this week is going to be different. For the past four weeks, FSU's biggest resistance has probably come from whatever contact they received in practice. East Texas A&M is one of the worst teams in FCS and Kent State came into the 2025 season with a 21-game losing streak.
So immediately, the Seminoles have to be ready for that first real hit, or that first physical play from a player that is at least in their category of athleticism and strength. And I believe that once FSU gets that reminder that they're in a real fight with a team that has the ability to punch back a little, we'll see the maturity and the attitude shine through.