FSU football only won two games last season, and it's something fans would like to forget. However, head coach Mike Norvell is using last season as an example of what not to do.
The team is in the midst of its annual road trip to Jacksonville and will have its second scrimmage in less than a week on Sunday. There's a different feeling to fall camp this year, and Mike Norvell is looking to address the main issues that killed the Noles in 2024.
Aside from costly injuries, the 2024 team had no heart. They played soft and seemingly went through the motions after the first half in most games. Mike Norvell has repeatedly harped on playing with an edge, being desperate to win, playing with emotion, and the execution.
As bad as the Noles were last year, there were several instances of the plays being there to be made, and players simply not executing.
Mike Norvell spoke with the media on Friday following practice, and one of the first things he mentioned was: "Putting guys in drills where it was "one-on-one, no place to run, and no place to hide...trying to continue to uphold the standard."
It's a unified message from Norvell and the coaching staff. The importance of physicality is mentioned in every interview. The footage the players put on film at practice is used by the coaches to hold them accountable.
I don't think it's a coincidence that we haven't heard the names of a few guys who have played a lot over the past two years. The players who practice the best and give the best effort will play.
That alone should help improve things in 2025, and if they can execute with consistency, that can help FSU surprise everyone in the upcoming season.