Florida State head coach Mike Norvell spoke with the media regarding several topics on Tuesday. It was the first time he had spoken with the media since spring camp concluded, and he was asked about his return to calling offensive plays with Gus Malzahn’s retirement. Norvell bluntly provided thoughts on his ability as a playcaller when asked if calling plays may also help him control his destiny even more(not get fired) at the 5:55 mark in the video below:
“It’s about going to be the best we can be. I’ve been really good at calling plays throughout my coaching career, and I mean, I don’t say that in any way other than that’s true. You can look at points…I believe in who I get to coach. I believe in the position we’re gonna be able to put these guys in. I believe in the coaches that I have. When you put all that together, I feel very confident in the ability and who we get to coach.”
I’m not sure what kind of question that was, regarding controlling his destiny, because you know Mike Norvell isn’t going to bite on that type of question. However, the way he said that statement about being really good at calling plays got my attention. He said that with his chest and with full confidence, and let’s be real. The Florida State offense was really good when he called plays in 2022 and 2023, but it also had excellent talent at the skill positions and an emerging quarterback in Jordan Travis.
Mike Norvell sounds like he has ultimate belief in his ability as a playcaller.
FSU does have similarities to that 2022 team that produced the best Florida State offense since the Jimbo Fisher days. The wide receiver and running back positions have excellent talent and proven production. The offensive line has a proven coach and the potential to have at least a serviceable offensive line.
How well the Florida State offense performs will likely come down to how well Ashton Daniels performs. Florida State had one of the top offenses between the 20’s last year, but struggled to score once they entered the red zone. The turnovers were backbreaking, but turnovers have plagued Daniels over his career.
Mike Norvell got Jordan Travis to understand the need to protect the ball as the starting QB, and that played a large part in the success of FSU in 2022 and 2023. If they can unlock that with Ashton Daniels, and he can effectively use his legs and find some success vertically and with underneath routes?
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the FSU offense perform much better than most anticipate, especially if the offensive line finds a way to not be terrible.
Add us as a preferred source on Google