During the offseason, there were a multitude of question marks heading into Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell’s third season with the Seminoles. Many individuals were evaluating his future if things did not go as planned.
Time and time again, the Florida State Seminoles showcased why they are one of the most improved teams this season. On Friday night, Florida State defeated their arch-rival Florida by a score of 45-38 (who they have not beaten since 2017). While it might not seem like much since the Gators are having an underwhelming 6-6 season under first-year head coach Billy Napier, it does display that Norvell might finally have the Seminoles heading in a positive direction. Mike Norvell started his tenure at Florida State through the first 13 games with a 3-10 record including a notable upset loss to FCS opponent Jacksonville State. The once proud football program was on the verge of losing its luster after suffering four straight losing seasons from 2018-2021.
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The trajectory of the program seemed to change in a positive manner after the 0-3 Florida State Seminoles were trailing the 2-1 Louisville Cardinals at home by a score of 31-13. The Seminoles could not contain the Cardinals’ offense as they strung together multiple explosive plays. However, during the second half, Florida State was determined in stopping dual-threat quarterback Malik Cunningham and held him scoreless in the final two quarters. Unfortunately, the Seminoles were defeated by a score of 31-23 to the Louisville Cardinals as they fell to 0-4 on the season.
Even though Florida State is not in the business of celebrating moral victories, the loss did exhibit a sense of fight when dealt with adversity. Head coach Mike Norvell talks about the term “response” in the majority of his sessions with the media. It seems clique, but the message is clear: “How will you respond when you are faced with uncomfortable situations?” The Seminoles have lived up to Norvell’s message as they have won 14 of their last 20 games since the defeat to the Louisville Cardinals. What a remarkable turnaround it has been for the Florida State Seminoles in 2022!