Mike Norvell discusses the harsh reality of Florida State’s College Football Playoff omission.
You don’t need to fathom what it’s like to be a member of the Florida State football team right now. In a recent press conference, head coach Mike Norvell stated unequivocally.
“[It’s been] the most challenging couple weeks of coaching I’ve ever had,” Norvell told ESPN.
In the midst of a difficult season, you expect to hear about problems, but FSU is coming off a flawless 13-0 season in which the program defeated No. 5 LSU and No. 16 Duke before defeating No. 14 Louisville for the ACC Championship.
That would have been a perfect season, but No. 5 Florida State found itself on the outside looking in when the College Football Playoff committee decided to punish the Seminoles for Heisman Trophy-contending quarterback Jordan Travis’ season-ending leg injury in Week 13.
“As you look at who they are as a team right now, without Jordan Travis, without the offensive dynamic that he brings to it, they are a different team,” committee chair Boo Corrigan said.
And for Norvell and his staff, that’s a difficult truth to accept.
“You had to learn how to work through disappointment, hurt, frustration and anger — every bit of it — for 18-to-22-year-old kids and a 42-year-old coach,” Norvell said. “It’s difficult. But, at the end of the day, you only have control over what you can control. We did everything possible this season to win 13 games.”
FSU has the opportunity to make a statement in the Orange Bowl by defeating No. 6 Georgia. After all, the Bulldogs have won the last two national championships, so a win over UGA would be a major triumph for the Seminoles.
It won’t be the CFP or the chance to win a title, but Norvell sees it as a significant moment for his team.
“We get an opportunity to go get better,” Norvell explained. “You can’t just be good because it sounds good.” This is our reality; you must persevere and go get healthy.”
