TL;DR
- Mike Norvell expressed extreme disappointment with Florida State's inability to capitalize on opportunities and score points.
- Turnovers were a critical factor, with Florida State losing the turnover margin four to zero against NC State.
- Norvell is baffled by recurring frustrating situations away from home but is committed to fixing them.
- Florida State, at 5-6, needs a win against Florida to qualify for a bowl game.
Mike Norvell entered the interview space appearing as though he'd just experienced all the strange deflections that led to Florida State's defeat. His demeanor was calm, yet his annoyance was clearly visible. “Hell no, we are not even close to living up to expectations,” he said.
He maintained that he witnessed a squad that had thoroughly prepared for the condensed week, a team he felt was poised for success, yet everything fell apart in the crucial moments. Fumbled catches. A turnover deep in enemy territory. A missed field goal attempt. A devastating interception during a possession that ought to have resulted in points. “We were able to move the ball but too many missed opportunities,” he stated. “We have to put points on the board and we have failed to do that on the road numerous times.”
Despite outgaining NC State 383 to 286, achieving more first downs, and rushing for 180 yards, Florida State's efforts were nullified by a devastating turnover margin of four to zero. This disparity in turnovers was the decisive factor in the game, with each miscue providing a crucial advantage to the Wolfpack and leaving Norvell to ponder solutions throughout the night.
Nothing stung quite like the muffed multiple special teams late in the game. “Two catastrophic things happened to us in the fourth quarter…When you go out and you do not play to the level you are capable of, it is extremely disappointing.”
MORE: Mike Norvell buyout details
He praised his players' effort but conceded he's baffled by the recurring, frustrating situations away from home. “Some of these things are unexplainable,” he stated. “But I am not pulling back. I am going to push forward with everything I have to get it fixed.”
Just one game is left, and it's the one that shapes entire seasons. Florida awaits in Gainesville. This rivalry needs no added hype, but it arrives with immense pressure. Florida State, currently 5-6, absolutely needs a victory to qualify for a bowl game. The team's aspirations remain the same. The established standard hasn't shifted. However, there's no room for mistakes now, and the disappointment that followed Norvell into the press conference now accompanies his players as they head into the Swamp.
More college football news:
- 10 coaches who could replace Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss
- Deion Sanders celebrates DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick
- 12 coaches who could be fired before December
- Five jobs Coach Prime may conside r