Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell Previews Top-25 Matchup Against Duke
The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles (6-0, 4-0 ACC) are slated to conclude their three-game homestead this Saturday against the No. 16 Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 2-0 ACC) after coming off a decisive 41-3 win over Syracuse last weekend.
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FSU head coach Mike Norvell met with the media on Monday to discuss the win over Syracuse and preview what is in store for the Seminoles in what will be one of the biggest home tests of the season on homecoming weekend.
"Duke has had a great year up to this point. They were one play away from being undefeated and you see the mindset of how they play and what they do. It's impressive and I've got a lot of respect for coach (Mike) Elko," Norvell said. "Coach (Kevin) Johns is the offensive coordinator, we've worked together and it is a very well-coached team with really good players. They've done a great job with what they're doing and now we get a chance to go and compete this Saturday night. I'm so excited for our players."
The Blue Devil defense is one of the best in the country, and it is no secret that they present problems for opposing offenses. They're ranked No. 2 in red zone defense and rank 15th overall according to Pro Football Focus. When asked about how he views Duke's defense, his initial response was one word: 'Great'.
"You look at the standard of good defenses, and this is one that you would point to. All eleven guys on their defense. They can run. They can cover," Norvell said. "They're disruptive in their schemes. They present; they've got really good pressure packages that challenge offenses."
"We definitely have our hands full this week in our preparation, but these are the games you love being a part of. You love coaching them, and you love playing them because there's going to be a lot of really good players and some fun X's and O's to see who can create any type of advantage."
Duke is coming off a remarkable 24-3 win over NC State without starting quarterback, Riley Leonard, who has been dealing with a high ankle sprain over the past few weeks. Still, even without their lead signal caller, the Blue Devils were able to dominate. Norvell and the Seminoles are preparing for Leonard although he still remains questionable for the game.
"I know he (Leonard) went through pregame there in the last game; he just wasn't quite ready to go. We're going to prepare for him."
With Leonard possibly back in the lineup, the 'Noles will have their hands full defending a future NFL prospect and his supporting cast. They're averaging 31 points per game throwing for 189 yards per game and rushing for 198.
"Their receiver position they've got some dynamic guys out there on the perimeter and the running backs, they're a handful, I mean, they are really good backs," Norvell said. "They're patient, they're tough and if you get them in the open field, they're tough to bring down."
The top-25 showdown is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ABC.
"There is a reason why they're ranked and it's a really good football team."
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