Mike Norvell Gives Impassioned Speech After Close Win Over Boston College

"Nothing else matters other than bringing our work, our improvement, and bringing our edge."

The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles are 3-0 (1-0 ACC) for the second consecutive season during head coach Mike Norvell's tenure in Tallahassee. Although the 'Noles survived a late Boston College resurgence last Saturday, the victory still served as a teaching moment in the eyes of the coaching staff, who saw a lot left on the field for a team with such lofty expectations. 

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"It shows you the importance of the edge. Every freaking rep, every day, every time you play this game, man, you better bring that edge. You better bring that edge because, ultimately, that’s real life.” Norvell said to his team after the 31-29 scare in Chestnut Hill. 

This speech from Mike Norvell after #FSU’s near disaster is awesome.

“It shows you the importance of the edge. Every freaking rep, every day, every time you play this game, man, you better bring that edge. You better bring that edge because ultimately that’s real life.” #Noles pic.twitter.com/ywLd9gYSUO

— Dustin Lewis (@DustinLewisNG) September 18, 2023

There were a lot of upsides for FSU during the bout. It was the first time in program history that there were no tackles for loss versus an FBS opponent, and it gave a chance for the 2023 Seminoles to debut yet again resilience in the face of adversity.

"Now, today, you did enough to leave 1 and 0, and I commend you on that, and I'm proud of you for that, (but) the standard of expectations is a hell of a lot higher than just winning a game here."

The climb that Florida State is on isn't easy, and the team knows what is ahead of them. This weekend, they will face their next major challenge against the Clemson Tigers and run through a gauntlet of programs after a bye week. Winning has to be the standard if the Seminoles want another ACC title and a crack at the College Football Playoffs.

"We've got to continue to work. We've got to continue to believe because, listen, everything on the outside? It'll tell you. It'll have an opinion. It will try to influence you in a variety of different ways. You better block it out." 

Although nice, the Seminoles don't tend to get caught up on statistics or unearned accolades when evaluating themselves. FSU hasn't beaten Clemson since 2014, which seems like a lifetime, given the major changes in college football. But adversity builds character, and Florida State has a chance to show the world who they are heading into Death Valley this weekend.

"Nothing else matters other than bringing our work, our improvement, and bringing our edge." 

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