Mike Norvell is set to lead Florida State out of the tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium without a large chunk of its regular season roster. The Seminoles have had 15 different players opt out before the Orange Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Head coach Mike Norvell admitted that the last month has been very difficult for his team during a press conference on Monday afternoon. And while he understands that his players have to make the decisions that are the best for them, he wishes things were different.
It’s about the players that are here and the work that they put in. I’m grateful for every player that we have. Life is full of choices. The last month has been really challenging; coming off the championship game, there was a lot of emotion, and guys had to make tough and challenging decisions. But the guys that are here are excited about it and looking forward to the week of preparation and the competition that’s ahead.
— Mike Norvell
Backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, who took over the starting job after an injury to Jordan Travis late in the year, announced his decision to transfer on Christmas Day. His decision will bump true freshman Brock Glenn — who started in the ACC Championship — to the QB1 role.
He will not be able to throw to any of Florida State’s top three receivers. Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and Jaheim Bell all chose sit out. They combined for 1,778 yards and 15 of the team’s 28 passing touchdowns.
Leading rusher Trey Benson declared for the NFL Draft. He will not play either!
The Seminoles are looking a little bit better on defense. Starting linebackers Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach, along with most of the secondary, are going to suit up.
However, star pass-rusher Jared Verse, defensive tackle Fabien Lovett, cornerback Jarrian Jones, safety Akeem Dent and linebacker D.J. Lundy will not. Those are five big losses.
As a result of the opt-outs, the betting line has moved to -17 in favor of the No. 6-ranked Bulldogs. It saw a big jump in favor of the SEC runners-up after Rodemaker’s announcement.
Around the same time, Norvell got super cryptic on social media. The 42-year-old head coach posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, with something of a self-affirmation.
The world will let fear affect it, life can be full of disappointing moments, and will always have competition. Be true and honest in the moment you then you can live with all the results. Excited and grateful for each opportunity #KeepCLIMBing #AllWeGotAllWeNeed
— @Coach_Norvell on X
Was he throwing shade at Rodemaker and the opt-outs? Was he off the egg nog and decided to get deep?
Who knows. It isn’t entirely clear as to what Mike Norvell meant, but it came across as a pump-up speech to himself in the mirror.
Florida State would send shockwaves across college football if it can beat Georgia in the Orange Bowl on Saturday!