Talking season is over. The Florida State football team has "grown' in fall camp. Now it is time for the Seminoles to feel the thrill of victory on Saturday against the New Mexico State Aggies.
Florida State has suffered the agony of defeat the past two seasons, 17 losses. Now it is beyond time to experience the thrill of victory on the field.
Coach Mike Norvell, who tops every dubious hot seat list out there, may have overstayed his welcome by any measurable standard of the Florida State fan base. However, he has an opportunity to temper the mood of the fans by successfully navigating one of the toughest schedules of any ACC team.
Norvell has talked about the “growth” of his team throughout fall camp. On Saturday against New Mexico State, his team will run out the tunnel at Doak Campbell Stadium to show the fans and the college football world what that growth looks like.
Execution of the offense, mental focus, and a killer instinct that has been lacking at times the past two years will help the Seminoles cover the five-touchdown plus spread for Saturday’s game. Florida State is currently a -32.5-point favorite.
Norvell, who knows how to call offensive plays but apparently cannot develop consistent quarterback play, went into the transfer portal for yet another starting quarterback. On Saturday, former Auburn signal-caller Ashton Daniels will command the huddle for the Seminoles. Daniels must leave his mediocre past right where it is and step up his game considerably. It appears Daniels has done that in fall camp, and is a more confident quarterback.
Winning is the cure for all that ails a college football program. Fans and the athletic administration can tolerate just about anything, as long as you win football games. The Seminoles have talent on both sides of the ball, from receivers Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy, and running back Ousman Kromah on offense, to the Desir twins (Mandrell and Daryll) on the defensive line, Chris Jones at linebacker, and defensive back Ja’bril Rawls. Though coaching continuity has taken a hit the last few months, from the retirement of Gus Malzahn to the hiring of Kam Martin as running backs coach, the coaching staff as a whole is experienced and intense, and understands the need for change in mindset and the importance of getting back to the standard of Florida State football, which is winning football games in dominant fashion.
Winning will vanquish the specter that currently hangs over the Seminoles football program, that of Norvell being a lame duck coach because Florida State cannot afford his buyout, which stands around $45 million. Winning will make the Seminoles war chant louder and prouder. Winning will make college football better because Florida State is better.
Chief Osceola is ready to plant the spear. The fans are armed and ready with the tomahawk chop. The players should be ready to walk the walk, ready to seize the game day, and bask in the glow of victory.
Set the tone very early in the game, leave no doubt, and dominate. That’s the standard of excellence of Florida State football that Norvell and his team of “grown-ups” must adhere to this season, beginning on Saturday against the Aggies of New Mexico State.
