VIDEO: Mike Norvell talks about the development of FSU’s identity heading into game week

Florida State football had their last practice of the week this morning. The week of work will come to an end with a mock game in Doak Campbell Stadium tomorrow evening. After Saturday’s practice, Mike Norvell met with the media for a press conference. On game planning for Notre Dame, Norvell said. “For game one, you have to do what you do well. That’s one of the things that’s been nice about having spring ball and a fall camp. We have a much better sense of what and who this team is. We try to put ourselves in the best position with the information we have going into game one.”

When asked about the team’s identity, Norvell explained, “This is a team that’s willing to work, willing to push. We try to make our guys uncomfortable as often as possible, so that in the moment when things aren’t going as well as they can for them that they can respond in the right way. We play with emotion, we play with passion.”

Meiko Dotson had the play of the day. Coming off the edge on a blitz, Dotson leaped an snagged an interception and took it to the house for a pick six. “Meiko... his experience, his leadership, he is definitely a calming presence. Even though he’s an older player, he’s grown a lot since he got here. It’s fun to see him compete, he loves playing the game. He really embraces the role of being a leader to others... that’s something as a coach you love to see. He’s definitely invested in these guys and is a true leader of this program,” said Norvell.

When asked about the potential atmosphere against Notre Dame, Norvell said, “To say excited would probably be the biggest understatement of my life... Our fans have been ready for this, we have been ready for it. We absolutely need them to make an incredible impact on this game.”

FSU’s veteran wide receivers, Keyshawn Helton and Pokie Wilson, have been the most dependable receivers in fall camp. On Wilson and Helton, Norvell said, “Those are two guys that I think have really emerged and stepped up at a high level. Their love for this game, for their position, for this university is really at a high level. Their investment into other guys in that room and the way that they’ve been playing has really been impressive.”

For Norvell’s full presser, see below: