Football

Four days before the Florida State Seminoles season opener, head coach Mike Norvell says the focus is remaining on themselves while putting the finishing touches on the game plan.

During his press conference Tuesday, Norvell covered a wide range of topics including what he expects to see from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and their new defensive coordinator, the environment around Doak on Sunday and the team’s rising vaccination rate. You can watch Norvell’s full comments plus those of all three of the coordinators (offense, defense and special teams) in this post below.

The atmosphere should meet all of Norvell’s expectations as tickets are getting hard to come by for the primetime matchup. Tuesday afternoon, only a few thousand are still available and the student tickets are just about gone.

As for the Irish, they’ve got some work to do of their own. Though they enter the year ranked in the top ten, they’ve got a lot of new faces in key places that could make them vulnerable on Sunday. XsandNoles breaks down both sides of the ball for Notre Dame in this week’s preview.

One of the big notes from Norvell’s press conference is the team’s growing number of players getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Remember the ACC has updated its policy this season making teams forfeit if they are unable to play because of an outbreak of cases unless its vaccination rate is above 85-percent. Norvell said the team is getting closer to that number every day.

Former Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher has landed himself a raise before starting his fourth season with the Texas A&M Aggies. The Aggies have improved under Fisher and the leadership there in College Station is apparently happy with what they’ve seen as they’ve moved to make him the second-highest paid coach in college football behind only the Alabama Crimson Tide’s Nick Saban.

As we get closer to the start of this season, it’s hard not to think of Seminoles legend Bobby Bowden. The late head coach passed away nearly a month ago. Tallahassee.com spoke with his widow, Ann, about life with and now without him. It’s a strong read from the woman who knew Bobby better than anyone about his life, the support from family, friends and the community during his services and the time still ahead.

Recruiting

Florida State’s opener is shaping up to be a big one on the recruiting trail as well. The visitor list for Sunday’s game is loaded with talent. See where things stand and join the conversation with NoleThruAndThru and Josh Pick in the latest recruiting thread.

Soccer

The biggest team on campus in Tallahassee may be the FSU Soccer team. They’re certainly the highest ranked as the ladies held onto their top ranking in the latest polls.

And they’ve got a big game on Thursday with the rival Florida Gators at the Soccer Complex. Get out there for the match and support this team as the compete for a national title.

Golf

Two weeks before their return to play, the men’s golf team released its schedule.