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Mike Norvell gives update on FSU football travel plans due to Hurricane Helene | 3 takeaways

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

Tallahassee and the Big Bend will be on high alert for potential Category 3 Hurricane Helene later this week.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 41 counties from Key West to the Gulf Coast.

Florida State football's travel plans are unclear as it prepares to face SMU Saturday.

"We're continuing to track that,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said after Tuesday's practice. “Obviously, there's still a lot of Information.

"Today is a big day for gaining more information about what could be our reality. I feel good about our plans, and I feel good about any potential adjustments if necessary, but you know it's something we're absolutely tracking."

FAMU announced on Tuesday that it has pushed back its game against Alabama A&M to Nov. 29.

Earl Little Jr. switches to safety. Mike Norvell compares him to former FSU DB

Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr (0) during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr (0) during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.

FSU's young secondary continues to earn playing time by making plays during 11-on-11 drills. Earl Little Jr. was one of the players mentioned by Norvell. According to this week's depth chart, he has switched to safety from nickel spot.

"I think Earl's skillset really does fit the safety position, Norvell said. "To be able to play high, being able to attack from the top down, there are things he'll have just to grow in."

Norvell compared Little's transition to former FSU defensive back Jammie Robinson.

"He came here and did it a little bit," Norvell said. "When he transitioned back, and it is, I think that could be something that really beneficial. So we'll see how that progresses."

With Little moving to safety, it leaves opportunities for other young corners, like freshmen Ja'Bril Rawls and Charles Lester III, to get snaps.

Lester had a good day of practice. During 11-on-11, he broke up a few passes against two starting receivers.

Cazaiah Holmes, Samuel Singleton Jr get more carries on offense

The Florida State Seminoles football team hit the field for its fourth practice of the fall season on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.
The Florida State Seminoles football team hit the field for its fourth practice of the fall season on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.

With Roydell Williams out for an extended period due to an injury, it led to opportunities for Caziah Holmes and Samuel Singleton Jr. to get some carries with the starters.

"I thought they continue to push to get better and know with Roydell out, those are a couple of guys that door opportunity is there, and they got to show and be what they need to be able to make an impact good," Norvell said.

Both Singleton worked with the starters during two-minute drills and red zone plays. Holmes flashed with a long run during 11-on-11. Freshman running back Kam Davis saw limited action after he was banged up in last week's game against Cal.

FSU quarterbacks struggled to take care of the football

Florida State football players participate in practice on Wednesday, Aug. 14
Florida State football players participate in practice on Wednesday, Aug. 14

It wasn't so great for the quarterbacks. The main reason was because of turnovers.

DJ Uiagalelei had a couple of fumbles while he tried to hand the ball off to his running backs during read-option plays.

Some bad snaps also led to dead play on offense. Brock Glenn was on and off when he got some snaps. He threw an accurate long touchdown pass to Darion Williamson.

He also threw an interception pass in the post a few plays later. Uiagalei is expected to be the starter for the Seminoles going forward. In four games, he has thrown for 843 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

How can I watch FSU football vs. SMU

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 28

  • Time: 8 p.m.

  • Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium/ Dallas, Texas

  • TV: ACC Network

FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times

All times Eastern

BOLD = ACC

* = Neutral Site

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU's Mike Norvell gives thoughts on preparing for SMU game, hurricane