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Mike Norvell wants FSU football to focus on having fun while preparing for Memphis. Here's why

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

It's not fun to lose and start the year 0-2.

For Mike Norvell, that was the primary focus all week during practice for Florida State football.

As FSU prepares for the Memphis Tigers in a Week 3 matchup on Saturday at noon, Norvell emphasized that his players should let loose and have fun, hoping this will translate on the field at Doak Campbell Stadium.

"I don't always want it to be enjoyable, but I want you to have fun," Norvell said after practice on Tuesday.

"Sometimes, when you know that you're putting everything that you have into getting better, perfecting your craft, and trying to be the best player that you can be, you might not always feel good at the moment, but you can have fun doing it."

Norvell also discussed preparing for the undefeated Tigers, a team he coached for four years.

He praised Tigers' quarterback Seth Henigan, whom he believed is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and knows the offense inside and out.

In his junior year, Henigan was ranked among the top 10 in the country in almost every quarterback category.

He was fourth in passing yards with 3,883 and fifth with 32 touchdowns. He also held Memphis's single-season record of 317 completions and 476 attempts.

He has thrown for 469 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in two games this season.

"We know that if we make mistakes, if we have, you know, you bust in any aspect, he'll make you pay," Norvell said. "He's got the talented receivers to throw to."

Then, he followed up by getting to the quarterback and speaking with edge rushers Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr.

Both must step up as edge rushers and be a factor against the senior quarterback. Neither Payton nor Jones registered a sack on the defensive line.

"We got to earn the right to rush the passer," Norvell said. "When you play teams that incorporate the quarterback so much in the run game, the read game, I mean, is part of football against certain teams."

FSU DB Kevin Knowles II focuses on 'having fun,' being challenged against Memphis' quarterback

FSU's nickel cornerback, Kevin Knowles II, doubled down on Norvell's statement about having fun after Tuesday's practice.

He took it a step further, saying he believed the defense was starting to get in the rhythm after the Boston College game.

“As of today, starting from the last game, we're beginning to get that mojo back just having fun,” Knowles said. “That's the thing about it. Just slowing down, being patient, and just knowing that the name of the game is to have fun.”

Knowles, who has four tackles and a pass deflection so far for the Seminoles, understands FSU's slow start.

He was a freshman when FSU started the year at 0-4 in 2021 and ended up 5-7. He believed the first two losses this season have the team closer together.

"Despite our record, we're building something around here that a record can't break, and that's a family," Knowles said. "So, like I said, we're having fun doing what we do, and God willing, it translates onto the field."

Knowles thinks the Memphis game on Saturday will be the biggest challenge for the secondary because of its passing offense. When asked about the Henigan-led offense, he is confident that the DBs will be ready for the deep-throws.

"Just watching on film, the quarterback likes to take shots," Knowles said about Henigan.

"He likes his guys 50/50. We trained for it even though we haven't been touched on the passing game. I feel like Coach (Patrick) Surtain put us in a great position to be on top of what we got to do Saturday."

How can I watch FSU football vs. Memphis

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 14

  • Time: Noon

  • Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

  • TV: ESPN

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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: What Mike Norvell wants to see from Florida State football vs. Memphis