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Mike Norvell's last thoughts before Florida State football heads to Ireland to face GA Tech

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

Before taking the flight to Dublin, Ireland, Florida State football ran one last practice on Wednesday as the Seminoles are less than 72 hours before kickoff against Georgia Tech during the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Saturday at noon.

After practice, head coach Mike Norvell discussed the installments and plugging different plays before heading to Georgia Tech.

"We really try to push variations and different looks going into the first game," Norvell said. "You prepare all things, and it's the big, probably the biggest, menu that you're going to have in the course of the season. "

As Norvell broke down Wednesday's practice, he once again praised his receivers for another excellent week of practice. Norvell has seen the wideouts' improvement each day.

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"I think a lot of with timing and rhythm," Norvell said. "I think the guys are building confidence in the things they're asked to do."

He mentioned Jalen Brown, a receiver who has emerged in recent weeks. He reiterated how much of a difference-maker the LSU transfer can be in the starting rotation.

"I'm really excited about what I've been seeing from him," Norvell said. "He's putting himself in a position to be an impactful player."

Mike Norvell on game planning Georgia Tech

Norvell expects Georgia Tech to be a tough test on Saturday. It is the first time in two years that the Seminoles have faced the Yellow Jackets.

"Starting off this first game is one of the greatest challenges that we'll face," Norvell said.

"They got speedy receivers that know how to get open. They do a good job in creating space for them, and so our guys got to rise to challenge, but I'm very confident in the guys we have."

Georgia Tech is coming off a 7-6 season and is led by the quarterback-running back duo Haynes King and Jamal Haynes. Brent Key will be entering his second season for the Yellow Jackets.

QB DJ Uiagalelei expects Georgia Tech's defense to be a 'good test' for offense.

Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is in full game mode and looks forward to making his FSU debut on the international stage.

It is the first time Uiagaleilei has faced an ACC team since 2022 in the ACC championship, while he was still with Clemson.

Uiagalelei talked about the preparation against the Yellow Jackets' defense.

"The D-line is really good," Uiagalelei said.

"They are athletic with the linebackers. Good size and then the DBs and safeties really do a good job. The big guys can move really well. I think they do a really good job. It'll be a good game for us. Good test."

The Oregon State transfer expressed how the game plan got easier for him once FSU began its installments. The confident-level for the fifth-year senior has also been consistent the more he feels comfortable running Norvel's offense.

"When the gameplan starts to get shrunken down, you know the plays are going to be called on certain down and distances," Uiagalelei said. "It's been a lot easier, and it's been fun."

Like Norvell, Uiagalelei has also been impressed by what he has seen from his receivers. For him, he believes that it made his job easier by the way his weapons are making plays for him downfield.

"I think the biggest thing is they're competing each and every single day," Uiagalelei said.

"They are running full-speed routes every single rep, and they're making plays and finishing the reps, finishing those catches and getting the YAC after the catches too. It's been explosive, man. I'm happy to see that, man. They've done a hell of a job."

How can I watch FSU football vs. Georgia Tech

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 24

  • Time: Noon ET

  • Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

  • TV: ESPN

  • Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)

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Florida State football schedule 2024

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: Mike Norvell says facing Georgia Tech will be one of greatest challenges