Mike Norvell’s Message To Florida State After Upset Loss Revealed

Florida State's season did not get off to the start that head coach Mike Norvell and company wanted. A 24-21 conference loss to Georgia Tech in Ireland was a major upset loss as a heavy favorite and the first regular-season loss by the Seminoles since 2022.

The Yellow Jackets imposed their will on both FSU's offensive and defensive lines, units that were referred to as some of the best in the nation entering the game. Georgia Tech, who was coming off a 7-6 season under second-year head coach Brent Key, out rushed the 'Noles 190 to 98 and recorded seven tackles for loss and a sack.

FSU had a chance to prove its worth on the field after an offseason filled with controversy over the College Football Playoff snub last season. But the falter to Tech, at the moment, has quieted the noise out of Tallahassee.

Norvell did not take the loss lightly. He took accountability for FSU's performance and vowed to have his team better prepared in a fiery post-game speech.

“Everybody knows we’re better than what we just put out on that field," he said. "And that all comes down to me. So that’s my fault. And I’m gonna do a better job at preparing you. I’m gonna do a better job in continuing to push the standard…”

“Be who you say you want to be," Norvell continued. "Don’t let an awful result change what this football teams is all about…”

It's up to Norvell to use the loss to motivate the Seminoles and get his team back on track with a long season ahead. After all, gone are the days where a single loss can derail a season. The expanded 12-team playoff format gives teams like FSU an opportunity to still play for a national championship despite a hiccup.

FSU will be back in action at home against Boston College on Monday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). The Eagles proved to be a tough test a year ago, coming two points shy of the then No. 3 ranked Seminoles.

FSU is currently a 15.5-point favorite, according to ESPN Bet.

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