"One that will be remembered forever": FSU HC Mike Norvell talks about his team's objective after College Football Playoff snub in 2023

In his interview with "Always College Football" on Tuesday, Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell reflected on the team's disappointing finish to the 2023 season and its aspirations for the upcoming 2024 season. Speaking with host Greg McElroy, Norvell emphasized how the team has shifted its focus from the previous season and is now set on its goals after being snubbed from the College Football Playoff.

The Seminoles had a standout 2023 season, boasting a 13-1 record and clinching the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship. Despite their undefeated regular season, they were controversially left out of the College Football Playoff (CFP), marking the first time a Power Five champion with an undefeated record was not selected for the playoff bracket in the playoff era.

When asked about the Seminoles' outstanding performance last year and the unfortunate end to their season, Norvell said:

“We had a great team, a great run a year ago, one that will be remembered I believe forever for what they were able to be able to accomplish out there on the field. And now you get a chance to go and take the next step.

"And we've got a lot of great players that are returning, some newcomers joining the program from the high school ranks, some transfers that are coming in.” [Timestamp: 2:55]

“And now it's time for the 2024 football team to go leave its mark,” he added. “And a lot of work that's gone in.”

In August, the Seminoles will begin their pursuit of College Football Playoff glory in Dublin, facing Georgia Tech.

Mike Norvell on behind the scenes of Florida State's mindset

Head coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles and quarterback Jordan Travis.

As the Seminoles found themselves excluded from the CFP, host McElroy asked Norvell how he maintains his team's hunger, anger and dissatisfaction with the previous season's outcome. Norvell said:

“I don't reference back to last year. It's not something that I do. We've got a chip and an edge, just because it's an opportunity to go and improve, and that's what we're here to do at Florida State.” [Timestamp: 4:08]

“Obviously, anybody who’s a part of last year's team, we lived the experience, and nobody enjoyed having to go through it. It wasn't right. It wasn't some of those things that you would ever think would have happened, but it did,” Norvell added.

However, Mike Norvell made it clear that with a renewed focus and a fresh perspective heading into the 2024 season, FSU is poised to make strides.

“Ultimately, it's just about what this team's willing to do to go accomplish what they can,” he said. “And that's where the edge comes from. I don't want a team that It develops an edge based off of others. It needs to be about us and what we're willing to give for what we want.”