“The defense definitely won the day:” Head coach Mike Norvell recaps FSU’s second and final fall scrimmage
· Yahoo Sports
Earlier in the week, head coach Mike Norvell said he wanted his team to treat this week like a “game week.” Coming off a scrimmage on Tuesday, FSU had three days of physical practice in Jacksonville, ahead of its final scrimmage of the fall on Sunday.
If Sunday’s scrimmage had a winner, Norvell told the media afterward, that it was the defense.
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“I thought (the defense) really did a nice job,” the head man said in his opening statement. “(They were) flying around and made some explosive plays and created some TFLs. I liked tonight that there was a great balance of pressures, four-man pass rush, and guys going out there and having to win a 1-on-1.”
It seems that the defensive line, led by Terrance Knighton and first-year coach Nick Williams, is developing the front into a formidable force heading into the regular season.
“I thought the defensive line was really impactful. I saw the Desir twins multiple times making an impact. Jalen Anderson had a great speed sack…You felt that disruption. When you’re sitting out there, it’s good for one side. On the other side, you have to continue to improve.”
Without media access and reading between the tea leaves, tonight certainly did not appear to be the offense’s night. Norvell mentioned only some “explosive plays” as highlights from the offense but did not go into much detail on any one play, player, or drive. Ultimately, the defense may be ahead of the offense heading into the back half of fall camp.
“Offensively, there were a couple of drives there at the beginning that didn’t necessarily go the way guys wanted. But you continue to stay the course, continue to focus on that next play.”
Even though it sounded like an off night for the offense, Norvell was once again complimentary of quarterback Ashton Daniels and the presence he brings.
“Tonight there were a few opportunities that he created…I think he’s got a great understanding and control, and he’s been highly efficient and explosive in the things we have asked him to do.”
As mentioned, Sunday marked the final scrimmage of Florida State’s fall camp, as the NCAA allows teams to scrimmage only twice. The Seminoles now head into what Norvell called “moving week,” where the depth chart starts to come into focus and the winners of position battles start to emerge.
FSU will have an off day tomorrow before heading back onto the practice field on Tuesday. Head coach Mike Norvell’s full media availability can be found below.
Video courtesy of Warchant