Henry: Players' talent, gratitude and mindset key to FSU football transformation
How sweet it is.
Florida State’s top-5 ranking in Tuesday’s US LBM Coaches Poll (No. 5) and the Associated Press poll (No. 4) is important for a number of reasons.
It shows the Seminoles under fourth-year coach Mike Norvell have returned to the national conversation, where the program belongs.
The rankings also reflect the players’ buy-in, unselfishness and commitment to each other.
“When you have those qualities atop of talent, you have the making of something special,” former FSU defensive back (2001-05) Kyler Hall said.
“The mindset. The way they played. The way they celebrated each other. Getting them to that point has been impressive to watch."
It’s OK to celebrate FSU’s rankings heading into Saturday's home-opener against Southern Miss at 8:30 p.m.
It reminds The Seminole Nation its football team is making progress.
And progress feels good after Sunday’s shellacking of then-No. 5 LSU 45-24 in Orlando that left Tigers coach Brian Kelly at cliff's edge with one foot in the air.
It was only a few years ago when FSU football slipped into the abyss and was a shell of its former national championship self. Nobody in their right mind wants to rehash the 2021 home loss to FCS Jacksonville State.
The 'C.L.I.M.B.' under Norvell has been a daily process, and results can be clearly measured. But Tuesday's rankings should also remind everyone FSU has a long way to go, too.
Working wonders: 'He's absolutely crazy': Inside Mike Norvell's rebuild of Florida State football
Plenty of work remains as FSU looks to remain among nation's elite
Championships are not won on Labor Day weekend.
And since adversity is impossible to avoid – even during winning seasons – how FSU reacts to challenges over the next three months will be important.
That starts with a potential big-win hangover and a short week of preparation for 31-point underdog Southern Miss. Its coach, Will Hall, 43, said the Seminoles are "probably the best team I've ever coached against. Just no weaknesses."
That might be accurate from Hall's perspective. And it's neat to see and feel the excitement surrounding Sunday's snapshot and the state of the program.
The Seminoles scored 31 consecutive points to erase a 17-14 halftime deficit. The Tigers were overmatched, overwhelmed and wilted in the second half under FSU's barrage, confidence and physicality.
Norvell, who has embraced the expectations surrounding this season, said he thinks that second half was "a glimpse" of what the Seminoles can be this season.
Woah, that's a powerful observation.
FSU certainly looked and sounded different during and after Sunday’s win.
Notice the experienced talent on the field?
The Seminoles rank third nationally in ESPN’s returning production metric at 79%.
Notice the humility and gratitude expressed in players’ comments?
"It's easy when I have great teammates around me to push me and tell me they have my back no matter what," said quarterback Jordan Travis, who could easily be self-absorbed since his roster and brand value in the NIL (name, image and likeness) market is estimated at $1.3 million, according to on3.com.
Notice the game's television ratings?
It peaked at 10.3 million even after Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels, including ESPN and ABC stations, nationally. Among the markets impacted were the country's three largest in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.
LSU was part of the equation, too, but that says plenty about FSU's brand, marketability and ratings strengths.
This is a crucial time for Florida State, ACC football
Quite frankly, FSU needed that win more than LSU to further build momentum generated from last season.
The Seminoles have won seven consecutive games dating back to Oct. 29, 2022. They have outscored opponents 42.5 to 19 during that span.
FSU has also talked about wanting to leave the ACC unless there's a radical change to the distribution model. The recent addition of Stanford, California and SMU in 2024 will create added revenue that must be divvyed up by the conference. But it's not the long-term solution for ACC members to keep pace with the Big Ten and the SEC.
While there's tremendous pressure on FSU winning in football, Norvell didn't want to hear about the Seminoles making a statement with the LSU victory.
His processes have always focused on big picture, wanting his team to play to its capabilities and welcome opportunities. He says every player has a role and responsibility.
Norvell's a tough nut, too, often sharing when he's "pissed off" about lackluster effort and play. He strives for improvement at every turn and wants players to treat every day like a test.
Players have responded under Norvell and, from the outside looking in, appreciate his energy and perspective. They also appear to be holding each other accountable with many like Travis taking on the leadership initiative. Fifteen of 22 starters against LSU were from the transfer portal, further strengthening Norvell's messaging.
That Norvell loved the way the Seminoles established their run game late against LSU also reflects his tenacity and the team's mindset. FSU rushed for 39 yards on 11 carries (3.55 yards per carry) in the first half; 100 yards on 21 carries (4.76) in the second.
"It shows your training, it shows your toughness, and it shows your desire and your will to finish," Norvell said. "That's what we want to be and that's what we want to be known for."
How sweet it is.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Back in the top-5, FSU football reflects players' buy-in and unselfishness
