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What FSU coach Mike Norvell said this week

Notes from FSU HC Mike Norvell's meeting with the media at the start of the week with the Noles taking on the Eagles this weekend.

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** FSU had a short week before its Week 2 game against USM. Norvell told the team it's an "identity" game coming off an emotional season-opener against LSU. Had a condensed schedule but guys played for 60 minutes. They played 102 players, the most Norvell has ever played in a game before. Guys could showcase where they are. Young players got extensive experience. They hope to build on that. The first string defense was dominant throughout. USM has a talented running back and some good skill guys but FSU's defensive front was great. Norvell thought communication on the back end was improved but they have to be better on 2-3 plays with certain adjustments. Great pass rushing forced quick throws.

** FSU offense had some missed opportunities against USM. Played maybe 50 snaps in the first half which is what they wanted to do. They wanted to work on tempo to wear USM down. Wanted to get into the second half and then establish the run game. Some great plays by guys out on the perimeter. There were disappointing moments but that margin of victory in spite of it is encouraging.

** Norvell notes they're opening ACC play on the road. BC is "tough, physical. Their offensive line, they've got a lot of guys back." Noted the injuries up front last year. BC will try to create movement up front. Thomas Castellanos is someone FSU recruited. They were looking at him as a RB/ATH as he was coming out. You see the playmaking ability he has. You absolutely have to work to contain him. Have a couple of guys who can create separation on the perimeter. Norvell calls it a good matchup and FSU is excited to get started in conference. He calls this a "first step" for their goals in ACC play. Mentions it's BC's Bandana game and the significance of that for the Eagles. He talked to the team about that on Sunday night in terms of being respectful of what he embodied. Expects a good atmosphere and an emotional game.

That was the first five minutes. He gets into a lot more FSU team stuff the rest of the way.

Q&A with Donovan Ezeiruaku

Donovan also spoke Monday, saved it for today. Also, asked Hafley about the HC story during his Wednesday Zoom. Down at Gillette and couldn't record it with Mac and Hunter Henry talking, but will have everything up at some point today once I get the audio/video. I spoke to Coach Chesney this morning and he told me he and Hafley spoke last night. Hafley confirmed that today. Who would've thought the real Holy War would be a sh** show still right before FSU comes to town? Wild.

Louisville recommendations

Headed to Louisville for the first time with five BC buddies for our annual ACC road trip. Any recommendations, especially for dinner on Friday night? At some point on Thursday and Friday, we're doing a Michter's Bourbon tour, Churchill Downs tour, and the races at Churchill Downs. @johnpaul2, as much as we'd like to cross the river to Cincy and say hello, we plan to stay the entire time in Louisville. Also, any BC tailgates planned? Thanks in advance.
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One situation to watch in recruiting

DB Camren Campbell is committed to Michigan State but with Mel Tucker on the way out there you have to figure there's an opening to make the case anew to him. He had a great official visit to Boston College over the summer that really exceeded his expectations. Of course BC needs to get things on track to make the strongest case possible but he's one of the players committed elsewhere that I'd be prepared to pay attention to down the stretch.

Hafley LB’s

We are now into year 4 of the Hafley Defensive Philosophy and I’m not seeing it. The one glaring weakness to me is his approach to the linebacker position. As we all know he has attempted to convert safety types to play LB or he continues to play undersized LB’s who more than a few times get overmatched. Since we often see 5 DB’s on the field why doesn’t Hafley have two big thumpers in the middle to play LB? As said we are now into year 4 and I don’t see anything in the pipeline other than the so called smaller LB’s who can supposedly run but don’t seem to have good instincts to play the position. My recollection is Hafley was sold to us as a rising defensive specialist and great recruiter. We haven’t seen either of those yet as we are well into year 4. Basically all I’ve seen in the past few years are Hafley defenses that give up almost 30 points per game and look small and slow.
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