Mike Norvell states case for Florida State in CFP after beating Louisville
Mike Norvell’s Florida State Seminoles have done what many others couldn’t: Win all their games.
No. 4 Florida State defeated Louisville on Saturday night for the ACC championship and, in doing so, secured an undefeated season. With No. 7 Texas – and its one loss – beating Oklahoma State in the Big Championship Game, and No. 8 Alabama – also with one loss – beating No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, Norvell stumped for his team’s place in the College Football Playoff.
“There are a lot of great teams that are out there,” Norvell said. “A lot of talented teams with a lot of ability. A lot of those teams have shown the ability but lost games. This team has not. This team has responded to all situations. The team has fought no matter what the circumstance was.”
Florida State made things as difficult as possible on the College Football Playoff selection committee, using a dominant defensive performance to beat No. 15 Louisville. The Seminoles moved to 13-0, but even that doesn’t guarantee a spot in the four-team playoff. No Power Five team has ever gone unbeaten, won its conference title and failed to make the playoff.
But with starting quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season with a leg injury, Florida State is in danger of becoming the first. Down to their third-string QB, the Seminoles stuck to a conservative game plan against Louisville.
“Because of our team,” Norvell said when asked about the success. “They care about each other. These guys work 365 days a year to prepare themselves for these moments. … This is football team that is full of heart. An incredible incredible game.”
Lawrance Toafili ran for 118 yards and a touchdown for the Seminoles, who stuck to a conservative game plan with third-string quarterback Brock Glenn behind center. Glenn finished 8 of 21 for 55 yards.
Here’s what Alabama coach Nick Saban had to say about his team’s CFP chances. Check out Kirby Smart’s, Gary Danielson’s and social media’s take on the CFP logjam.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.