Florida State coach Mike Norvell says he wants players at an ‘all-time high’ for Florida game

Florida State coach Mike Norvell is embracing the emotions that come with playing Florida.

At his weekly press conference on Monday, Norvell emphasized the importance of his players peaking this weekend against the Gators.

“Do I want our guys to be at an all-time high come Saturday? Absolutely. Because I know what this game means,” Norvell said. “And if you don’t get up for this one, then go somewhere else. Go do something else. Because it is not for you.

“You watch the history, you watch tradition, you know what it means to the University, you know what it means to the fanbase … man this is why you play. This is why you coach. And it’s to get guys for this moment.”

Here’s Norvell’s full thoughts on the game:

Florida State hasn’t beaten UF since 2017. The Gators have won back-to-back meetings and the teams did not play in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Florida fired coach Dan Mullen on Sunday following a loss to Missouri. The Gators and Seminoles are both 5-6 this season, which means the winner of this game will earn the right to play in a bowl game.

“Come Saturday at noon, I promise you there’s going to be some emotions on that field,” Norvell said.