Norvell asks Florida State to carry practice into Virginia

01 · The NewsPractice Has to Travel

After coach Mike Norvell called Florida State’s practice week its best in a long time, the 2-2 Seminoles host 3-1 Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and little room for another loss.

Norvell praised the preparation in full: “It’s been a good week of preparation. The best days of practice that we’ve had in a long time. It was outstanding in all aspects,” he said.

Quarterback Ashton Daniels has 928 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. He completed 66.6% of his passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns against Central Arkansas on Sept. 26, but also threw an interception.

Virginia’s defense averages 1.5 interceptions per game, ranks 14th nationally in that category and allows 130.3 passing yards per game. Daniels has to turn his improved confidence into cleaner decisions against that secondary.

The other side of the matchup is more concerning for Florida State. The Seminoles allowed 750 passing yards and six touchdowns in losses to SMU and Alabama. They give up 290 passing yards per game, while Virginia averages 254.5 passing yards and 3.8 passing touchdowns per game.

Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula has thrown for 793 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception, with 125 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Virginia averages 40.5 points per game, 21st nationally, so extra possessions could quickly become a problem for Florida State.

Running back Osumane Kromah said Daniels looked more assertive during the practice week: “Ashton is having way more confidence to do what he wants on the field. Being more of a leader.”

02 · The StakesThe Margin for Error

Florida State is 14th in the ACC, and a loss would drop the Seminoles to 2-3 before games against Louisville on Oct. 9, Miami on Oct. 17 and Clemson on Oct. 31. The improved work has to show up first in a matchup that could turn on one possession.

03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching