FSU focused on FSU, 'there's not a team on our schedule that our guys are concerned about'
The Florida State Seminoles' coaches held their weekly press conference on Monday to discuss the 17-19 loss to N.C. State and the upcoming primetime home game against No. 4 Clemson.
Head Coach Mike Norvell opened the conference. The coaches spent most of their time discussing the Wolfpack game but here are the questions and answers on the Tigers:
Opening statement from head coach Mike Norvell:
“A great opportunity. It's great to get back home on primetime game. Obviously playing against a great opponent. They've done a really nice job throughout this year. I think [in] Clemson you see offense, defense, and special teams. They're really playing at a high level. They're playing with a lot of confidence. You see that. They're defensively it's one of the best defenses in the country. Their defensive front forcing unit it's really impressive and they've really kind of honed in.
“So, offensively, you could see that the quarterback is playing with a lot of confidence. He's really coming into his own. They got a great running back. You know, your receivers have been making plays, tight ends. They present a lot of different challenges. But our guys are excited.”
Offensive coordinator Alex Atkins on facing a Clemson defensive line that just had four sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hurries against Boston College:
“We see some in practice too with Fabian [Lovett], [Robert] Cooper, and [Jared] Verse. We've had some good work against good D-linemen, it's just a real ballgame. It's where you come to play big boy football. So not to discredit any other D-linemen that we played but it's a real ballgame. And to win real ballgames, you got to block really good defensive lines and so the challenge will be accepted, and let's go practice and make sure we can adequately block it.”
Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller on quarterback D.J. Ugialelei's play this season: Ugialelei completed 19 of 31 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown pass, an interception, and a fumble against FSU in 2021. His fourth-quarter fumble was returned for a six-yard touchdown by defensive end Jermaine Johnson.
“The statistics speak. He's a lot more consistent in his completion percentage. I think it helps they're really balanced right now. I think they got one of the better running backs in the league. They have their O-line back. They got two really good tight ends and they brought in a freshman slot that's kind of built some confidence with the outside receivers. So I think the surrounding pieces have done a nice job and they've played well. They're undefeated for a reason, and he's a big part of it this year.”
On having the experience of playing a close game last year in Death Valley. The Seminoles led 20-17 with 3:48 left in the game.
“I think it's always helpful when you can turn the film on and watch your players play against those players. And there's some familiarity there.
"It helped us to be able to show that tape. Our guys were confident going into that game and they played with confidence. When we had a lead late that was all part of building our football program and all part of where we were, and we just got to go finish that game. We got to give ourselves an opportunity to go finish it this year. Listen, there's not a team on our schedule that our guys are concerned about. Right now, it's all about our mirror and making sure that we take care of the things that we need to take care of because we are good enough. And we've worked hard enough. Now it's just about doing it, day in and day out, and making sure we maximize that competitive excellence on Saturdays.”
Defensive ends/Special teams coach John Papuchis on Uiagalelei's ability to run. Uiagalelei has 311 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season. He is second on the team in total rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per game (51.8).
“Obviously, a quarterback that has running ability, especially designed quarterback running ability is always challenging. Because it makes that extra hat that you have to account for in the run game is critical. Plus the big physical nature of who he is, I think is a little bit unique because it's not just perimeter run style plays that you might get from some running quarterbacks. There's gonna be downhill physical run game with him. And so it does present a different style of challenge but one that through the course of the week, we'll do a good job of preparing for.”
On Will Shipley as a runner and kickoff returner. Shipley scored from 21 yards out at the 2:53 mark of the fourth quarter in last year's matchup to give the Tigers a 24-20 advantage. He carried the ball 25 times for 128 yards with two rushing scores.
“As a kick returner, he's one that I have circled but we got to be on point and everything that we do in terms of our coverage and then as a running back. I thought, a year ago, he was the difference in the game in the second half when they started to get something going a little bit. I thought he was the one that kind of was the catalyst of some of those big plays. And like I said, I have a high level of respect for him as a player and the way he plays the game. We certainly are going to have a challenge in the run game, but it's one that I think our guys will be excited about facing that challenge.”