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Mike Norvell met with reporters on Wednesday afternoon to preview Florida State’s trip to Gainesville this weekend.
Norvell was asked about the prospect of playing in The Swamp at night — something Norvell has not yet experienced. However, Norvell did say FSU has experience playing in other “hostile environments.”
He also acknowledged that this being a rivalry game means it will likely be a charged-up atmosphere.
“I’ve never been there at night, so I really don’t know,” Norvell said. “I’m sure it’s going to be a very hostile environment. Playing at Clemson is a very hostile environment. They’re pretty good there. Ultimately, we’re not going to be able to control the atmosphere. We know it’s going to be loud. If we go and play the way we’re capable, then those things will all take care of themselves.
“We’ve played in many loud atmosphere but this is a rivalry game and I expect this to be as loud and as hostile as any of them.”
It will be an especially tough test for Florida State quarterback Tate Rodemaker, who will be making his first start since the 2020 season on Saturday. Rodemaker is stepping in for the injured Jordan Travis. Florida will also have backup quarterback Max Brown starting in this game after Graham Mertz suffered a collarbone injury vs. Mizzou.
Florida State defeated UF in Tallahassee last season. FSU hasn’t won in Gainesville since 2017.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Florida.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
