Florida State coach Mike Norvell said the Seminoles are preparing for Saturday’s road game at No. 10 Alabama in Tuscaloosa after athletic director Michael Alford was fired. Bruce Warwick is serving as interim athletic director. Norvell praised Alford and his wife, Laura, and called Warwick an experienced professional who should handle the position well.
The players were off Monday, and Norvell said he planned to address the leadership change with them Tuesday. Florida State also is adjusting its defense and special teams. Freshmen Izayia Williams and Daylen Green are out for the rest of the season, while veteran Blake Nichelson is expected to play again this year after an extended absence.
Norvell said those openings may give other players opportunities.
Norvell called the SMU loss disappointing but said the result did not reduce his confidence in the 1-1 Seminoles. He praised quarterback Ashton Daniels’ work during the week, including his practice habits and focus on controllable areas. Alabama’s defense, he said, is fast and explosive, with a bigger front than last season.
Florida State will need balanced offense, strong individual matchups and big plays, while also accounting for Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell’s ability to run outside the pocket. Norvell said the team will use lessons from SMU against Alabama.
