Mike Norvell on SMU loss, AD change entering Alabama week: “It doesn’t change my belief for this football team”

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell met with local media Monday to open Alabama week after Michael Alford’s firing as athletic director, discussing, among other things, three availability updates.

“First off, with the news of today, definitely wanted to start off just thanking Michael Alford and Laura, for all the work and the time that we get to spend together over these last few years,” Norvell said. “Two of the best people I’ve had an opportunity to be around.”

“Obviously, as we move forward into this week, all of our focus is going to be on this game,” Norvell said. “It’s a big game. It’s our first road game of the season … an opportunity to go out there and be on an incredible stage against a very talented football team.”

Norvell shared that freshman linebackers Izayia Williams and Daylen Green will miss the rest of the season. Veteran linebacker Blake Nichelson will miss an extended period of time but is expected back this year.

“Those guys, they had the injuries, Daylen in the last game and then Izayia (has) been dealing with some things,” Norvell said. “With some guys going down, the opportunity for others to rise up, whether it’s defensively there at linebacker, whether it’s opportunities there in special teams, it’ll be an open-door opportunity for guys on this team.”

On Bruce Warwick as interim athletic director:

“I think Bruce is an incredible professional,” Norvell said. “He’s been in the game for a long time, he’s been in a variety of different roles in the National Football League. … Bruce is a wonderful person, extremely hard worker. I think Bruce will do a great job in that role.”

“Everybody’s going to pick up slack a little bit in certain areas, but we’re going to move forward with all focus into this week and make sure we’re getting the job done,” Norvell said.

Players were off Monday. Norvell said he will address the AD news with them Tuesday.

“Right now, our focus has everything to do with our preparation for Alabama,” Norvell said. “Today is the players’ day off. I mean, I’ll absolutely talk to them about it tomorrow when we get them all together.”

On the SMU loss and this week:

“We had a disappointing result last Monday night, it’s something that nobody wanted,” Norvell said. “It doesn’t change my perspective on my belief for this football team. We just have to be better.”

“I have a lot of belief. I have a lot of confidence in what I know this team can do, because I’ve watched them for the last nine months,” Norvell said.

On Ashton Daniels:

“One of the things that I was most pleased of last week was Thursday’s practice, a very competitive day,” Norvell said. “I was really pleased with Ashton and how he went about last week, the ownership he takes in the things that he can control.”

On Alabama’s defense:

“They’re fast, they’re explosive, they’ve increased their size from what last year’s defensive front was to this year,” Norvell said. “You’re gonna have to win 1-on-1. … We have to maintain balance. It’s not going to be one of those 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust type of game. You’re gonna have to have some explosive plays.”

On Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell:

“Just watching two games, you see the threat,” Norvell said. “If he gets on the edge, he brings his feet into the equation, I mean, he’s a scary football player. I say that in a very respectful way.”

“Learn a lesson. Go apply it against another very talented team and quarterback. That’s our focus this week,” Norvell added.

On Duce Robinson:

“You want to make sure that you’re putting him in a position to be able to get favorable matchups. … When the ball comes his way, he’s got to go be it too. It’s really everybody involved in that.”

Florida State is 1-1. The Seminoles play at No. 10 Alabama (2-) on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.