FSU headed to Orlando to face Oklahoma in Cheez-It Bowl

It’s been a while since Florida State found itself in a position to prepare for a bowl game, with the Seminoles last taking part in the postseason in 2019. So it seemed a no-brainer when the opportunity came about to play a few hours away in the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando against a name brand like Oklahoma.

“It’s a great opportunity with two of the great storied programs in college football history,” said third-year coach Mike Norvell. “To be able to link up in a great game and a great place and atmosphere, I’m glad we have been able to play here in our home state.”

It seems like the perfect reward for No. 13 FSU (9-3, 5-3 ACC), hoping to cap its best season since 2016 with its 10th win. To do so in front of what would most likely be a home crowd at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 29 would add special meaning to the event.

“We have so many great Seminoles there — throughout the state but especially there in Orlando — for them to be able to come,” explained Norvell. “I know it’s going to be a wonderful atmosphere, and to have these two programs matching up, it’s going to be one of the most exciting bowl games of this bowl season.”

The last time Florida State traveled to Central Florida for a bowl game was the 2011-12 season when the Seminoles took on Notre Dame in front of a sold-out crowd in the Champs Sports Bowl. FSU has won four of its five postseason games in Orlando, with the only loss coming against Georgia in the 1984 Citrus Bowl.

Oklahoma is coming off a disappointing 6-6 campaign under first-year coach Brent Venables. The Sooners started the season ranked No. 9 before moving up to No. 6 in The Associated Press top-25 poll by the third week, but consecutive losses to Kansas State, TCU and Texas dropped OU out of the top 25. Three more losses in the final four games sent the team to its worst season since 1998.

“This Oklahoma team we are playing has a lot of great players,” Norvell said. “They have recruited well over the years and it’s going to be a challenge for our guys. They have had some close contests throughout the season, but it’s what you want toward the end of the year.”

Venables, meanwhile, has been impressed with the job Norvell has done in three seasons.

“I’ve been a fly on the wall, if you will, for the last several years since he got the job three years ago and what a transformation he and his staff have done,” said Venables. “What a terrific job building the program foundationally the right way.”

Both coaches face a challenging three weeks before kickoff; with the new transfer portal window opening Monday and the early recruiting signing period set for Dec. 21-24, there is plenty to worry about even before setting foot on the field.

“It’s something I’ve put a lot of thought into in trying to create a schedule that will allow us to prepare but also make sure that our focus right now is the personnel that’s on our team and then continuing to build that through recruiting and whichever area, whether it’s high school recruiting or the transfer portal, while trying to find those best fits for Florida State,” Norvell said.

As to whether the Seminoles will be without any players who choose either to opt out of the bowl to prepare for the NFL or those who wish to transfer, Norvell isn’t worried.

“We will continue to evaluate that as we go through the bowl practices,” he said. “I know a couple of guys have already come out with statements of their availability and it’s something that we’ll continue to discuss.”

Safety Jammie Robinson and defensive end Jared Verse already announced they would play in the game.

This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.