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Florida State football have intense practice before traveling to Ireland for season opener
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- Florida State football have intense practice before traveling to Ireland for season opener
Florida State football held its final practice in the United States on Wednesday before heading to Dublin, Ireland for kickoff against Georgia Tech .
The Seminoles will fly to Dublin Wednesday night , arriving in Ireland on Thursday morning. Travel plans didn't seem to be on anyone's mind during practice, however, as FSU put in an intense day of game preparation.
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Head coach Mike Norvell said he was pleased with the effort of his team ahead of a long travel day. He once again singled out the wide receivers as a group that he has been impressed with.
"I think a lot of it is timing and rhythm, obviously the guys are building confidence in what they are asked to do," Norvell said. "They are going against a good defensive back room, and I think that competition is making them better."
Here are four things to know from practice
A sharp Jalen Brown performance
Florida State football players participate in practice on Wednesday, Aug. 14
Jalen Brown was arguably the best player on the field during Wednesday's practice, with the redshirt freshman wide receiver making a number of standout plays.
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He made an impressive play in team activities, winning his matchup against the defensive back before hauling in quarterback DJ Uiagalelei 's pass, making a good catch in traffic downfield. Brown followed that up with some impressive routes in drills, looking smooth in his movements as he went at the Seminoles defensive backs with no fear.
There was a moment later in practice where Brown seemingly stopped his route early on a play, which frustrated Norvell. On the next rep, Brown caught a touchdown in the back of the endzone, hauling in the pass in tight coverage, leading to an excited reaction from Norvell.
The LSU transfer has grown into his role on the team, quickly becoming a reliable playmaker. Named as a starter for the Georiga Tech game , Norvell has been happy with the progression of his young receiver.
"I'm really excited about what I've been seeing from him," Norvell said. "He's putting himself into a position to have a chance at being an impact player."
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Consistency from the offense
FSU football players participate in fall practice as the team prepares for Georgia Tech at the Albert J Dunlap training center on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024.
The growth of the Seminoles' offense has been one of the storylines of the last week, with the growth of the wide receivers leading to some complete displays from the group.
On Wednesday , Uiagalelei turned in a good day of work , connecting with his wideouts and tight ends consistently and making good reads. There were a few moments that could have been sharper, but all in all, he was placing the ball in good spots and allowing his skill-position players to make plays.
Malik Benson had a strong day, running his one-on-one drills well and making some nice grabs in team activities, including a nice downfield catch. He's been the most consistent receiver all camp as he looks for a breakout season.
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Ja'Khi Douglas, Darion Williamson and Kentron Poitier all came up with big moments. Williamson had the catch of the day when he hauled in a leaping catch in the back of the endzone while being smothered by a defensive back.
There were some good moments from the tight ends, with Kyle Morlock, Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams coming up with some nice plays.
Out of the backfield, Kam Davis continues to be a force , playing the game at a maturity level far beyond that of a freshman. He made a couple of quick cuts to escape pursuing defenders, and with his speed and athleticism paired with his size, the true freshman showed why he was named in the starting depth chart against Georgia Tech .
A solid day turned in by the defense front
Florida State football players participate in practice on Wednesday, Aug. 14
The defense has maintained its high standard throughout fall camp, with Wednesday bringing more of the same.
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Marvin Jones Jr flashed his athleticism, winning a clean rep against an offensive linemen in one on one work, and following it up with a sack in team activities.
Defensive lineman Daniel Lyons batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage during team activities, and he had a solid day of work.
There was some good disruptive work from the defensive line in team activities, with Jones Jr and Patrick Payton both making their presence felt.
Defensive backs continue to shine
Florida State football players participate in practice on Wednesday, Aug. 14
Defensive back Edwin Joseph continues to impress, with the redshirt freshman grabbing an interception and making a couple of nice pass breakups during Wednesday's practice.
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One of his best moments of the day came when he broke up a pass intended for Benson, popping the ball into the air and into the arms of KJ Kirkland.
Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress continue to be a dominant force, with the pair both making some quick reads and disrupting plays well. It was a solid afternoon for the cornerback duo.
Freshman Ricky Knight continued his impressive camp with an interception, and he looked comfortable working through drills and one-on-ones.
How to watch FSU vs. Georgia Tech
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Date: Saturday, August 24
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Time: Noon ET
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Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
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TV: ESPN
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Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial ), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)
FSU football 2024 schedule
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Aug. 24 vs. Georgia Tech *Dublin, Ireland at noon., ESPN
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Sept. 2 vs. Boston College at 7:30 p.m., ESPN
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Sept. 14 vs. Memphis
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Sept. 21 vs. California
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Sept. 28 at SMU
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Oct. 5 vs. Clemson
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Oct. 18 at Duke
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Oct. 26 at (U) Miami
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Nov. 2 vs. North Carolina
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Nov. 9 at Notre Dame
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Nov. 23 vs. Charleston Southern
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Nov. 30: Florida
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Dec. 7:ACC Championship
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football enjoy intense practice before Ireland trip
