COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell Battling Covid-19 Coronavirus; Seminoles Are Notre Dame's Next Scheduled Opponent, Yet Not Until Oct. 10, With FSU Playing Two Other Games in the Interim

(Steve Welsh - SCW 9.25.20)

Florida State announced on Saturday, Sept. 19, that Seminole Heach Football Coach Mike Norvell had tested positive for Covid-19 coronavirus.

Norvell has been isolating, battling the virus, even as he apparently also has been using technology to stay connected to football activities. In the days following the announcement it was indicated that Norvell was "feeling fine."

Notre Dame, for their part, paused football operations this past Tuesday, due to their own expanded Covid-19 outbreak among players. The Irish are postponing a game previously set for Saturday, moving it to mid-December.

As a result, Florida State is now Notre Dame's next scheduled opponent, but not for two weeks.

In the interim, the winless Seminoles (0-1) play two other games, against Miami (Fla.) and Jacksonville State. They are scheduled to meet the Irish at Notre Dame Stadium in a primetime Saturday night matchup, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

ESPN reports that Norvell has no idea how he contracted Covid but hopes to return on-field this coming Monday:

"... Norvell said he has no idea how he came into contact with the coronavirus, noting he followed all safety protocols the school has in place. He said he feels fine and is isolating at home for at least 10 days, and will watch the nationally televised game from home Saturday night. ... Norvell said as long as he gets through the isolation period -- including the final three days with zero symptoms -- he can return to on-field duties next Monday, Sept. 28."

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Norvell reportedly has used video to watch practice in real time, and has his voice piped into practice.

"... The same technology ... transform[ing] almost every workplace during ... COVID-19 ... is helping FSU’s first-year coach continue to lead his program .... [D]eputy head coach Chris Thomsen, who will lead the 'Noles in Norvell’s absence Saturday[] [said] 'He’s figured out a way to get his voice at practice ....' ... Austin Phillips, FSU’s director of coaching video. ... helped set up a system where Norvell can monitor practice from afar in real time. Video ... goes live to Norvell’s computer. ... [H]e can toggle between multiple camera angles on both practice fields .... Speakers allow Norvell to talk directly with the assistants ... running the drills .... Norvell can continue to run meetings ... [W]atching practice virtually will allow him to keep developing the game plan ..."

Apparently the technological set-up includes Zoom.

It was about a century ago that the greatest all-around player to ever play the game, George Gipp, died while still a Notre Dame student, of a communicable respiratory illness.

Additional Resources:

College football in COVID-19 era anything but normal - Palm Beach Post 9.25.20

Asante Samuel Jr. describes how Mike Norvell is still present - 247Sports 9.24.20

How Mike Norvell is still leading Florida State football after positive coronavirus test; Chris Thomsen will lead the team in Norvell’s absence on Saturday at No. 12 Miami - Tampa Bay Times 9.22.20

Florida State Seminoles coach Mike Norvell 'disappointed' to miss Miami game due to virus - ESPN 9.21.19

Florida State Seminoles football coach Mike Norvell positive for coronavirus - ESPN 9.19.20

Florida State football coach Mike Norvell tests positive for coronavirus Chris Thomsen will handle head-coaching duties until Mike Norvell returns, including next week at Miami. - Tampa Bay Times 9.19.20

Florida State football coach tests positive for COVID-19 The athletics department says coach Mike Norvell "is feeling fine." - KUSA 9.19.20

Key Words: Notre Dame Football, Covid-19, Coronavirus, Pandemic, Florida State Football, Mike Norvell

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