David Coburn’s memory of the first meeting with Mike Norvell three years ago is very clear.”The energy, the intelligence, how articulate he was, how positive he was,” said Coburn, the former FSU athletic director who retired last December.”It was clear to me that this man would become a very good football coach somewhere.”Somewhere, of course, it’s been at Florida State since Dec. 8, 2019, when the Seminoles named Norvell the 11th full-time head coach in program history. Lured away from Memphis, Norvell replaced Willie Taggart, who was fired after 21 games (9-12)Coburn Norvell: and#039;couldn’t be prouder.and#039;In his third season, Norvell restored FSU football to national prominence for a program in disarray after the departures of Jimbo Fisher and then Taggart in 2017.The Seminoles (9-3), ranked No. 13 in Sunday’s and final College Football Playoff rankings, have been selected to play Oklahoma (6-6) in the Cheez-It Bowl on Dec. 29 in Orlando. That is the program’s first bowl appearance since 2019. It also represents FSU’s highest playoff start since 2016.The Seminoles Open Bowl practice on Friday.FSU has won five straight games, the program’s longest streak since 2016, and scored at least 38 points in each game ∸ FSU’s longest streak since the first 11 games of the 2013 season. FSU also defeated Miami and Florida that season, scoring 45 goals against each for the first time in program history.The people noticed too. 4,444 4,444 The FSU-UF game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Black Friday (Nov. 25) was the most-watched college football game of Week 13, drawing 6.711 million viewers on ABC. The contest was higher than Notre Dame-Southern Cal (6.68 million/ABC) and Auburn-Alabama (6.3 million/CBS) over other rivalry games this weekend. That is followed only by Michigan-Ohio State (17.1 million/Fox).andquot;I couldn’t be more proud,andquot; said Coburn, a three-time FSU alumnus.andquot;After everything Mike went through with the COVID, all the problems he had with the lineup coming in here, the quarterback injuries. … I think he and his staff did a great job. I couldn’t be happier with Mike and the entire program.andquot;When football wins, something else is there (FSU athletics).andquot;Expectations riseExpectations for FSU have steadily risen under Norvell, 41.After leading the youngest team in college football in 2020 and opening 2021 0-4, FSU is 14-6. Norvell also dealt with training turnover, duty turnover, insufficient staffing and inconsistent financial support.This season, FSU is the only team in the nation to rank in the top 10 in both rushing yards and defense. The Seminoles are also one of four teams in the top 20 in total defense, scoring defense, total offense and scoring.Athletic Director Michael Alford, the former Seminole Boosters president and CEO who was hired to replace Coburn, also said recently that FSU is also expected to break ground on its 150,000-square-foot football facility on Dec. 17. The site is located at Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Complex and practice fields.Norvell received more good news Monday night when redshirt junior quarterback Jordan Travis announced on social media his decision to return to FSU for the 2023 season. Travis, a second-team All-ACC selection this season, was tipped to declare for the NFL- sketchThe other beginners also decided to come back. The roster includes junior linebacker Kalen DeLoach, junior linebacker Mycah Pittman and junior defensive tackles Renardo Green and Jarrian Jones.The reconstruction of FSU de Norvelland#039;is recognized by his peers.andquot;Coach Norvell did a great job,andquot; Oklahoma coach and former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Sunday after the bowl was announced.andquot;I’ve been a fly on the wall, if you will, the last few years since he took over three years ago and what a change he and his staff have made,” he said Sunday via Zoom. You know, 9-3 this year, 5-3 in the ACC, they had a great year.”Norvell shared his plans with FSU executives in an interview three years ago, and Coburn remains impressed with Norvelland’s approach since his arrival in Tallahassee. .andquot;The first few years when Mike had a setback, he put his head down and worked harder andquot; Coburn said.andquot;The team acquires the characteristics of its head coach. This show right now is a reflection of Mike and I think (fans) like what they see.andquot;.