Updated 2020 FSU football schedule released amidst coronavirus pandemic

The Mike Norvell era at Florida State is scheduled to begin Sept. 12 at Doak Campbell Stadium against Georgia Tech before hosting Samford in its only non-conference game, the ACC announced Thursday morning.

Also of note: The Seminoles said they expect home attendance to be limited to 20-25 percent at Doak Campbell Stadium, which seats 79,560 spectators. “FSU will adhere to CDC social distancing guidelines, which will limit capacity to somewhere between 20-25%,” the Seminoles said in a news release. “The Seminole Boosters, Inc., and FSU’s Athletic Ticket Office will work with current 2020 season ticket holders to review their options as a result of the limited seating.”

Here’s FSU’s schedule, as revised because of the coronavirus pandemic:

Sept. 12: vs. Georgia Tech

Sept. 19: vs. Samford

Sept. 26: at Miami

Oct. 3: Open

Oct. 10: at Notre Dame

Oct. 17: vs. North Carolina

Oct. 24: at Louisville

Oct. 31: Open

Nov. 7: vs. Pitt

Nov. 14: at North Carolina State

Nov. 21: vs. Clemson

Nov. 28: vs. Virginia

Dec. 5: at Duke

“We are excited for the opportunity to compete this fall,” Norvell said in a statement. “I want to thank the ACC presidents, athletic directors and coaches for working together on a plan to move forward safely. Our team has been working hard this summer and we are all looking forward to beginning preseason camp this week. It’s important all of us do our part to ensure we can play football in a way that is safe for our players, coaches and fans this fall. Wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands so we can all enjoy the sport we love very soon.”

Thursday’s announcement comes a week after the ACC announced its revised plan to salvage the season, including the addition of Notre Dame as a temporary full-time member. The conference scheduled 10 league games (up from eight originally) while keeping one non-conference matchup per team, as long as that game is played in the same state as the ACC program and the opponent is willing to meet the league’s medical protocols.

FSU can’t play longtime rival Florida because the SEC adopted a conference-only slate because of the pandemic. It’ll be the first time Florida and Florida State have not played since 1957.

The ACC’s revised plan eliminated two other non-conference options: FSU’s initial opener against West Virginia in Atlanta and a trip to Boise State in September. That left Division I-AA Samford as the only remaining non-conference option that didn’t require rescheduling.

The updated schedule also seems to put a premium on the FSU-Miami rivalry. The teams share both open dates (Oct. 3 and Oct. 31), which would make it easier to reschedule their annual meeting if they can’t play on Sept. 26.