By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

It’s time to give Mike Norvell some credit. For the better part of the past six months, one of the biggest questions out there has been whether or not FSU will be able to hold onto the bulk of its No. 13-ranked recruiting class.

For a while, it looked like the answer was no, especially after Week 3’s stunning loss to Jacksonville State, but after FSU’s last-minute comeback win over their rival Miami, one would have to think that the Noles are in prime position to keep most of what it has committed.

Norvell and his staff decided to roll the dice and welcome a large group of visitors to Tallahassee for the showdown with the Hurricanes. Sure, there was bound to be plenty of energy inside Doak Campbell Stadium, but the Seminoles were in no way guaranteed to walk away with a W.

That’s why when Jordan Travis barreled his way into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, a party broke out on FSU’s sidelines. The Seminoles not only snapped a three-game losing streak in the series, but managed to do so in front of nearly its entire recruiting class along with another dozen or so top targets.

Among the visitors Saturday, FSU had the nation’s No. 1-ranked overall prospect Travis Hunter. While the longtime FSU commit had his name linked to Georgia as a possible flip destination, yet he continues to say all the right things about the Seminoles.

Hunter was quick to celebrate Saturday’s win by sharing a 15-minute video from FSU’s locker room to his social media, which was capped off by Jermaine Johnson smashing a rock that had “The U” on it.

Given what’s happening with all the coach rumors at Florida and Miami, the Seminole must capitalize on these speculations. The State of Florida will be wide open for Norvell to dominate in recruiting,

This is the same opportunity Jimbo Fisher took full advantage of when Urban Meyer left. This 4 and 14 game could be the avalanche the Seminole need to build their roster with elite talent.

If Florida State can somehow manage to win out, I predict a top 7 class this season. But if the Seminole’s do not make a Bowl Game, don’t be shocked with a wave of “Respect My Decision” messages on social me

Norvell and the Seminoles aren’t going to sign all of those blue-chip targets. Heck, they might not even get one, but there’s no doubt that their win over Miami improved FSU’s chances with each recruit who attended that win, and that’s big for Norvell as he tries to build the Seminoles back into a championship contender.