🏹 August 31st - The Chief Brief 🏹

Poised for Redemption: Seminoles Prep for High-Stakes Games and Bright Futures

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The Chief
August 31, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy official Saturday of week 1 of the Fall semester sports slate!

Here’s the docket for you today:

🏐 Noles Sweep USF in Season Opener at Tully Gym 🏐
The No. 20 Seminoles kicked off the season in style with a three-set sweep over USF at Tully Gym. Led by Kyleene Filimaua’s 10 kills, FSU showcased its offensive power and solid blocking.

🎯 MacKenzie Plaskey Joins FSU Lacrosse as Associate Head Coach 🎯
FSU lacrosse adds a major asset in MacKenzie Plaskey, a proven winner with a stellar record, to elevate the program to national prominence.

⛳ FSU Men’s Golf Ranked No. 3 in Preseason Poll ⛳
After finishing as NCAA Runner-Up, FSU men’s golf is ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll, with high expectations for the 2024-25 season.

🥎 Jahni Kerr Joins Great Britain National Team for European Championship 🥎
FSU’s Jahni Kerr makes her international debut with Great Britain at the Women’s Softball European Championship.

🏃‍♂️ FSU Cross Country Teams Dominate at UCF Invite 🏃‍♀️
FSU cross country teams started their season strong, securing team wins at the UCF Invite, with standout performances across the board.

🏀 FSU Men’s Basketball Unveils 2024-25 Non-Conference Schedule 🏀
FSU men’s basketball announced its non-conference slate, featuring key matchups against Rice, Florida, and LSU.

🏈 UNC QB Max Johnson Out for Season; Backup Conner Harrell to Start Against FSU 🏈
UNC’s Max Johnson is out for the season, with Conner Harrell set to start when the Tar Heels face FSU on November 2.

🔧 FSU Intensifies Practice Prep for Boston College; Focus on Emotion and Discipline 🔧
FSU’s practice ramped up ahead of their home opener, with Coach Norvell emphasizing discipline and channeling emotion to correct mistakes.

🔧 FSU vs. Boston College: High Stakes and Redemption 🔧
As Boston College begins its season, FSU seeks redemption after a surprising loss to Georgia Tech. Both teams face high stakes in this crucial matchup.

🔮 Weekend College Football Predictions 🔮
Predictions for key matchups this weekend, including Georgia vs. Clemson and Miami at Florida, as we gear up for FSU’s game on Monday.

🏐 Noles Sweep USF in Season Opener at Tully Gym 🏐

The No. 20 Florida State Seminoles (1-0) started their season with a dominant three-set sweep over the South Florida Bulls (0-1) at Tully Gym. In front of 866 fans, the Noles won 25-22, 25-14, 25-15, showcasing their offensive strength and strong blocking.

Kyleene Filimaua led with 10 kills, while Taylor Head and Khori Louis each added nine. The Noles posted a .367 hitting percentage, limiting USF to just .138.

FSU continues the Seminole Invitational against UC Santa Barbara tomorrow and No. 25 Georgia on Sunday.

🎯 MacKenzie Plaskey Joins FSU Lacrosse as Associate Head Coach 🎯

Florida State lacrosse has added MacKenzie Plaskey as its new associate head coach, bringing in her wealth of experience in building winning programs.

Plaskey, who led Grand Valley State to four consecutive GLIAC championships and a Final Four appearance, reunites with FSU head coach Sara Tisdale.

Plaskey’s success at GVSU includes an impressive 81-16 record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. She is eager to help elevate FSU lacrosse to national prominence.

⛳ FSU Men’s Golf Ranked No. 3 in Preseason Poll ⛳

Florida State’s men’s golf team, the 2024 NCAA Runner-Up, is ranked No. 3 in the 2024-25 Preseason Bushnell/Golfweek Division I Poll.

The Seminoles, led by returning stars Luke Clanton, Gray Albright, and Tyler Weaver, are poised for another strong season. FSU is the highest-ranked ACC team, with five others also in the top 25.

Head Coach Trey Jones is excited to see how the team builds on last season’s success, aiming to create their own legacy in 2024-25.

🥎 FSU’s Jahni Kerr Joins Great Britain National Team for European Championship 🥎

Florida State senior outfielder Jahni Kerr will make her international debut this weekend as a member of the Great Britain National Team at the Women's Softball European Championship in Utrecht, Netherlands, from Sept. 1-7.

Kerr has been one of FSU's standout hitters, earning First Team All-ACC honors in 2023 and Third Team in 2024.

She will compete in Pool Y alongside Greece, Israel, and Italy, with the first game against Italy on Sunday.

🏃‍♂️ FSU Cross Country Teams Dominate at UCF Invite 🏃‍♀️

The Florida State cross country teams kicked off their 2024 season with strong performances, securing team victories at the UCF Invite in Orlando.

The women’s team, led by freshman Lily Quinn's first-place finish, scored 18 points, while the men’s team took the top three spots, led by Kidus Misgina.

Both teams displayed impressive depth and control, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.

Next up, the Noles will split their squads for the FSU XC Invitational and Nuttycombe Invite on Sept. 27.

🏀 FSU Men’s Basketball Unveils 2024-25 Non-Conference Schedule 🏀

Florida State men's basketball has announced their non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season.

The Seminoles will kick off their campaign at home against Northern Kentucky on November 4th before heading to Houston for The Battleground 2K24 against Rice.

The schedule also features a three-game homestand in Tallahassee, a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic, and the ACC/SEC Challenge against LSU.

The Noles will conclude their non-conference slate at home against Winthrop on December 17th.

🏈 UNC QB Max Johnson Out for Season; Backup Conner Harrell to Start Against FSU 🏈

North Carolina starting quarterback Max Johnson has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season following a leg injury sustained in the opener against Minnesota.

Backup QB Conner Harrell stepped in to lead the Tar Heels to a 19-17 comeback victory and will be at the helm when UNC faces Florida State on November 2.

Harrell, a former three-star recruit, has some experience, including a strong performance in the 2023 Duke's Mayo Bowl.

🔧 FSU Intensifies Practice Prep for Boston College; Focus on Emotion and Discipline 🔧

Florida State returned to the practice field on Friday with a renewed focus on preparation for their home opener against Boston College.

Coach Mike Norvell emphasized the need for discipline and intensity, noting some sloppy moments but acknowledging the team’s improved energy.

Players showed heightened emotion, with intense drills and post-play celebrations reflecting their determination to bounce back after the season-opening loss to Georgia Tech.

Norvell’s message was clear: channel emotion with discipline to avoid sloppy results.

The team is working on correcting errors and playing with greater physicality, especially with Boston College expected to test FSU’s ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Players like QB Brock Glenn, WR Ja'Khi Douglas, and DL Daniel Lyons had standout performances, while the team continues to sharpen focus ahead of Monday night.

Read more here and here

🔧 FSU vs. Boston College: High Stakes and Redemption 🔧

As the Bill O’Brien era begins for Boston College, the Eagles face Florida State on Monday night, with both teams looking to rebound from recent struggles.

FSU, coming off a surprising loss to Georgia Tech, is expected to bring a renewed focus and intensity.

Boston College, aiming for an upset, will need to exploit FSU’s defensive vulnerabilities while staying aggressive on offense.

Three Keys to Victory:

  • Beware the Bounceback: FSU is likely to be more disciplined and aggressive after last week’s defeat.

  • Keep Uiagalelei Guessing: BC must blitz and disguise coverages to disrupt FSU’s offense.

  • Swing for the Fences: The Eagles should aim for big plays early to take control.

Three Matchups to Watch:

  • BC’s Offensive Line vs. FSU’s Defensive Line: With injuries on BC’s line, they face a tough challenge against an FSU defense looking to redeem itself.

  • BC’s Run Game vs. FSU’s Run Defense: Despite issues on the offensive line, BC might find success running the ball, especially with a dynamic backfield.

  • BC’s Linebackers vs. FSU’s Running Backs: FSU’s versatile backfield could exploit BC’s linebackers, making this a critical area for the Eagles.

FSU’s defense, after a disappointing opener, is under pressure to make significant improvements.

Coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller emphasize the need for better tackling, setting the edge, and playing with discipline.

Adjustments in player rotations and technique are expected as the Seminoles prepare for BC’s athletic quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, and former FSU running back, Treshaun Ward.

Read more here and here

🔮 Weekend College Football Predictions 🔮

As Florida State awaits their home opener against Boston College, the college football season kicks off with some exciting matchups. Here are my predictions for the key games:

  • No. 14 Clemson vs. No. 1 Georgia: Georgia 31, Clemson 24. Georgia's dominant front seven will edge out Clemson.

  • No. 8 Penn State at West Virginia: West Virginia 31, Penn State 28. Morgantown’s energy gives WVU the upset.

  • Virginia Tech at Vanderbilt: Virginia Tech 28, Vanderbilt 14. Hokies start strong against a weaker SEC opponent.

  • No. 19 Miami at Florida: Florida 34, Miami 31. The Swamp gives UF the edge in a tight contest.

  • No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M: Texas A&M 27, Notre Dame 24. A&M’s defensive line proves too strong for Notre Dame.

  • No. 23 USC vs. No. 13 LSU: USC 38, LSU 28. USC's offense will outshine LSU's defensive issues.

Stay tuned for these exciting matchups as we gear up for FSU’s game on Monday!

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles gear up for a pivotal matchup against Boston College, anticipation builds for what’s shaping up to be an exciting season across all FSU sports.

From volleyball sweeps to golf rankings, and key additions to coaching staff, there’s a lot to be excited about in Tallahassee.

Stay tuned, and as always, Go Noles!

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