Sponsored by

Welcome to This Week's Chief Brief!

Good morning, Seminole nation! We've got a packed edition for you today, filled with exciting updates, intriguing rumors, and a look ahead at some crucial matchups. Here's a sneak peek:

• 🏆 Coach Norvell's Big Win: Dive into the buzz about Coach Mike Norvell being named the 2023 ACC Coach of the Year. We reflect on the incredible season that's led to this well-deserved accolade.

• 🏐 Volleyball's Arkansas Connection: Get the inside scoop on Head Coach Chris Poole and freshman setter Kenna Phelan’s unique connection to the NCAA Division 1 Women's Volleyball Tournament host site in Fayetteville, Ark.

• 🏀 Women's Basketball Setback: Analyze the No. 15 FSU Women's Basketball Team's recent struggle against Arkansas in the ACC/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge.

• 🏈 Jordan Travis in the Spotlight: Diving into quarterback Jordan Travis's nomination for the prestigious Manning Award and his phenomenal season stats.

• 🛡️ Defense Against Louisville: Gear up for an in-depth look at how FSU's formidable defense is preparing to face off against Louisville's offensive playmakers.

• 🗣️ Quarterback Rumor Mill: Join us as we dive into the swirling rumors about freshman Brock Glenn potentially stepping up as QB1 and the buzz around FSU being a contender for transfer QB DJ Uiagalelei.

Stay tuned for these stories and more, showcasing the strength, resilience, and spirit of our FSU teams. Let's go Noles! 🍢🔥

🏆 Coach Norvell Named 2023's ACC Coach of the Year

Good morning, Seminole faithful! Let's kick off today with some fantastic news that's buzzing in our community.

Our very own Coach Mike Norvell has been crowned the 2023 ACC Coach of the Year. And let's be honest, this was a no-brainer, right?

Remember how we started the season? That 45-24 thumping of LSU set the tone for what has been an absolute dream run.

Twelve wins, zero losses – it's not just a great record; it's FSU making a statement. Norvell has not only matched the high standards set by our 1999 and 2013 national championship teams but also brought his unique flair to the game.

And it's not just about winning games. The brotherhood and mental strength of this team is a testament to Norvell’s focus on program culture.

We've seen our boys pull off seven wins over bowl-eligible Power 5 teams – that's tied for most in the country, folks.

Plus, who can forget those nail-biting comebacks? We’ve led the charge in flipping the script when trailing by double digits.

Defense, offense – you name it, we've excelled. We lead the nation in opponent completion percentage, breakups, and we're stingy with turnovers.

Offensively, we're a juggernaut, averaging 38.8 points per game while our defense has been a brick wall, allowing just 16.8 points on average.

But here's the kicker – a record-breaking 25 All-ACC selections!

We've got talent oozing in every position. And let's not forget, this is the first time since 1997 that a coach from FSU has snagged this award.

Norvell's now in the same conversation as the legendary Bobby Bowden. That's elite company, my friends.

As we head into the ACC Championship, it's clear – Norvell's not just a coach; he's a maestro orchestrating one of the finest seasons we've ever seen.

So here’s to Coach Norvell and our team – may the wins keep coming and our Seminole pride keep soaring! 🏹

Learn the art & science of shipping more winning ads

The problem: your team isn’t shipping enough winning creative to scale ad accounts. 

The solution: get your team to master the art and science of creative strategy with Thumbstop. 

Every Sunday, you’ll learn how to bridge the gap between media buying and creative, helping you ship more winning TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube ads.

You’ll learn:

⚡️ The Art: creativity cheat codes, trending ad formats backed by Motion data, and how to build creative performance teams the right way.

🔬 The Science: analytical skills that make marketers 10X more valuable, tales of scale & experimentation, and advanced creative analysis techniques.

🏐 FSU Volleyball's Arkansas Connection: Poole & Phelan's Homecoming

As the Florida State Volleyball team gears up for the NCAA Division 1 Women's Volleyball Tournament in Fayetteville, Ark., there's a unique personal connection for Head Coach Chris Poole and freshman setter Kenna Phelan.

Coach Poole's Arkansas Roots: A native of Arkansas, Poole's illustrious career began at Arkansas Tech and included significant tenures at Arkansas State and the University of Arkansas. He's a renowned figure in Arkansas volleyball, having built an impressive legacy with multiple championship titles, All-American players, and academic achievers.

Phelan's Legacy Link: Freshman Kenna Phelan, coached by her mother (Poole's first AVCA All-American) at Fayetteville High School, has quickly made her mark at FSU. Her impressive stats, including being named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, echo her family's athletic prowess in Arkansas.

As FSU faces TCU, it's more than just a tournament match for Poole and Phelan; it's a meaningful return to their roots. Florida State will face TCU in the first round on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. Watch this special moment unfold on ESPN+.

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball Suffers Setback Against Arkansas

In the ACC/SEC Women's Basketball Challenge, the No. 15 FSU Women's team faced a tough loss against Arkansas at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Despite a strong start and a lead before halftime, the Seminoles couldn't maintain their momentum, falling 71-58.

Key Performances:

• O'Mariah Gordon led FSU with 16 points, showing prowess from the 3-point range.

• Makayla Timpson recorded her fourth double-double of the season, tying for 11th in FSU history.

Despite the loss, FSU showed resilience, especially in the fourth quarter. They'll aim to bounce back in their upcoming game against Kent State, which features a special Chick-Fil-A coupon giveaway for the first 1000 people there.

🏈 Jordan Travis: A Seminole Star in the Spotlight

FSU quarterback Jordan Travis adds another feather to his cap, becoming a finalist for the prestigious Manning Award. His exceptional season includes accolades like ACC Player of the Year and a host of other nominations, highlighting his impressive skill set.

• Passing Mastery: Travis completed 207 of 324 passes for 2,756 yards, boasting 20 touchdowns with a remarkably low count of two interceptions.

• Rushing Impact: He added 176 yards and seven touchdowns on 73 rushing attempts.

• ACC Standout: Leading the ACC in fewest interceptions thrown, Travis is second in the conference for passing efficiency and yards per pass attempt.

• Record Breaker: He's FSU's all-time leader in total offense and touchdowns responsible for, breaking records for quarterback rushing yards and touchdowns.

• Clutch Performances: His game-winning plays against Clemson and Duke were pivotal in FSU's wins.

• Consistency and Efficiency: Travis achieved streaks of 184 and 126 consecutive passes without an interception, showcasing his reliability and decision-making skills.

• Comparative Excellence: His achievements parallel Jameis Winston's, particularly in terms of passing touchdowns and rushing prowess.

Travis' candidacy for the Manning Award, alongside his various other recognitions, solidifies his status as a key figure in FSU's storied football history.

🛡️ FSU's Stiff Test Against Louisville's Balanced Attack

As Florida State gears up for their clash with Louisville, the spotlight falls on their defense, set to face one of their sternest tests since the season opener against LSU.

Louisville's Offensive Arsenal:

• Veteran Leadership: Jack Plummer, a sixth-year quarterback, brings a wealth of experience from his time at Purdue and California. His knowledge could be a game-changer.

• Potent Running Game: Louisville boasts a strong rushing duo in Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo. Jordan, despite a recent hamstring issue, has accumulated over 1,000 yards, while Guerendo offers a blend of size and speed.

• Diverse Run Types: Louisville excels in inside and outside zone runs, stretch plays, and QB scrambles. Their counter plays, though less frequent, have been highly effective.

• Explosive Play Potential: The Cardinals are adept at creating big plays, particularly on outside runs.

FSU's Defensive Challenge:

• Containing the Run: FSU must focus on stopping Louisville's run game. With the Cardinals averaging almost 38 carries per game, FSU's front seven, led by players like Kalen DeLoach, needs to maintain gap integrity and tackle well.

• Pass Defense: FSU's secondary, ranked fifth in the nation in pass-efficiency defense, faces the task of limiting Plummer's impact. Senior safety Akeem Dent and his unit will need to support the corners and nickelbacks in coverage.

• Pressure on the Quarterback: FSU, ranking eighth nationally in sacks, must apply consistent pressure to Plummer, who has thrown 30 interceptions in his career.

Tactical Considerations:

• Adjustments for Run Directions: FSU's defense should be wary of Louisville's preferred run directions, especially outside right runs which have been their most productive.

• Watching for Counter Plays: With Guerendo's recent success on counter plays, FSU should be prepared for these less frequent but potentially game-changing calls.

As FSU's defense, led by coordinator Adam Fuller, prepares for this pivotal matchup, the game could very well hinge on their ability to disrupt Louisville's balanced and experienced offense. A successful defensive outing against Louisville could further solidify FSU's status as a defensive powerhouse for the Playoff Committee.

🗣️ FSU Football: Quarterback Controversies and Potential New Faces

In the swirling world of college football rumors, FSU fans find themselves amidst a blend of speculation and potential exciting developments.

Is Brock Glenn Stepping Up?

• The FSU community is abuzz with talk that freshman Brock Glenn may take over as the starting quarterback. Observations from practice suggest Glenn has been receiving some first-team reps.

• Speculation ranges from injury concerns around Tate Rodemaker to strategic practice rotations by Coach Norvell. Some fans believe it's a tactical move to keep Louisville guessing, while others see it as standard backup QB preparation.

DJ Uiagalelei in FSU's Sight?

• Adding another layer to the quarterback narrative, sources indicate that FSU is a contender for DJ Uiagalelei, who's entered the transfer portal.

• With Jordan Travis’ FSU career concluded and Tate Rodemaker as the current backup, the addition of Uiagalelei could bring a fresh dynamic to the Seminoles.

• Uiagalelei, boasting 40 career starts and a solid record at Oregon State, could offer FSU the experience and maturity it needs. His impressive performance as a backup at Clemson and recent success at Oregon State highlight his capabilities.

Fan Reactions and Theories:

• FSU faithful are dissecting every possibility, from Glenn’s potential emergence to the exciting prospect of landing a seasoned quarterback like Uiagalelei.

• While some express enthusiasm about Glenn’s potential, others are intrigued by the experience Uiagalelei could bring.

• The debate reflects the passionate engagement of FSU fans with their team's strategy and player development.

As the FSU football program navigates these rumors and possibilities, one thing is certain: the Seminole spirit is alive and thriving in the hearts of its fans, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their team's storied legacy.

🏹 That's all for this edition of The Chief Brief. 🏹

Whether it's celebrating Coach Norvell's accolade, gearing up for volleyball and basketball challenges, or dissecting the latest football rumors, we're right there with you in the thick of FSU's thrilling athletic journey.

Remember, Seminole fans, our spirit and support make a difference. So, let's keep cheering loud and proud for our teams! Until next time, stay passionate, stay informed, and go Noles! 🍢🏆🏐🏈🏀