🏹 December 31st - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

In this edition, we're diving into the highs and lows of FSU's athletic endeavors, reflecting on the past while looking forward to a hopeful future:

🏈 Florida State's Challenging Orange Bowl Finale Against Georgia: A tough end to a stellar season, but the Seminoles showed incredible resilience against formidable opponents, despite the overwhelming challenges they faced.

🏀 Disappointment in Men's Basketball: Analyzing the close but painful loss to Lipscomb, a reminder of the hurdles FSU needs to overcome heading into their ACC schedule.

🌟 Celebrating FSU Football's Remarkable 2023 Journey: Despite a bitter end, this season's team captivated hearts with its spirit and tenacity, leaving us with a sense of pride and anticipation for the future.

🔍 Kirby Smart and Mike Norvell Reflect on FSU's Depleted Roster Challenges in Orange Bowl: Insights into the broader issues affecting non-playoff bowl games.

Join us as we explore these stories, embracing the unwavering spirit of the Seminole Nation and looking ahead with optimism.

Florida State's Difficult Orange Bowl Finale Against Georgia

The Seminoles football team faced a daunting challenge in the Orange Bowl, concluding their otherwise stellar 2023 season on a difficult note. The Seminoles, grappling with a significantly depleted roster, suffered a heavy 63-3 defeat against the formidable Georgia Bulldogs, a team with a near-perfect record and two consecutive national championships to their name.

Unprecedented Challenges for the Seminoles

The Seminoles entered this high-profile game missing a staggering 13 of 22 starters from both offense and defense, including their starting quarterback Jordan Travis, top three running backs, and leading receivers.

This was compounded by the absence of key defensive players due to injuries and the choice of several star athletes to opt out in preparation for the NFL Draft.

The depleted lineup, missing critical experience and skill, faced an uphill battle against the formidable and nearly full-strength Bulldogs, leading to one of the most challenging games in the team's history.

The situation was exacerbated further with the late scratches of would-be starters Braden Fiske (DT), Josh Farmer (DT), and Tatum Bathune (LB) prior to the game. The final tally of unavailable players for the game reached a whopping 29 including the 13 missing starters as well as numerous key back ups.

Georgia Dominates on the Field

Georgia capitalized on FSU's vulnerabilities, particularly in the run defense. The Bulldogs amassed 372 rushing yards at an average of 7.9 yards per carry, exploiting gaps left by the absence of FSU's top defensive players. FSU's attempts to rally were hampered by missed tackles and an inability to recover from critical turnovers, including a fumbled kickoff return that led directly to a Georgia touchdown.

Bright Spots Amidst the Loss

Despite the overwhelming defeat, there were glimmers of promise. Freshman quarterback Brock Glenn, in his second career start, showed potential in some moments of the game. However, the lack of experienced playmakers around him and his own inexperience were evident in FSU's struggle to sustain offensive drives.

Reflecting on FSU's Season

While the Orange Bowl outcome was disheartening, it does not diminish the accomplishments of FSU's 2023 season. The team, which was controversially left out of the College Football Playoff, showcased resilience and skill throughout the year.

The experience gained, especially by younger players thrust into key roles, will be invaluable as the team looks ahead to future seasons. The end of the 2023 season, marked by this challenging Orange Bowl game, serves as both a lesson and a motivator for Florida State as they prepare for the next chapter in their football journey.

Seminoles' Non-Conference Woes Culminate in Loss to Lipscomb

In what could be described kindly as a disappointing end to their non-conference schedule, the Florida State Seminoles suffered a narrow 78-75 defeat at the hands of Lipscomb. Despite a spirited second-half effort, FSU couldn’t overcome the substantial deficit accumulated in the game, played at the Donald L. Tucker Center.

Jamir Watkins, shining in the second half, scored 16 of his 19 points but couldn't completely turn the tide for the Seminoles (6-6). Primo Spears, on a brighter note, put up a season-best 16 points, showcasing his potential as a key player for FSU.

However, Darin Green Jr.'s efforts, including a last-second 3-pointer attempt that could have tied the game, fell short. His 12 points weren't enough to secure a victory for Florida State, marking a disappointing finish to this portion of their schedule.

Lipscomb's Will Pruitt emerged as a standout performer, scoring a season-high 24 points and leading his team to an impressive victory over the Seminoles. Lipscomb's resilience this season has been noteworthy, including a narrow loss to Arkansas, despite being ranked well below 100 in computer rankings.

Reflecting on their non-conference play, Florida State's record stands at a concerning 6-6. The significance of their only substantial win against Colorado at the Sunshine Slam in Daytona Beach is overshadowed by losses to teams like SMU, Georgia, South Florida, and now Lipscomb.

These defeats, particularly against teams ranked significantly lower, raise questions about FSU's trajectory this season. The goal of achieving a 20+ win season and standing out in the ACC seems increasingly challenging, with the team currently not even aligning with an NIT-worthy profile, let alone the NCAA Tournament's field of 68.

Defensive Challenges and Optimism Ahead

The defensive struggles were apparent as Lipscomb shot an impressive 60 percent from the floor in the first half. FSU’s length and athleticism, typically intimidating factors against smaller teams, didn't seem to have the desired effect against the Bisons.

In a telling moment of the game, Lipscomb maintained a 17-point lead with 11:48 to go, even after FSU had ramped up the energy in the final minutes. The Seminoles’ six steals and four blocks fell short of their average and expectations.

Despite the disappointing performance and result, there are glimpses of optimism for FSU. The return of Cam Corhen, who had been sidelined due to injury, brings a ray of hope. Corhen's performance, with eight points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes, suggests he could play a pivotal role in FSU's upcoming ACC matches.

The Seminoles will now shift their focus to the ACC play, starting with Georgia Tech on January 3rd. Currently ranked 97th in KenPom and trailing 11 ACC schools, FSU faces an uphill battle to regain their form and stature in the conference. The hope is that with a full roster, including Corhen, FSU can better match up against the more physical teams in the ACC.

Unshaken Resolve: FSU Football's Journey and Hopeful Horizon

The 2023 season for Florida State Seminoles football was one for the history books, not just for its remarkable wins, but for the sheer character and spirit displayed by the team. For Seminole fans everywhere, this group of players etched themselves in our hearts, not merely as athletes but as embodiments of what FSU stands for: resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment.

Led by the remarkable Jordan Travis and bolstered by the likes of Jared Verse and Jarrian Jones, this team showcased a remarkable transformation under Coach Mike Norvell. From a period of uncertainty to becoming a powerhouse in college football, Norvell's vision has been the guiding force. His focus on building not just a team, but a family, has rekindled the fire of Seminole pride.

The season's journey was an embodiment of tenacity. Each game, from the Clemson victory to taking down both Miami and Florida, was a testament to the team's grit and determination. The ACC Championship win was not just a trophy; it was a symbol of FSU's resurgence, a beacon of hope for every Seminole fan.

However, the season's abrupt and undeserved end left fans with a mix of pride and profound disappointment. The College Football Playoff committee's decision to exclude an undefeated FSU from the playoffs was more than a snub - it was a negation of a hard-earned opportunity. This decision impacted the team deeply, leading to a ripple effect that was felt throughout the program.

Despite these challenges, the future of FSU football holds promise.

The resilience shown by the team, the lessons learned, and the emerging talent under Norvell's guidance are reasons for optimism. The hardships faced this season have only served to strengthen the resolve of the Seminoles.

FSU's path forward is undoubtedly filled with challenges, but the spirit of the Seminole is unyielding. Coach Norvell's leadership and his ability to adapt and overcome will be crucial in the seasons to come.

The emerging talent and the drive to prove themselves on the field will ensure that FSU remains a force in college football.

Reflecting on the season, Seminole fans can take pride in the team's accomplishments and the way they fought against all odds. Looking ahead, there is a sense of excitement for the future.

The story of FSU football is far from over; it is a narrative of rising from adversity and shining brighter. Here's to a future where the Seminoles continue to embody the strength, passion, and legacy of Florida State University.

Smart and Norvell Reflect on FSU's Challenging Orange Bowl Against Georgia

In the wake of Florida State's 63-3 defeat to Georgia in the Orange Bowl, the game's aftermath was marked by reflective comments from both teams' head coaches, highlighting FSU's challenges with a depleted roster.

Georgia's head coach Kirby Smart expressed frustration over the state of non-playoff bowl games, particularly evident in FSU's significantly depleted roster.

"People need to see what happened tonight, and they need to fix this," Smart said. "It's very unfortunate that they have a good football team and a good football program, and they're in the position they're in."

Florida State, ranked fifth, entered the bowl game missing a staggering 29 scholarship players, including their top two quarterbacks, top three running backs, top two receivers, starting tight end, and a host of key defensive players.

This unprecedented situation, as Smart pointed out, resulted in a game that was far from a fair contest and called into question the current structure of college football's post-season.

Mike Norvell, FSU's head coach, hinted that the College Football Playoff committee's controversial decision to exclude FSU from the playoff – favoring one-loss teams Texas and Alabama instead – was a key factor in the wave of opt-outs from the team.

"Every situation is different," Norvell commented. "Ours was unique, something that's never happened in college football. Ultimately, I think there was a lot of things that made it extremely challenging."

Georgia’s Smart acknowledged the significant impact of FSU's absences on the game's outcome. He expressed concern about the future of bowl games outside the playoff bracket, suggesting they risk being reduced to mere scrimmages if current trends continue.

Smart's sentiment was echoed by his players, who emphasized the importance of competition and the value of playing with teammates regardless of the game's playoff status.

On the FSU side, defensive tackle Braden Fiske, sidelined with a foot injury, shared that the team was committed to the Orange Bowl despite the adverse circumstances.

Norvell, taking responsibility for the team's unpreparedness against Georgia, emphasized that the bowl game shouldn't define what the 2023 FSU team achieved. He reflected on the season's challenges, including players battling through injuries and adversity, to complete an undefeated regular season.

Smart's comments, along with the reflections from both teams, offer insight into the ongoing debate about the structure and significance of college football's post-season. They also underscore the respect for FSU's achievements this season, despite the unfortunate conclusion in the Orange Bowl.

As we conclude this edition of The Chief Brief, let's reflect on the resilience and spirit of FSU's teams. Through ups and downs, our Seminoles have shown the heart and fight that embody our university.

Our unwavering support as fans fuels their drive and determination. Together, we celebrate the victories and learn from the challenges, ever optimistic about the future.

Looking forward, we're excited for what's next. The lessons of this season will forge stronger, more determined teams, ready to make their mark.

Thank you for your passionate support. Until next time, Go Noles!