🏹 December 6th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to the latest edition of The Chief Brief!

Here's what we've got lined up for you today:

🏐 FSU Volleyball's All-Region Honors: Celebrating our players' exceptional achievements this season.

🏈 Mike Norvell's Coach of the Year Nomination: Highlighting our head coach's remarkable journey to success.

🌀 Portal Updates: Insights into the evolving strategy and new talent on FSU's defensive and offensive fronts.

🏟️ Darrell Jackson's Anticipated Debut: The buzz around our new defensive tackle making his first appearance in the Orange Bowl.

🤝 Support for The Battle’s End: A surge in backing for FSU's NIL collective following the playoff snub.

🏆 CFP Controversy and Fallout: Exploring the implications of FSU's exclusion from the College Football Playoff.

Stay tuned for all these stories and more!

🏐 FSU Volleyball Stars Earn AVCA East All-Region Honors

Three of our players have been recognized for their exceptional performances this season. Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis have earned spots on the AVCA East All-Region Team, while Kiari Robey received an honorable mention.

• Audrey Koenig: Guided the Seminoles to their first ACC Co-Championship since 2012, setting career highs in kills, digs, and points.

• Khori Louis: Made a significant impact as a middle blocker, achieving career highs in kills, hitting percentage, and points.

• Kiari Robey: A defensive force in her first season, setting career highs in kills, service aces, digs, blocks, and points.

As they prepare for their senior season, the goal is clear: defend their ACC title and make another run in the NCAA Tournament.

Congratulations, Audrey, Khori, and Kiari!

🏈 Mike Norvell: A Finalist for the Prestigious Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award

FSU's own Mike Norvell has been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. In his fourth season with the Seminoles, Norvell has led the team to outstanding achievements, including a perfect 13-0 record and an ACC Championship win.

• Historic Season: This season marks the seventh unbeaten regular season in FSU history and only the third time with 13 wins.

• Record-Breaking Team Performance: FSU leads the nation in several defensive statistics and has the most wins over bowl-eligible Power 5 teams this season.

• Accolades: Norvell was named ACC Coach of the Year, a first for FSU since Bobby Bowden in 1997. The team also placed a record 25 players on All-ACC teams.

• Dominant Performance: FSU's eight wins against bowl-eligible Power 5 teams are the most nationally.

• Comeback Kings: Tied for the national lead with four victories in games where FSU trailed by at least 10 points.

• Defensive Mastery: Leads the nation in opponent completion percentage, pass breakups, and passes defended. Ranks highly in passing efficiency defense, sacks, and third-down defense.

• Offensive and Defensive Balance: FSU leads the ACC in both scoring offense (37.0 PPG) and scoring defense (15.9 PPG allowed).

As the Seminoles prepare to face Georgia in the Orange Bowl, Norvell's leadership and strategic prowess are evident.

The Transfer Portal: Preparing for Changes and New Talent

Florida State's defensive strategy is facing a crucial phase with Patrick Payton’s recent announcement that he intends to enter his name into the Transfer Portal. Here’s a look at the latest transfer portal news on the defensive side of the ball:

Potential Departures:

• Patrick Payton: His potential exit is notable. Payton not only started all 13 games but also led FSU with 13.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and added a forced fumble. His exceptional performance includes 10 pass breakups, a remarkable feat for an edge rusher. The rumor mill suggests that Payton’s announcement has to do with NIL negotiations and that sticking with FSU has not been ruled out entirely.

Pursuits:

• Samuel Okunlola (DE): Recently received an offer from FSU. As a redshirt freshman at Pitt, he proved his worth with 18 tackles, 6 TFL, and 5 sacks. Notably, he delivered strong performances against teams like Louisville and FSU, indicating his capability in high-stakes games. His PFF grade of 72.2 reflects his overall effectiveness on the field.

• Chris Paul Jr. (LB): Redshirt sophomore from Arkansas that has received and offer from FSU. Received Freshman All-American honors, Butkus Award Watch List Nominee (2023), and first team All SEC in 2022.

• Other Defensive Targets of Note: Kyle Kennard (DE) Georgia Tech and Omari Abor (DE) Ohio State.

Offensively, the biggest news has been about FSU's focus on two quarterbacks: Washington State's Cameron Ward and Oregon State's DJ Uiagalelei. While the preference order isn't explicitly stated, both are regarded as top choices. Here is the latest:

• DJ Uiagalelei: Former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei showcased his talent with impressive stats, including a standout season where he threw for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns. His arm strength and ability to make significant plays downfield have made him a top target for FSU in the transfer portal.

• Cameron Ward: Cameron Ward, the dynamic quarterback from Washington State, distinguished himself with a prolific passing season, amassing over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. His remarkable accuracy and decision-making skills on the field have positioned him as a primary target for FSU in the transfer portal.

• Other Offensive Targets of Note: Carter Smith (OL) Indiana and Zeke Correll (C) Notre Dame

FSU’s approach to the transfer portal is dynamic, with the support staff constantly scouting new entries and coaches visiting multiple transfers per day. The goal is to make a strong first impression, as the transfer market moves quickly and decisively. The Seminoles are comfortable with the player board that has developed so far and are looking to secure early official visits, which are crucial in the fast-paced transfer portal environment.

The current transfer market is fluid, with players seeking substantial NIL opportunities. However, market variables will ultimately determine negotiations, and FSU is positioned to adapt effectively to these conditions as they continue to build their team for the upcoming seasons.

🏟️ Darrell Jackson Set to Debut for FSU in the Orange Bowl

As the Florida State Seminoles gear up for the Orange Bowl, there's a buzz of excitement for the debut of defensive tackle Darrell Jackson, a transfer from Miami. Jackson, who had to sit out the entire season, is now set to don the garnet and gold against Georgia, a moment he and many have eagerly awaited.

Senior linebacker Tatum Bethune's reaction sums up the team's anticipation: “Added another menace,” he said, a sentiment echoed by others in the squad. Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller noted Jackson's elation, saying, “He’s got the biggest smile in the United States of America right now... I think it’s because we got a new guy on the field.”

Jackson, at 6-foot-5 and 334 pounds, is not just any new addition. His performance at Miami, with 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks, has set high expectations. Teammate Jared Verse described Jackson as a monster, forecasting an impressive impact: “What he’s about to do to somebody is about to be bad.”

Despite the uncertainty over which seniors and draft-eligible juniors will join him, Jackson's upcoming appearance is a source of inspiration for the team. Fuller reflected on Jackson's journey, saying, “He’s just been a light... To see how the game got taken away from him this year… he’s really been inspirational.”

Jackson's debut in the Orange Bowl is more than just a game appearance; it's a testament to resilience and a beacon of hope for the Seminoles’ defensive future.

🤝 Unprecedented Support for The Battle’s End Following Playoff Snub

In the wake of FSU's unexpected exclusion from the College Football Playoff, The Battle's End, FSU's leading NIL collective, has witnessed an extraordinary surge in support. Launched in December 2022, the collective has gained over 900 new members since the playoff announcement on Sunday.

The collective's press release on Twitter emphasizes their admiration for the 2023 FSU Football Team's character and resilience. Despite the disappointment over the Playoff Committee's decision, which they described as "jarring, cowardly, and wrong," the collective remains committed to supporting Coach Norvell and the team.

This remarkable increase in membership reflects the FSU community's unwavering spirit and commitment to building a formidable football program. Supporters are encouraged to join The Battle’s End in their efforts to champion FSU's football team.

For more information or to join, visit TheBattlesEnd.com.

🏆 CFP Controversy and Political Fallout Over FSU's Exclusion

The College Football Playoff's exclusion of an undefeated FSU has ignited a storm of controversy.

Bill Hancock, CFP executive director, found himself in a challenging position when a committee member anonymously admitted that FSU was excluded based on doubts about their championship viability without Jordan Travis. This revelation sparked widespread criticism as it contradicts the CFP's selection guidelines.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken an unprecedented step in response to this controversy. He announced the allocation of $1 million for potential legal action against the CFP decision. This move reflects a growing sentiment that FSU's perfect season and ACC Championship win were undervalued in the playoff selection process.

The Governor's intervention, backed by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, underscores the significant implications of the committee's decision on FSU's future recruitment and economic impact.

This controversy has escalated beyond sports, touching on issues of fairness, transparency, and the integrity of college football's national championship selection process.

As FSU and its supporters navigate this complex situation, the broader discussion highlights the need for a more transparent and equitable playoff selection system in college football.

And that’s a wrap!

Happy Hump Day to you, unconquered Seminole and please enjoy this sketch behind the closed doors of the College Football Playoff Committee: