🏹 November 1st - The Chief Brief 🏹

Seminole Showdowns and Rising Stars

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Friday, ‘Noles fans! As we gear up for a weekend packed with action, here’s a quick look at what’s making headlines:

🏀 Seminoles Dominate Final Exhibition 🏀
FSU Men’s Basketball closed out exhibition play in style, defeating UWF 100-56. Jamir Watkins and Taylor Bol Bowen shone bright, each scoring 14 points and leading the team into Monday’s regular-season opener against Northern Kentucky.

FSU Soccer Secures Rivalry Win, Enters ACC Tournament
The No. 6 Seminoles topped Miami 1-0, with Wrianna Hudson scoring the decisive goal. FSU secured a spot in their 30th consecutive ACC Tournament, riding a four-game win streak into the postseason.

FSU Baseball Hosts Garnet & Gold Game & Fan Day
Join the Seminoles at Dick Howser Stadium for the Garnet & Gold Game and Fan Day tonight at 5 p.m. Fans have a chance to win a signed jersey from Coach Link Jarrett and celebrate with the 2024 College World Series team.

👟 FSU Cross Country Teams Gear Up for ACC Championship 👟
Both the men’s and women’s teams compete in the ACC Championship today in Cary, North Carolina. The women are ranked No. 13 nationally, while the men face six ranked opponents in their race.

🏀 Makayla Timpson Named to Katrina McClain Award Watch List 🏀
FSU’s Makayla Timpson earns another accolade as she makes the watch list for the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Award, solidifying her legacy in FSU women’s basketball history.

🏈 FSU Hosts Four-Star Edge Chase Linton for Official Visit 🏈
The Seminoles welcome top edge rusher Chase Linton for an official visit during their game against UNC. Linton’s decision looms, and FSU aims to impress.

🏈 FSU Hosts Key Recruits for UNC Showdown 🏈
FSU’s matchup against North Carolina is a pivotal recruiting weekend, with top targets like Jayvan Boggs and Tobi Haastrup visiting. The stakes are high as the ‘Noles look to boost their future roster.

🏈 Darrell Jackson Finds His Form on FSU’s Defensive Line 🏈
After shaking off early-season rust, Darrell Jackson is dominating. His recent performances against Duke and Miami are turning heads, solidifying his role as a defensive force.

🏀 Seminoles Dominate Final Exhibition 🏀

Florida State closed out its preseason in commanding fashion with a 100-56 win over the University of West Florida at the Tucker Center. With back-to-back exhibition victories, the Seminoles are now set to open their regular season Monday against Northern Kentucky at 7:00 p.m.

Standouts:

  • Jamir Watkins and Taylor Bol Bowen each scored 14 points, with Watkins adding six assists and four steals, and Bowen contributing a team-high eight rebounds and seven steals.

  • A 24-0 second-half run, kicked off by Bostyn Holt’s 3-pointer, stretched the lead from 49-28 to 70-28, sealing the game for the Seminoles.

  • Freshman Daquan Davis impressed with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, adding depth to the team’s point guard rotation.

The Seminoles’ starting lineup of Watkins, Bowen, AJ Swinton, Bostyn Holt, and Waka Mbatch set an early lead, with Swinton grabbing six rebounds to keep momentum.

In Other Highlights:

  • Jerry Deng scored 10 points and secured five rebounds in the second half, while Justin Thomas and Malique Ewin added valuable points, assists, and steals.

  • Jesse Jones capped the game with two long 3-pointers, pushing the Seminoles to the 100-point mark.

FSU Soccer Secures Rivalry Win, Enters ACC Tournament

The No. 6 Seminoles (12-2-2, 7-2-1 ACC) closed out the regular season with a 1-0 win over in-state rival Miami on Thursday night, extending their dominance with a fifth consecutive victory over the Hurricanes. With the win, FSU qualified for their 30th straight ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament appearance since the program's inception.

Match Highlights:

  • Early Pressure: Marianyela Jiménez showcased FSU’s attacking intent, driving into the box and forcing a key save from Miami’s goalkeeper.

  • Decisive Goal: As halftime approached, FSU's subs delivered. Ashlyn Puerta’s quick throw-in led to a series of flicks from Olivia Lebdaoui and Camille Ashe, setting up Wrianna Hudson, who finished with a low half-volley to give the Seminoles the lead.

  • Second-Half Push: Solai Washington came close to doubling the score, but Miami's keeper denied her near-post effort. FSU held firm to secure the victory.

Streaking Into the Tournament:
Hudson has been on fire, notching points in four consecutive games, including four goals in her last four matches. The Seminoles enter postseason play riding a four-game winning streak.

FSU will host an ACC First Round game against North Carolina or Notre Dame on Sunday night. The official bracket will be revealed by the ACC on Friday.

FSU Baseball Hosts Garnet & Gold Game & Fan Day

Florida State baseball wraps up its fall schedule this Friday, November 1, with the Garnet & Gold Game and Fan Day at Dick Howser Stadium.

The game starts at 5 p.m. ET, with gates opening at 4 p.m. Admission is free, and fans can secure a free digital ticket at Seminoles.com/Tickets for a chance to win a signed FSU baseball jersey by head coach Link Jarrett. (Note: Winner must be present to claim the prize.)

Fan Day Festivities:

  • Stick around after the game for Fan Day, where fans can interact with the team and enjoy a celebratory atmosphere.

  • FSU's 2024 College World Series team will also be recognized during the game, with several former players expected to attend, including recent MLB Draft selections.

Important Details:

  • Gates Open: 4 p.m. (Right and left field entrances only; home plate entrance closed)

  • Parking: Free in the lots surrounding Dick Howser Stadium

Mark your calendars: The Seminoles will be back for the 2025 season, starting on Opening Day, February 14, at Dick Howser Stadium!

👟 FSU Cross Country Teams Gear Up for ACC Championship 👟

The No. 13/NR Florida State cross country teams are set to compete in the ACC Championship on Friday morning at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. The men’s 8k kicks off at 9:30 a.m., followed by the women’s 6k at 10:30 a.m., with both races airing on the ACC Network and live timing available.

Men’s Team Outlook:
Assistant coach Ian Frazier is enthusiastic about the team's progress, especially the contributions from younger athletes. The men will face stiff competition against six nationally ranked teams. Kidus Misgina, who won the UCF Invitational with a 5k time of 14:32.4, and standout performers Kaden Levings and Lucas Bouquot are expected to lead the charge.

  • Levings earned ACC Performer of the Week after an impressive 8k debut at the Georgia Tech Invitational.

  • Bouquot posted a career-best 24:43.0 at the FSU XC Invitational, guiding the Noles to their second team victory.

Women’s Team Outlook:
Ranked No. 13 nationally, the women’s team enters the championship with strong momentum. They finished ninth at the Wisconsin Pre-National Meet, defeating 12 ranked teams. Bieke Schipperen led with a career-best 19:59.3 in the 6k, marking the second-best finish for the Seminoles at the course since 2014.

  • Lily Guinn claimed ACC Freshman of the Week after her stellar 6k debut at the UCF Invitational.

  • Jane Eiselstein earned Performer of the Week, winning the Georgia Tech Invitational 6k with a time of 21:48.16.

Head coach Cody Halsey expressed confidence in the women's team, emphasizing their hard work and strong momentum heading into the meet. “If we control what we can and continue to show up, I think we’ll walk away proud,” said Halsey.

Best of luck to both teams as they race for ACC glory!

🏀 Makayla Timpson Named to Katrina McClain Award Watch List 🏀

Florida State senior Makayla Timpson has been selected to the prestigious Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Award watch list, part of the Naismith Starting 5 awards. She stands out as one of only 20 players nationally and five from the ACC to make this preseason list.

Timpson's Growing Legacy:
Already on the Naismith Player of the Year watch list, Timpson has solidified her place as one of FSU's all-time greats. She has recorded 187 career blocks and 744 rebounds over 98 games, ranking third in program history with 31 double-doubles. Her 2023-24 season was historic, setting single-season school records in double-doubles (18), blocks (87), and rebounds (341).

  • Career Highlights: Two-time ACC All-Defensive Team selection, 2024 All-ACC First Team honoree, and 2023 ACC Most Improved Player.

  • Program Records: Fourth in career blocks and 12th in rebounds in FSU history.

Timpson’s exceptional defensive presence and all-around play have earned her a place among the nation's elite. As the Seminoles gear up for their season opener against North Florida on Nov. 4 at 11 a.m., fans can secure single-game tickets through the FSU Ticket Office.

🏈 FSU Hosts Four-Star Edge Chase Linton for Official Visit 🏈

This weekend, Florida State will welcome four-star edge rusher Chase Linton from North Atlanta, Ga., for an official visit during the Seminoles' matchup against North Carolina at Doak Campbell Stadium. Ranked No. 45 overall and the No. 4 edge in the 2025 class by 247Sports, Linton's visit will be crucial as he considers his options.

Building Connections:
FSU offered Linton back in September and had him on campus for a brief visit when they faced Cal. Since then, head coach Mike Norvell and his staff, including defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and defensive ends coach John Papuchis, have maintained strong communication with Linton, emphasizing how his explosive play style would fit well within their program.

  • Linton’s Perspective: Despite FSU’s challenging 1-7 season, Linton is unfazed. "I've been part of some pretty bad seasons. I know what it takes to bring a team back," he said.

  • Official Visits: Linton has already visited Rutgers, Georgia, and Georgia Tech, with LSU potentially on the horizon. He aims to finalize his decision by November 20th.

Scouting Report:
Linton is a dynamic and athletic pass rusher with an impressive physical profile, including an 80-inch wingspan and elite lower body explosiveness. While he’s still developing his pass-rushing techniques, he’s shown great potential with his effort and agility. National Analyst Hudson Standish compares him to Yaya Diaby, highlighting his enormous upside and future NFL Draft potential.

With all Crystal Ball predictions currently favoring Georgia, this weekend’s visit could be pivotal for FSU as they make their case to land one of the nation’s top edge prospects.

🏈 FSU Hosts Key Recruits for UNC Showdown

Florida State is back at Doak Campbell Stadium this weekend to take on North Carolina at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. This matchup not only gives the Seminoles a chance to end a challenging stretch on a high note but also provides a crucial opportunity to impress visiting recruits.

Top Visitors to Watch:

  • 4-star WR Jayvan Boggs (UCF commit): The Seminoles continue to court this talented receiver, hoping to add him to their 2025 class.

  • 4-star Edge Chase Linton: Linton, a highly ranked prospect, is making his second visit to Tallahassee this season.

  • 3-star WR Tae'shaun Gelsey (UF commit): The Gators commit will be in attendance, with FSU hoping to sway him.

  • 3-star Edge Tobi Haastrup: A rapidly rising prospect gaining attention.

  • 3-star DL Jeramiah McCloud (UF commit): Another Gators pledge that FSU is working to flip.

Unofficial Visitors Include:

  • 3-star WR Isaiah Mitchell

  • 2026 TE William Vaughn

  • 3-star LB Ethan Pritchard (FSU commit)

  • 4-star 2026 LB Adam Balogoun-Ali

  • 2026 LB Karon Maycock

  • 4-star 2026 CB Jaydin Broadnax

  • 4-star 2026 S Darryl Bell III (FSU commit)

  • 4-star 2026 S Jamarrion Gordon (UCF commit)

The stakes are high for both the game and FSU's recruiting momentum, with the Seminoles eager to make a strong impression on the visiting prospects.

🏈 Darrell Jackson Finds His Form on FSU’s Defensive Line

After waiting longer than expected to hit his stride, Darrell Jackson is now delivering performances that showcase the player Florida State believed they had when he transferred from Miami.

Despite missing the 2023 season due to NCAA transfer rules, the 330-pound defensive tackle has been a key force in the past two games.

Recent Dominance:

  • Against Duke: Jackson recorded three tackles, a pass breakup, a QB hit, and two pressures, helping FSU hold the Blue Devils to under 200 total yards.

  • Against Miami: He stepped up even more, notching two sacks and five total pressures, a remarkable stat line for a defensive tackle.

FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller praised Jackson, stating, “These back-to-back are the two best weeks Darrell Jackson has played.”

Building Momentum:

Jackson acknowledges his growth over the season: “Each game I’ve played, I think I’ve gotten better. Each week. So, I’ve been seeing the growth in myself.” According to Pro Football Focus, his best performances have come in recent weeks, with 17 total pressures and 12 QB hurries on the year.

With his rust shaken off, Jackson is proving to be a critical asset for FSU’s defense—and he’s not shy about it. “Look how big I am,” Jackson said confidently. “I’m supposed to be doing it.”

And that’s a wrap!

Thanks for riding along, Seminoles fans! As FSU prepares for an action-packed weekend full of game day excitement, we hope you're ready to cheer them on. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s bring that Seminole spirit into every matchup!

Go ‘Noles! 🏹

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