🏹 November 22nd - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

It’s the day before Thanksgiving and we would like to give thanks to Coach Norvell and Jordan Travis first thing today.

You have got to watch this 3 minute video that FSU Plays Daily created that illustrates the rock bottom of the FSU football program and where we are today (and then give thanks to Coach and JT):

Guess there’s only on thing left to do……preview the stories of this edition:

🏀 Seminoles Shine in Sunshine Slam: Experience the thrill as FSU's Jamir Watkins and Jalen Warley lead the team to a nail-biting 77-71 overtime victory against Colorado. This game was a high-octane showdown with moments that had fans on the edge of their seats.

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball Hits Vegas: The Seminole women are bringing their A-game to the Ball Dawgs Classic in Las Vegas. With standout performances from players like Makayla Timpson and O'Mariah Gordon, FSU is ready to dazzle on the court.

⚽ Academic All-Stars in Women's Soccer: FSU's women's soccer team is scoring goals on the field and acing their academics. Seven Noles have been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, a testament to their dedication both in sports and studies.

🏈 Jordan Travis: A Seminole Phenomenon: FSU's quarterback Jordan Travis is in the spotlight as a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. His impressive performance this season has been pivotal in FSU's success.

🏈 FSU in the CFP Spotlight: The Seminoles are ranked No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings, a position that has garnered a record viewership. Their recent game against North Alabama captivated over a million viewers, highlighting FSU's rising prominence.

🏈 New QB Era at FSU: With Jordan Travis sidelined, Tate Rodemaker steps up as the new QB1. His recent practice performances and growing confidence suggest he's ready to lead FSU in their upcoming clash at The Swamp.

As you prep for turkey day, we're here to keep you updated with the latest and greatest from FSU athletics. Enjoy the read, and go Noles! 🍗🏈🏀⚽🎉

🏀 Seminoles Shine in Sunshine Slam: Watkins and Warley Lead FSU to Victory

In a game that felt more like a March Madness thriller than a November matchup, Florida State's Jamir Watkins and Jalen Warley took center stage, leading the Seminoles to an electrifying 77-71 overtime win against 18th ranked Colorado in the Sunshine Slam.

Jamir Watkins, was as smooth as butter, he clinched the tournament MVP title, and notched a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

His play was a blend of finesse and force, proving he's as much a maestro on the court as he is an athlete.

Jalen Warley, the quiet storm of the team, exploded in the second half and overtime, totaling 19 points. His scoring spree, especially the clutch 11 points after halftime, was pivotal in FSU's triumph.

The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions with nine lead changes and 13 ties, turning each possession into a heart-pounding moment.

Warley's jumper, giving FSU a 62-60 lead, caused an eruption in the arena, setting the stage for an overtime where FSU outscored the Buffaloes 17-11.

Let's not forget the supporting cast - Darin Green Jr. and De'Ante Green, who added their own splash of brilliance, scoring 12 and 10 points respectively.

Florida State's defense was historic last night. The Seminoles' season-high 17 steals were not just impressive but also tied for the ninth highest single-game total in school history.

Next up, Florida State returns to the home court for the ACC/SEC Challenge against Georgia. If this game was a preview, we’re going to be in for a very promising season.

🏀 Seminoles Take on Vegas: FSU Women's Basketball Eyes Glory at Ball Dawgs Classic

The 13th-ranked Florida State Women's Basketball team is hitting the Vegas strip for a showdown with Northwestern in the Ball Dawgs Classic. This Vegas venture, FSU's first since 2010, promises to be more than just a game – it's a showcase of talent and tenacity.

Makayla Timpson, FSU's junior forward, is in the spotlight with her 15 career double-doubles, matching coach Brooke Wyckoff's record.

Junior guard O'Mariah Gordon is playing the assist game like a chess grandmaster, boasting a stellar 5.3 assist/turnover ratio. And sophomore guard Ta'Niya Latson is a scoring sensation, averaging 20.3 points per game, including a jaw-dropping 35 against Florida.

FSU isn't just about scoring; they're about smart play. Their low turnover average is turning heads, and their free throw shooting is nothing short of elite, hitting 82.5 percent.

Win or lose against Northwestern, the Seminoles have a date with either Stanford or Belmont on Friday. After the Vegas lights dim, they'll return home to face Arkansas in the ACC/SEC Challenge on ESPN2.

So, get ready for some high-stakes hoops action as FSU looks to dazzle in Vegas and beyond.

⚽ FSU Women's Soccer Stars Excel Academically

Florida State's women's soccer team combines on-field success with academic prowess, as seven Noles earn spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. This distinction celebrates their dual achievements in soccer and scholarship.

The recognized athletes, Lauren Flynn, Heather Gilchrist, Leilanni Nesbeth, Sophia Nguyen, Beata Olsson, Cristina Roque, and Kaitlyn Zipay, have demonstrated exceptional academic records, with impressive GPAs above 3.50.

Their academic success, paired with their contribution to FSU's ACC Championships, reflects the team's commitment to excellence in all arenas.

FSU will be back in action on Friday night in the NCAA Quarterfinals against Pitt. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN+

🏈 Jordan Travis: FSU's Quarterback Phenom in the Spotlight

Jordan Travis, Florida State's star quarterback, has added yet another accolade to his resume. He has been nominated for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award as the sole ACC representative.

Travis, with 27 total touchdowns and only two turnovers in 11 games, has led FSU to a remarkable 11-0 season. His leadership has been instrumental in FSU's 17-game winning streak, tying for the second-longest in the program's history.

His prowess isn't just in passing; he's the only player with at least seven rushing touchdowns for four straight seasons. This versatility, combined with a record of 184 pass attempts without an interception, showcases his exceptional skill.

Travis's season highlights include a stellar performance against LSU, where his second-half display was unmatched nationally.

Three finalists will be announced November 28th with a winner named on December 8th. Since Jordan’s career is over at FSU, we’d love to see him rack up the hardware. Check out the below career tribute to Jordan:

🏈 Seminoles Fall to No. 5 in CFP Rankings Captivates 1.33 Million Viewers

Florida State has been ranked No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings which coincides with a record viewership for their recent game. The FSU/North Alabama matchup drew an impressive 1.33 million viewers on The CW, a significant 68% increase compared to the network's next most-watched game this season.

This spike in viewership, likely spurred by the team's early challenges and quarterback Jordan Travis' injury, underscores the Seminoles' growing prominence in college football. With Coach Mike Norvell at the helm, FSU has not only clinched a spot among the top teams nationally but also captured the attention of a wider audience.

FSU's defensive prowess, holding opponents under a 50 percent completion rate and leading in pass breakups and passes defended, combined with their offensive strength, has propelled them into the spotlight.

This balance of tactical acumen and on-field performance, evident in their 17-game winning streak, is reflected in their continuous presence in the CFP rankings, now at nine consecutive appearances.

The committee hinted that Washington’s most recent win against a tough Oregon State team was the reason they’ve leapfrogged FSU. They also hinted that if FSU wins out, they’ll be in the playoff.

🏈 Seminoles' New QB Era: Rodemaker Steps Up as FSU Prepares for Florida

Florida State's football practice took an interesting turn on Tuesday. All eyes were on Tate Rodemaker, now FSU's No. 1 quarterback after Jordan Travis' injury. It was a change of pace, and Rodemaker seemed up for the challenge, according to head coach Mike Norvell.

Rodemaker's day wasn't flawless - an early interception during a two-minute drill stood out. But that was seemed to be a blip in an otherwise solid performance, where he consistently connected on deep shots and touchdowns against the scout-team defense.

One highlight was Keon Coleman's spectacular catch, which left everyone, including Norvell, in awe. This "stupid good" moment was emblematic of Rodemaker's growing rapport with his receivers.

The offensive dynamics weren't all about Rodemaker, though. Freshman QB Brock Glenn also shined, completing significant passes and showcasing his potential.

The practice atmosphere was charged with Florida vibes - from "Won't Back Down" echoing through the Indoor Practice Facility to the Gators' fight song (minus the "Go Gators" part).

A once dubbed "Pick Six Tate" by his teammates, Rodemaker has evolved significantly. The team's confidence in him is evident, reflecting his journey from a raw freshman to a quarterback who understands FSU's offense and avoids costly mistakes.

He's not just a backup anymore; his quarterback rating of 219.6, though based on limited action, speaks volumes. His recent performance against North Alabama, where he replaced Travis mid-game, showcased his capability to stabilize the offense under pressure.

Rodemaker's past experiences, like his crucial role in FSU's comeback win at Louisville last year, also contribute to the team's trust in him. Now, as QB1, he's stepping into a role tailored to his strengths and skills, with more influence on the game plan.

With the team's playoff hopes still alive, Rodemaker's performance in the upcoming showdown at The Swamp will be pivotal. His first full practice as QB1 was promising, a sign that he's ready to embrace this new chapter.

That’s a wrap!

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let's share in the pride and excitement of being part of the Seminole family. Here's to celebrating our triumphs, supporting our teams, and looking forward to more Seminole successes.

Happy Thanksgiving, and as always, Go Noles! 🦃🏈🏀⚽🎉