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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Saturday and Gameday, Seminole!

We’ve got a little of everything today — records falling, rematches brewing, recruiting moves, and a primetime trek to Death Valley. Here’s what’s inside:

🏀 Hoops: Noles rain 18 threes and set an ACC attempts record in a 101–64 rout of Alabama State — Gainesville up next.

🏐 Volleyball: Round two vs. No. 14 Miami at Tully — résumé chance, revenge chance, same match.

🏊 Swim & Dive: Three pool records shattered in Baton Rouge as momentum builds toward the Georgia Invite.

🚫 MBB Note: AJ Swinton suspended indefinitely (team rules) as rotation tightens ahead of Florida.

🪓 Recruiting (’27): 4⭐ LB Gregory Batson commits — first linebacker in the class.

🧱 Recruiting (’26 DB): FSU turns up the heat on Kentucky commit Jordan Crutchfield — OV locked for Nov. 15.

🔥 Recruiting (’27 WR): Lawrence Britt lists FSU among six early leaders — “love how they’d use me.”

🏈 FSU at Clemson: Road drought vs. home slide. Full matchup edges + 20 staff predictions inside.

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🏀 FSU Men’s Hoops Sets ACC Record, Blasts Alabama State 101–64 🏀

Florida State caught fire from deep Friday night at the Tucker Center, drilling a near-school-record 18 three-pointers in a 101–64 rout of Alabama State — a performance that also set a new ACC record with 47 attempts from beyond the arc.

🔥 Raining Threes

• FSU’s 18 made threes were two shy of the all-time school mark (20) and the most since 2017.

• The 47 attempts set both a program and ACC single-game record, breaking Virginia Tech’s 2019 mark.

• The Seminoles have now scored 100+ points in back-to-back games to open the season for the first time in decades, averaging 104.5 PPG through two contests.

💪 Top Performers

• Lajae Jones: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 4 threes — the senior’s best outing yet under new head coach Luke Loucks.

• Kobe MaGee: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 4 threes, 3 STL — relentless at both ends.

• Martin Somerville: 14 PTS, 4 threes, 3 AST, 2 STL — all 12 of his second-half points came during FSU’s knockout run.

• Robert McCray V: 12 PTS, 5 AST, 6 REB — steady playmaking and tempo control.

• Alex Steen: 9 PTS, 8 REB (6 offensive) — owned the paint.

📈 By the Numbers

• 49–35 rebounding advantage (17 offensive boards).

• 31 points off 17 Alabama State turnovers.

• 10 team steals — all energy, all game.

👉 The Noles improve to 2–0 for the third straight year and now head to Gainesville on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET, SEC Network) to face No. 3 Florida in their first true road test of the season — a matchup that will show just how real Loucks’ early-season surge might be.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Set for Rival Rematch vs. No. 14 Miami 🏐

Florida State volleyball (13–9, 7–6 ACC) gets another shot at its ranked rival Saturday afternoon, hosting No. 14 Miami (20–4, 10–3) inside Tully Gym (1 p.m. ET, ACCNX). After pushing the Hurricanes to five sets earlier this week, the Seminoles are hungry for their first Top-50 RPI win — and a chance to climb back into NCAA tournament contention.

🔥 Round Two with the Canes

• FSU nearly upset Miami on Wednesday, led by Iane Henke (20 K, 14 D) and Kyleene Filimaua (20 K).

• Miami’s Flormarie Heredia Colon, the NCAA leader in kills per set, erupted for 42 kills in the first meeting.

• The Noles are 51st in the RPI, while Miami sits 17th, making this a résumé-building opportunity.

💪 Stars Leading the Charge

• Iane Henke: 4.58 K/S (3rd ACC), 5.27 PTS/S (12th NCAA); first Nole since 2001 to post 15+ kills and .300+ hitting in four straight matches.

• Kyleene Filimaua: Team-high 324 kills; 11 straight matches with double-digit kills; nine double-doubles this season.

• Mio Yamamoto: Former Sun Belt Libero of the Year, now leading FSU with 302 digs and 27 aces.

• Nenu Kpea: Freshman standout with 88 blocks (1.01 B/S).

• Lily Nicholson & Alyssa Stevenson: Dual-setter system combining for 865 assists this season.

📈 Series Snapshot

• FSU leads the all-time series 37–25–1 and has won six of the last seven vs. Miami.

• Five of the last eight meetings have gone the full five sets — another battle is expected.

👉 The Noles have dominated this rivalry for over a decade. Now, they’ll need one more complete performance to reclaim bragging rights and keep their postseason hopes alive.

🏊 FSU Shatters Three Pool Records at LSU Tri-Meet 🏊

Florida State swimming and diving made waves Friday afternoon at the LSU Natatorium, breaking three pool records despite falling to No. 14/21 LSU and No. 16/16 Alabama in a ranked tri-meet showdown.

🔥 Record-Breaking Performances

• Mathias Christensen — set two pool records:
  • 🥇 200 Butterfly: 1:43.17 (4th-fastest in FSU history)
  • 🥇 200 Individual Medley: 1:44.92

• Michel Arkhangelsky — added another pool record in the 100 Butterfly (45.82) just days after earning ACC Swimmer of the Week honors.

💪 Other Standouts

• Evelyn Hall: 🥇 3-meter (306.00), 🥈 1-meter (256.10)

• Logan Robinson: 🥇 200 Freestyle (1:35.27 PB), 🥈 200 Butterfly (1:43.78)

• Max Wilson: 🥈 100 Backstroke (46.20)

Head coach Neal Studd praised the group’s growth, saying, “It’s exciting to see our athletes continuing to grow and show resilience.”

👉 The Seminoles return to competition Nov. 18–21 at the Georgia Invite in Athens, looking to build on their record-setting momentum heading into postseason prep.

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🚫 FSU’s AJ Swinton Suspended Indefinitely for Team Rules Violation 🚫

Florida State men’s basketball sophomore forward AJ Swinton has been suspended indefinitely by head coach Luke Loucks for a violation of team rules, the program announced Friday.

🔥 What Happened

• Swinton will miss Friday’s home game vs. Alabama State and remain sidelined until further notice.

• The 6’6”, 220-pound forward played nine minutes in FSU’s season-opening win over Alcorn State, recording three rebounds and a block.

💪 Background

• One of only two players retained from last year’s roster by Loucks and his new staff.

• As a freshman, Swinton averaged 2.8 points and 1.8 rebounds across 28 games.

• Former three-star recruit from Bishop O’Connell (MD), originally committed to Virginia Tech before signing with FSU.

👉 The suspension comes just as the Seminoles are off to a fast 2–0 start, leaving a spot open in Loucks’ frontcourt rotation as FSU prepares for next week’s road rivalry matchup at Florida.

🪓 FSU Lands 4⭐ Linebacker Gregory Batson, First LB in 2027 Class 🪓

Florida State’s recruiting momentum continues with the commitment of four-star linebacker Gregory Batson, a 2027 prospect from Lee County (GA).

🔥 Big Addition for the Future

• The 6’1”, 208-pound defender chose the Seminoles over Florida, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.

• Batson had long favored FSU, calling them his “leader” after visiting for the Seminoles’ season-opening win over Alabama.

💪 On-Field Production (Junior Season)

• 48 total tackles

• 4 tackles for loss

• 1 sack

• 1 interception

📊 Recruiting Snapshot

• 247Sports Composite: No. 324 overall, No. 23 LB nationally

• 247Sports (in-house): No. 17 LB nationally

• First linebacker to commit to FSU’s 2027 class, which now includes five total pledges.

👉 Another early win for Mike Norvell’s staff — and a sign that Florida State’s long-term defensive core is already starting to take shape.

🧱 FSU Targets Kentucky Commit Jordan Crutchfield to Rebuild Secondary 🧱

After losing two defensive backs from its 2026 class last week, Florida State is making a late recruiting push to strengthen its secondary — with eyes now set on Jordan Crutchfield, a three-star safety currently committed to Kentucky.

🔥 The New Top Target

• Crutchfield, a 6’3”, 200-pound athlete from Vero Beach (FL), will take an official visit to Tallahassee on Nov. 15 for FSU’s home finale against Virginia Tech.

• The Seminoles originally offered him in the summer of 2024 but have intensified contact following recent decommitments.

💪 Two-Way Playmaker

• Offense: 6 receptions, 122 yards, 2 touchdowns

• Defense: 27 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 interception

📊 Recruiting Snapshot

• 247Sports Grade: 88 (high three-star)

• Ranking: No. 40 safety nationally in the 2026 class

• Previously chose Kentucky over Mississippi State and Louisville.

👉 With Crutchfield visiting next weekend, FSU is looking to stabilize its defensive back class and close strong before the December signing period.

🔥 4⭐ WR Lawrence Britt Lists FSU Among Top Contenders 🔥

Florida State remains firmly in the mix for four-star wide receiver Lawrence Britt, a 2027 prospect out of Lausanne Collegiate School (Memphis, TN), who has narrowed his list to ten schools — with six early leaders, including the Seminoles.

💪 Top Six Schools

• Florida State

• Missouri

• Vanderbilt

• Florida

• Miami

• Ole Miss

📣 Why FSU Stands Out
Britt praised Mike Norvell’s program for its vision and offensive system:

🏈 Recruiting Outlook
The 6’0” Tennessee native is taking a patient approach, emphasizing development, academics, and a program that can prepare him for the NFL.

👉 Florida State continues to be a consistent presence for Britt, whose recruitment is shaping up as one of the key wide receiver battles in the 2027 cycle.

🔥 FSU vs Clemson: Redemption Road or Familiar Fall? 🔥

After halting a four-game skid with a dominant win over Wake Forest, Florida State (4-4, 1-4 ACC) heads into Death Valley with a rare opportunity — to win back-to-back games and secure its first road victory since November 2023.

Clemson (3-5, 2-4 ACC), meanwhile, is in its own spiral. The Tigers have lost six straight home games to Power 4 opponents and appear far from their former national title pedigree. Yet, they’re still a slight favorite over the Seminoles, setting the stage for a matchup equal parts desperation and pride.

🧠 Game Analysis: Two Flawed Giants, One Crucial Test

🏈 Road Woes Meet Home Misery
Something has to give — FSU hasn’t won away from Doak in 23 months, while Clemson hasn’t beaten a Power 4 team at home in over a year. Both teams are fighting for bowl eligibility and coaching stability, with Mike Norvell and Dabo Swinney feeling the heat.

🔥 Offensive Momentum vs. Defensive Inconsistency

• FSU’s offense rediscovered rhythm vs. Wake, piling up 42 points and 5 rushing touchdowns.

• Clemson’s defense, ranked 104th nationally in pass defense, could struggle against Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy if Tommy Castellanos has time to throw.

• On the flip side, Clemson QB Cade Klubnik has thrown for 1,915 yards and 13 TDs, but he’ll face an FSU defense that’s 25th in sacks and led by playmaker Earl Little Jr. (4 INTs).

⚖️ Key Matchup Edges

• Clemson Passing vs FSU Secondary: Advantage Clemson — Klubnik’s rhythm passing could test FSU’s coverage.

• Clemson Run Game vs FSU Front: Advantage FSU — Seminoles rank 29th nationally in rush defense.

• FSU Passing vs Clemson Secondary: Advantage FSU — Clemson’s pass D has been shredded all season.

• FSU Rushing vs Clemson Front: Even — FSU’s top-10 rushing attack meets Clemson’s top-20 run defense.

• Special Teams: Even — both programs solid, but no major edge.

🔮 Staff Predictions

Below are the full score predictions and insights from analysts across Noles247, Warchant, and Tomahawk Nation — giving a full spectrum of confidence (or chaos) heading into Saturday:

🗞️ Noles247 Predictions

• Trey Rowland: Clemson 37, FSU 28

• Zach Blostein: Clemson 34, FSU 28

• Adam Brown: Clemson 34, FSU 24

• Brendan Sonnone: Clemson 28, FSU 24

• Kevin Little: FSU 28, Clemson 24

• Chris Nee: FSU 31, Clemson 28

📰 Warchant Predictions

• Gene Williams: Clemson 27, FSU 24

• Ira Schoffel: Clemson 35, FSU 24

• Corey Clark: Clemson 33, FSU 23

• Jeff Cameron: Clemson 38, FSU 14

• Tom Lang: FSU 27, Clemson 20

• Aslan Hajivandi: Clemson 28, FSU 27

• Matt LaSerre: FSU 31, Clemson 28

📣 Tomahawk Nation Predictions

• Curt Weiler: FSU 34, Clemson 28

• Jordan Silversmith: Clemson 35, FSU 31

• Tim Scribble: FSU 38, Clemson 35

• Matt Minnick: Clemson 34, FSU 33

• NoleThruandThru: Clemson 38, FSU 31

• Frank Danole: FSU 45, Clemson 37

• Jacob Smith: Clemson 35, FSU 32

• Perry Kostidakis: FSU 41, Clemson 33

📊 Consensus Snapshot

Average Predicted Score: Clemson 33 – FSU 30

💭 Final Take

This one’s shaping up as a coin flip — a clash of two underperforming powers searching for stability.
If FSU can carry its Wake Forest energy on the road and contain Klubnik’s rhythm throws, it could finally end its road curse. But if the defense cracks again under pressure, Death Valley might remain a house of horrors.

👉 Kickoff: Saturday, 7 PM ET on ACC Network
👉 Spread: Clemson -1.5 | O/U: 56.5

Would you bet on the road breakthrough — or the home rebound?

And that’s a wrap!

Tonight’s trip to Death Valley could be more than a road test — it’s a measuring stick for Mike Norvell’s program and a gut check for a team that just remembered how to win. Whether FSU silences Clemson’s crowd or stumbles again under the lights, this one’s going to define November.

Until then — enjoy a weekend stacked with action, from volleyball’s rematch vs. Miami to hoops, swim, and a flurry of recruiting heat.

Stay sharp, stay loud, and stay unconquered.
— Chief