🏹 October 15th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to the latest edition of The Chief Brief! In today's roundup, we delve into the Seminoles' triumph on the field, the rising stars making headlines, and the insights from Coach Mike Norvell's post-game press conference. Dive in to get the latest scoop on all things FSU football and don't forget to check out the Gnarly Barley for some of the best brews and bites in town.

Florida State Dominates Syracuse in Convincing Victory

The Florida State Seminoles continued their impressive run this season with a dominant 41-3 victory over the Syracuse Orange. The Seminoles, ranked No. 4, showcased their prowess on both sides of the ball, extending their winning streak to 12 games.

Offensive Brilliance

The game was highlighted by the outstanding performance of Keon Coleman, who amassed a staggering 247 all-purpose yards. Coleman's 58-yard touchdown reception was a career highlight, and his 72-yard punt return that narrowly missed a touchdown further showcased his explosive playmaking ability. Quarterback Jordan Travis had a commendable game, completing 23 of 37 passes for 284 yards and a touchdown. He also added two rushing touchdowns to his tally. Notably, FSU's offense posted an impressive 535 yards, with a balanced attack of 344 passing yards and 191 rushing yards.

Defensive Dominance

Florida State's defense was equally impressive, holding Syracuse to a mere three points. The Seminoles' defense allowed only 261 yards, with Syracuse managing 137 yards through the air and 124 on the ground. The defensive unit also showcased their ability to create turnovers, with FSU defensive back Greedy Vance intercepting Syracuse's reserve quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson. Additionally, the defense recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss.

Key Moments

The Seminoles set the tone early, scoring on their opening drive with an 80-yard march capped by a 2-yard rush by Travis. They further extended their lead with a 48-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. Syracuse's only score came from a 37-yard field goal by Brady Denaburg. However, FSU responded swiftly with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Travis to Coleman. By halftime, the Seminoles had established a commanding 17-3 lead.

The second half saw FSU continue their dominance. Travis added another touchdown with a 2-yard run. The highlight of the third quarter was Coleman's 72-yard punt return, setting up a 29-yard field goal by Fitzgerald. The game was sealed with a 50-yard run by running back Lawrance Toafili and a 44-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker to wide receiver Hykeem Williams.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Florida State moves to a perfect 6-0 on the season and 4-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. They have now won 12 consecutive games, scoring 30 or more points in each of those matchups. The Seminoles will now prepare for a crucial home game against the No. 17 Duke Blue Devils.

In summary, the Seminoles' comprehensive victory over Syracuse further cements their status as one of the top teams this season. With a balanced attack on offense and a stifling defense, FSU looks poised for a deep run as the season progresses.

Keon Coleman: A Rising Star on the Field

Keon Coleman, the wide receiver for Florida State, has been capturing attention with his exceptional talent and ability to make game-changing plays. During Florida State's recent 41-3 victory over Syracuse, Coleman's prowess was on full display. Not one to shy away from the limelight, Coleman made a one-handed catch that left both fans and teammates in awe. Even Florida State's head coach, Mike Norvell, couldn't help but express his admiration, stating, “I say ‘wow’,” and then quickly moving on to the next play.

Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Coleman utilized every inch of his wingspan to make that remarkable catch in the opening quarter. His agility and skill were evident as he adjusted mid-air to the throw, managing to secure a 27-yard gain with just his right hand. But this wasn't a one-off. Coleman has consistently showcased his "special" talent throughout the season. From scoring a hat-trick of touchdowns against LSU to making a game-winning catch against Clemson, Coleman has proven time and again why he's considered one of the best in the game.

Against Syracuse, Coleman's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He secured a 58-yard touchdown from a deep pass by Jordan Travis and made a 75-yard punt return, dodging multiple tacklers with ease. By the end of the game, Coleman had accumulated 140 yards and a touchdown from 9 catches and added another 107 yards from punt returns. This impressive tally came even in the absence of his fellow receiver, Johnny Wilson.

Syracuse's coach, Dino Babers, summed up the sentiments of many when he said, “God was showing off when he made him.” Coleman's performance against Syracuse was not just limited to receiving. He also showcased his versatility by excelling in punt returns, a role he had not undertaken during his time at Michigan State. His natural ability to attack the ball in the air has made him one of the most impactful returners in the country.

As the season progresses, Coleman's star continues to rise. Halfway through what might be his only regular season at FSU, he has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His commitment, effort, and selflessness on the field are evident, and he's quickly becoming a fan favorite. With players like Coleman leading the charge, the future looks bright for Florida State.

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FSU Eyes Four-Star Miami Commit Artavius Jones

Florida State's recruiting efforts are in full swing as they aim to strengthen their already impressive No. 6-ranked recruiting class. One of the top prospects on their radar is four-star defensive tackle Artavius Jones, currently committed to the Miami Hurricanes. Despite his commitment to Miami, FSU's pursuit of Jones remains relentless, and their efforts were evident during his recent visit to Doak Campbell Stadium.

Jones was among the recruits present to witness the Seminoles' commanding 41-3 victory over Syracuse. Reflecting on his visit, Jones remarked, “It was really nice. It’s why I continue to keep coming back. And there’s always a good feeling when I’m here around the coaches.” The dominant performance by the Florida State defense, which held Syracuse to a mere field goal, certainly made an impression. “They held them to three points. That’s a fantastic job from that side,” Jones observed, praising the team's consistent high-level play.

Ranked as the No. 21 defensive tackle nationally and the No. 24 prospect in Florida by the On3 Industry Ranking, Jones is undeniably a coveted asset for any college football program. During his visit, the message from FSU’s coaching staff was clear and resonated with Jones. “The coaches were talking about me coming here and how they are always happy and welcome here anytime, and to keep grinding, keep showing up to work,” he shared. Jones expressed his admiration for the program, noting, “I really enjoy it here. I love it. They have already hit all the key points. Just continue to win and showing the development is there.”

Jones' connection with FSU seems to be deepening, as he revealed plans for another visit. “I’m actually coming back for the Duke game next weekend,” he confirmed. While the details of his official visit remain to be finalized, Jones emphasized his intention to return to Florida State multiple times this fall. A significant factor in his growing affinity for FSU is Coach Odell Haggins. Jones spoke highly of Haggins, stating, “With FSU, Coach Odell, he’s a fantastic coach and has guys leaving for the NFL every year. So I really like him a lot, a lot. How the development is with Odell stands out.”

As the Seminoles continue their recruiting endeavors, the potential addition of a talent like Artavius Jones could be a game-changer. With multiple visits lined up, it's evident that FSU is making a strong impression on the young defensive standout.

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Mike Norvell's Post-Game Press Conference Highlights

Following Florida State's dominant 41-3 victory over Syracuse, head coach Mike Norvell shared his thoughts on the game:

Opening Statement: Norvell expressed immense pride in his team's performance, especially the defense, which he described as having delivered a great performance. He highlighted the team's ability to contain Syracuse's run game and lauded the special teams, particularly Keon Coleman's punt returns. Offensively, he acknowledged some inefficiencies but emphasized the importance of not turning over the ball.

On Keon Coleman's Performance: Norvell praised Coleman's preparation and his ability to capitalize on opportunities. He mentioned that Coleman's work ethic in practice is evident and that he played at an extremely high level during the game.

Team's Focus at 6-0: Norvell emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. He stated that while he's proud of the team's 6-0 record, it's essential to learn from mistakes and not repeat them. The focus is on the team's growth and not just the record.

Jordan Travis' Frustration: Norvell described Travis as the ultimate competitor who expects perfection from himself. He highlighted Travis's leadership qualities and the positive impact of his energy on the team.

Handling Syracuse's Offense: The coach was pleased with how the defense handled the different looks thrown at them by Syracuse. He mentioned that there's been a significant emphasis on communication and trusting their instincts.

On the '93 Team's Presence: Norvell expressed gratitude for the 1993 team, FSU's first national championship team. He emphasized the responsibility of representing such legends and the importance of understanding the relationships and camaraderie that made them special.

Keon Coleman as a Punt Returner: Norvell described Coleman as a play-maker and highlighted his growing confidence as a punt returner. He mentioned that Coleman's ability to make impactful plays has been a significant asset for the team.

On Defense's Next-Play Mentality: Norvell praised the defense's ability to move on to the next play, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's technique and fundamentals.

In summary, Coach Mike Norvell was highly positive about his team's performance against Syracuse, especially highlighting the contributions of Keon Coleman and the defense's resilience. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and the responsibility of representing FSU's legacy.

Thank you for joining us in this edition of The Chief Brief. As the season progresses, the Seminoles continue to showcase their prowess, determination, and commitment to excellence.

Stay tuned on our new Instagram for more updates, insights, and highlights as we follow FSU's journey through what promises to be an exhilarating season. Go 'Noles!