🏹 October 16th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

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Welcome to the latest edition of The Chief Brief, brought to you with the generous support of our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. In today's edition, we delve into the upcoming primetime showdown between FSU and Duke, celebrate the Seminoles' continued strength in the rankings, and highlight the impressions made on top recruits during the recent Syracuse victory. Dive in to get the full scoop!

FSU vs. Duke: A Primetime Showdown with High Stakes

The Florida State Seminoles are gearing up for another thrilling encounter, this time against the Duke Blue Devils. The game, set to unfold at the iconic Doak Campbell Stadium, is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, with a kickoff time of 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the action live on ABC.

Currently ranked No. 4, the Seminoles are on a roll with a 6-0 record this season, including a 4-0 standing against Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponents. Their recent 41-3 drubbing of Syracuse further solidified their position as one of the top contenders this year. On the other hand, the No. 16 Duke Blue Devils, boasting a 5-1 record, are hot on their heels. Their recent 24-3 triumph over NC State is a testament to their formidable form.

Historically, the Seminoles have dominated this matchup, leading the all-time series 19-0. The last time these two teams clashed was in December 2020, where FSU emerged victorious with a 56-35 score. Over the years, the average scoreline has been a staggering 52-14 in favor of FSU.

However, the Blue Devils' recent performances suggest they are not to be underestimated. A significant talking point has been the availability of Duke's quarterback, Riley Leonard, who suffered an injury three weeks ago against Notre Dame. His participation remains uncertain, adding an element of suspense to the upcoming game.

Betting Odds and Insights

The Seminoles, given their recent form and historical dominance over Duke, have been installed as 15.5-point favorites for the upcoming clash. This spread indicates the confidence of oddsmakers in FSU's ability to secure another win. However, as any seasoned sports enthusiast knows, games are not won on paper. The Blue Devils have shown resilience this season and will be eager to defy the odds and register their first-ever win against the Seminoles.

Read more about the FSU vs. Duke game here

Get the latest betting insights on the matchup here

FSU Holds Strong in Latest Rankings

The Florida State Seminoles continue to make their mark in college football, securing their position among the elite. In the latest rankings, the Seminoles have firmly held onto their No. 4 spot in both the USA Today Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25.

This ranking comes on the back of an impressive 6-0 start to the season, with the Seminoles showcasing their prowess on both sides of the ball. They find themselves behind college football powerhouses Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State. The competition at the top is intense, with FSU trailing Ohio State by a mere 5 points in the AP rankings. Additionally, the Seminoles have established a cushion of 33 points over the No. 5 team, the Washington Huskies.

FSU's consistent performances and their ability to deliver under pressure have solidified their reputation as one of the top contenders this year. As the season progresses, the team's focus will undoubtedly be on climbing even higher in the rankings and making a statement on the national stage.

From Concern to Command: FSU's Defensive Evolution

In recent games, the Florida State Seminoles' defense has showcased a level of dominance that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. This transformation can be traced back to the halftime of their matchup against Clemson. At that point, the Seminoles had conceded 17 points in just the first half, raising concerns given the 400 total yards they had previously allowed to Boston College's Thomas Castellanos.

However, since that pivotal halftime, the Seminoles' defense has been nothing short of spectacular. They held Virginia Tech to a mere 10 points (excluding VT’s kickoff return) and then delivered a commanding 41-3 victory over Syracuse. While neither Virginia Tech nor Syracuse are considered offensive juggernauts, limiting opponents to just one touchdown over two games is an impressive feat in modern college football.

The Seminoles' defense was particularly dominant against Syracuse, restricting them to only 261 total yards. Their passing game was limited to an average of 4.4 yards per attempt, while their rushing attack managed just 3.4 yards per carry. Safety Shyheim Brown credited the team's success to exceptional on-field communication, asserting that when the team is in sync, they're virtually unbeatable.

Furthermore, the defense effectively neutralized Syracuse's quarterback, Garrett Shrader, known for his running capabilities. Joshua Farmer, who managed to sack Shrader, leading to a fumble, confidently stated that Shrader was "not special" and emphasized the defense's collective determination.

Reflecting on their recent performances, Farmer expressed optimism about the defense's trajectory, stating, "I know we’re going to get better. We’re going to get a lot better as the season goes." With such a resolute defense, the future looks promising for the Seminoles.

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Seminoles Impress Top Recruits During Syracuse Victory

Florida State's dominant performance against Syracuse not only made a statement on the field but also left a lasting impression on some of the nation's top recruits who were in attendance.

Artavius Jones: A Miami Commit with FSU on His Radar

In yesterday’s edition of The Chief Brief, we highlighted the surprise visit of Artavius Jones, a four-star defensive tackle currently committed to the Miami Hurricanes. Despite his commitment to Miami, Jones's admiration for FSU was evident. “It was really nice. It’s why I continue to keep coming back," he stated.

The Seminoles' defensive prowess, which limited Syracuse to just three points, certainly caught Jones's attention. “They held them to three points. That’s a fantastic job from that side,” he observed. Jones also expressed his growing connection with FSU, particularly with Coach Odell Haggins, praising his track record of sending players to the NFL. With plans to return for the Duke game and multiple visits this fall, Jones's recruitment journey with FSU is one to watch closely.

Alvin Henderson: A Rising Star from Alabama Alvin Henderson, a four-star running back from Elba, Alabama, and one of FSU's top targets for the 2025 class, returned to Tallahassee for the Syracuse game.

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound prospect, ranked as the 88th-best player in the country, was impressed with his visit. "It was pretty good. I was glad I got to come back down here," Henderson remarked. He emphasized his strong bond with the Seminoles, noting, "They still sit high because they were recruiting me early on, and they always kept it real with me."

Although Auburn is considered to hold the lead here, Henderson is expected to return to FSU for the Miami game, and currently, he has no other visits planned.

Jared Curtis: A Promising Quarterback from Tennessee Jared Curtis, a five-star quarterback from Nashville Christian School, also graced the Doak Campbell Stadium with his presence.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound signal-caller from the 2026 class was full of praise for the Seminoles. "The atmosphere is amazing," Curtis said, reflecting on FSU's 41-3 victory. He was particularly attentive to the Seminoles' offensive strategies and was impressed by quarterback Jordan Travis's performance.

Curtis, who has been in regular contact with FSU quarterbacks coach Tony Tokarz, also had a chance to interact with head coach Mike Norvell. "He told me that I'm on top of the board.

We just want to keep building a relationship," Curtis shared. With over two dozen early offers, Curtis acknowledges FSU's significant impact on his recruitment journey.

Thank you for joining us in this edition of The Chief Brief. Your dedication and support for the Seminoles are what drive us to bring you the latest and most comprehensive updates. Don't forget to check out our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley, for some delightful treats. Until next time, keep the Seminole spirit alive and roaring! Go Noles!