🏹 October 19th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

Happy Thursday Chief Briefers 🍢

Seminole Nation, as the autumn leaves fall, the action is heating up across the board!

From a soccer showdown that promises to be a goal bonanza to our swimmers making a splash against top-tier competition, there's no shortage of excitement.

And let's not forget the football field, where our very own Jordan Travis is not just breaking records but also making a difference off the field.

But wait, there's a twist in the tale with Duke's QB situation.

Plus, ever wondered about the story behind Keon Coleman's watch bands?

We've got the scoop! Dive in, and let's get briefed!

Special shoutout to our sponsor, The Gnarley Barley. Their support keeps us going, and their brews keep us refreshed!

No. 1 FSU Soccer vs. No. 18 Pitt: Clash of the Titans

Hold onto your cleats, Seminole fans! The top-ranked FSU soccer team is set to host the formidable No. 18 Pitt Panthers this Thursday evening at our very own Seminole Soccer Complex. With FSU boasting an impressive 11-0-1 record and Pitt not far behind at 12-2-1, this match promises fireworks!

But there's more than just a game on the line. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our team will be donning pink jerseys for the annual Paint It Pink match. And here's the kicker: each jersey will be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting the Tallahassee Memorial Health Care Walker Breast Center. Want to snag one? Bid away here. And if you're looking to sport some pink yourself, grab a Paint It Pink shirt here.

Now, let's talk stats. The ACC's top five goal scorers? They're all going to be on the field come Thursday, representing either FSU or Pitt. With FSU and Pitt being the top two scoring teams in the conference, expect a goal fest. And while our offense has been lighting up the scoreboard, our defense, led by the stellar Cristina Roque in goal, has been a fortress, allowing just one goal in the last four matches.

Did we mention that for the 43rd week, FSU soccer is ranked No. 1? And here's a fun fact: FSU has never lost at home when they're ranked No. 1, boasting a perfect 28-0-0 record. Talk about home-field advantage!

So, gear up, Seminole Nation! Let's keep that No. 1 streak alive and show Pitt what FSU soccer is all about! 🍢⚽🔥

Noles Dive into Dual Action: Georgia Tech Showdown and 'Paint it Pink' Homecoming

Our No. 24-ranked swimming and diving teams are in action this week. First, they're plunging into the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, squaring off against the No. 23-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This ACC clash promises to be a splash, featuring 16 events, from sprints to relays. And guess what? It's a top 25 matchup!

But that's not all. The team will then race back to Tallahassee to host the annual 'Paint it Pink' meet at the Morcom Aquatics Center. This Friday spectacle will see our women's team face off against Florida Southern, West Florida, and North Florida, while our men’s team will challenge the Mocs. And here's a tidbit for the history buffs: our men’s team boasts a 40-3 all-time record against Georgia Tech, and our women shine with a 17-2 scorecard.

FSU head coach Neal Studd is pumped, especially about the Georgia Tech face-off. He's keen to see how our Noles fare against another top-tier team. And come Friday, he's got his eyes on our budding athletes, eager to see them steal the limelight.

The All-American man with the watch bands

Florida State's junior wide receiver, Keon Coleman, is not just making headlines on the field but off it too. This week, he showcased his playful side by revealing the reason behind his ever-changing Apple Watch band colors.

It turns out, Coleman has been sporting watch bands that match the colors of the teams the Seminoles face each week. This fun gesture started after some LSU fans commented on him wearing his Apple Watch during the season opener against the Tigers. Now, he's turned it into a weekly tradition, even sporting a blue band for the upcoming game against No. 16 Duke.

"A little bit of trolling, but not too much," Coleman cheekily remarked. And for those wondering, he's got his bands lined up for the rest of the season, including colors for Miami, Florida Gators, and even North Alabama.

But it's not just about the watch bands. Coleman's performance on the field has been nothing short of spectacular. This was solidified when he was named to the Associated Press midseason All-America Team as an all-purpose player on the second-team offense.

With 29 receptions, 418 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns this season, Coleman leads the Seminoles in all three categories. His standout performances include a career-high three touchdowns against LSU and a remarkable game against Syracuse where he had both 100 receiving yards and 100 punt return yards, a feat only matched by FSU legend Peter Warrick.

The Seminoles' star is not just about style; he's got the substance to back it up. Whether it's his watch bands or his outstanding plays, Coleman is undoubtedly one to watch (pun intended) as the season progresses. 🍢🏈🌟

Read More:

• Keon Coleman's AP Midseason All-America Team Recognition

• Keon Coleman's Watch Band Colors Story

Jordan Travis: More Than Just a Quarterback & Duke's QB Situation!

Nole Nation, our very own quarterback, Jordan Travis, is making headlines again, and this time it's not just for his on-field prowess. Jordan has been named one of the 20 semifinalists for the prestigious Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. This honor isn't just about athletic achievements; it's about leadership, both on and off the gridiron.

On the field, Jordan's stats speak for themselves. He's shattered FSU records, from touchdown responsibility to rushing yards by a quarterback. Remember that game-winning touchdown pass in overtime against Clemson? Yep, that was him breaking Chris Weinke's record. And with 18 straight games with at least one touchdown pass, he's echoing the feats of our 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, Jameis Winston.

But it's off the field where Jordan truly shines. He's a beacon in the Tallahassee community, dedicating his time and NIL efforts for the greater good. From school visits, football camps, to disaster relief efforts, Jordan's heart is as big as his arm.

Now, let's talk Duke. The No. 16 Blue Devils are gearing up for a showdown against our Seminoles. While they've had a strong season with a 5-1 record, there's a cloud of uncertainty over their starting quarterback, Riley Leonard. After missing the recent game against NC State due to an ankle injury, Duke's head coach, Mike Elko, has labeled Leonard as "day-to-day." Elko's recent comments suggest optimism about Leonard's chances of playing against FSU, but he's also emphasized the importance of not risking Leonard's long-term health.

With or without Leonard, the Seminoles remain favorites. However, Leonard's potential presence could pose a challenge for our defense. Regardless, the key will be how our offense matches up against Duke's defense and our ability to execute on the field.

With FSU boasting a 6-0 record this season and holding the No. 4 spot in the national rankings, it's clear that Jordan's leadership is a driving force behind our success. The winner of the Jason Witten Award will be announced on Feb. 15, 2024. Until then, let's rally behind Jordan and the Noles as they prepare to face the 16th-ranked Duke this Saturday. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m., and it's going to be a spectacle!

Wrapping Up the Chief Brief 🍢

From the soccer field to the swimming pool, our athletes continue to make us proud.

Jordan Travis's leadership on and off the field is a testament to the spirit of FSU, and Keon Coleman's playful watch band tradition adds a touch of fun to the fierce competition.

As we gear up for the upcoming clashes, remember that every game, every match, and every dive tells a story of dedication, passion, and the indomitable Seminole spirit.

Want to stay updated with behind-the-scenes action, player spotlights, and more?

Dive into our Instagram for exclusive content, stories, and a closer look at the heartbeat of FSU sports.

Until next time, keep the spirit alive, and Go Noles!