🏹 October 20th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

TGIF Seminole Nation!

In this edition of The Chief Brief, we're diving deep into the world of FSU sports.

Stay tuned for the much-anticipated basketball announcement concerning Alier Maluk, a recap of our swimming and diving team's face-off with the Yellow Jackets, the thrilling soccer showdown against No. 18 Pitt, and an in-depth preview of our prime-time football clash with Duke.

A special thanks to our dedicated sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. Their continuous support allows us to bring the Seminole spirit right to your screens. If you're gearing up for game day, make sure to swing by The Gnarly Barley for some pre-game delights.

Now, let's get into the heart of FSU sports and prep for an exhilarating weekend! 🍢🏈🎉

Volleyball Showdown: FSU Gears Up for a Big Weekend! 🏐

Seminole fans, get ready for a thrilling volleyball weekend as Florida State plays host to two formidable opponents: Boston College on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Syracuse on Sunday at Noon. The Seminoles, with a record of 13-7 and a 7-1 standing in the ACC, are currently tied for first place, joining the ranks of fifth-ranked Louisville and No. 8 Pitt.

This weekend isn't just about the matches. On Friday, FSU will honor the Seminole Tribe of Florida with its Seminole Heritage game, donning turquoise warm-ups and educating fans about The Tribe throughout the match. Sunday's game against Syracuse is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness with the Paint it Pink match presented by TMH.

The Seminoles are coming in hot, boasting a .460 hitting percentage from their recent match against Clemson. Middle blockers Khori Louis and Kiari Robey are making waves nationally, ranking in the Top 15 in hitting percentage. As a team, FSU leads the nation with a .321 hitting percentage and tops the ACC charts in several categories.

Audrey Koenig, the junior outside hitter, is on track to be the first Seminole to average three or more kills per set since 2019. Historically, FSU has dominated both upcoming opponents, holding a 24-2 record over Boston College and a perfect 14-0 against Syracuse.

Get ready, Seminole Nation! This weekend promises intense action, tributes, and awareness, all on our home court. Don't miss out!

Noles Dive Deep: A Dual Meet Split at Georgia Tech 🏊‍♂️

The Florida State swimming and diving teams showcased their prowess in a dual meet against Georgia Tech. The 24th-ranked men's team narrowly edged out the No. 23 Yellow Jackets with a score of 151.5-148.5. However, the women's team faced a setback, falling 160-140.

Sophomore sensation Maddy Huggins was a standout for the women's team, clinching two wins and setting personal bests in the 100 breast (59.91) and 200 breast (2:08.94). These times were notably under the NCAA invited times for 2023. Huggins' performance in the 100 breast propelled her to fourth on FSU's all-time top 10 list, and she's now hot on the heels of school record holder Nina Kucheran in the 200 breast.

FSU head coach Neal Studd expressed his excitement about the team's performance, particularly praising the men's victory over a top 25 team ranked above them. He also highlighted Maddy Huggins' impressive NCAA times.

The men's team kicked off the meet with a victory in the 200 medley relay, and Yordan Yanchev showcased his skills with a win in the 200 free. Peter Varjasi and Jokubas Keblys dominated the 50 free, with Varjasi clinching first place.

On the diving front, Jesco Helling, David Vargas, and Jack Bessire showcased their skills, securing top positions in both 1-meter and 3-meter diving events.

The Seminoles are gearing up for their next challenge as they return to the Morcom Aquatics Center to face Florida Southern, UWF, and UNF in the annual 'Paint it Pink' contest this Friday at 2 p.m.

FSU Basketball on the Edge: Alier Maluk's Decision Day 🏀

The Seminole Nation is buzzing with anticipation as four-star 2025 forward Alier Maluk gears up to make his college decision. Hailing from Glen Head (N.Y.) Long Island Lutheran, Maluk has set the stage for a Friday reveal, October 20th, at 7:10 p.m. Fans eager to catch the announcement in real-time can tune into his Instagram live stream here.

The talented forward's recent official visit to FSU on October 6th left a lasting impression. Following the visit, Maluk trimmed down his choices to a top five, which includes Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon, and Pitt.

When reflecting on the Seminoles, Maluk highlighted Coach Hamilton's prowess in developing athletic players, particularly those in positions similar to his own. "They’ve had success with guys playing the same position that I play and have gotten them to the NBA,” he remarked.

Currently, Maluk stands tall in the rankings. 247Sports.com places him as the No. 51 overall prospect and the No. 7 center for the 2025 class. The Composite Recruiting Rankings elevate him even further, positioning him at No. 41 overall and No. 5 in his position.

As the clock ticks down to Maluk's decision, the Seminoles are keen to add a star to their 2025 class roster, which currently awaits its first commitment.

No. 1 FSU Soccer Triumphs Over No. 18 Pitt in Thrilling Encounter ⚽️

In a nail-biting showdown at the Seminole Soccer Complex, No. 1 Florida State emerged victorious against No. 18 Pitt with a 3-2 win. This victory extends the Seminoles' impressive streak, pushing their record to 12-0-1 this season and maintaining their dominance in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 7-0-1 standing.

The match began with Pitt taking the lead in the 45th minute, thanks to Katie Zailski's header that slipped past FSU's goalkeeper, Cristina Roque. The first half saw Pitt with a shot advantage of 8-3.

However, the Seminoles roared back in the second half. The equalizer came in the 64th minute when Lauren Flynn found the net off a corner kick from Taylor Huff. The momentum continued as Jordynn Dudley showcased her skills, putting FSU in the lead in the 73rd minute with an assist from Beata Olsson. The Seminoles further solidified their lead with Onyi Echegini's goal in the 76th minute.

Pitt managed to narrow the gap with a penalty kick in the 82nd minute, but it wasn't enough to topple the top-ranked Seminoles. The match stats revealed Pitt's 16 shots (two on goal) against FSU's 10 shots (four on goal).

The Seminoles continue to uphold their impeccable record when ranked No. 1, boasting an all-time 47-9-5. Remarkably, since the onset of the 2021 season, FSU has been undefeated at home when holding the No. 1 spot, with a flawless 29-0-0 record.

Looking ahead, FSU is set to face Duke on the road this Sunday at 1 p.m. (ACCNX) before returning to their home turf for the regular season finale against NC State on Thursday at 7 p.m. (ACCNX).

Seminole fans, gear up for more action-packed matches as the season winds down 🍢⚽️🔥

Previewing the Seminoles' Showdown with Duke: A Battle of Titans 🏈

As the Seminoles gear up for their Saturday night clash against the Duke Blue Devils, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. This isn't just any game; it's a meeting of two powerhouses, each with their own strengths and narratives.

Confidence in the Seminole Camp

Keon Coleman, Florida State's star wide receiver, has been nothing short of sensational this season. After transferring from Michigan State, Coleman has been a revelation for the Seminoles, racking up impressive stats and producing viral moments on the field. His confidence is sky-high, as he recently declared the Seminoles as "unstoppable." With FSU boasting a pristine 6-0 record, Coleman's words carry weight. He's not just talking the talk; he's walking the walk. His performances, combined with the leadership of quarterback Jordan Travis, have made FSU's offense a force to be reckoned with.

Duke's Defensive Dominance

However, the Blue Devils are no pushovers. Their defense has been a fortress, allowing less than 10 points per game. Historically, Duke has never managed to defeat Florida State, but history is just that – in the past. This Duke team, ranked 16th, is looking to rewrite the narrative. Their defense, led by Head Coach Mike Elko, has been the talk of the town, and they'll be looking to put a stop to FSU's offensive juggernaut.

The Seminole Challenge

Florida State's offense will face its sternest test yet. Duke's defense has been exceptional, but they haven't faced an offense as potent as FSU's. The Seminoles rank 7th in the nation, averaging a whopping 42.2 points per game. The challenge for FSU will be to break down this Duke defense, which has been almost impenetrable. The likes of Coleman and Johnny Wilson will be pivotal in this endeavor.

Key Matchups & Questions

One of the burning questions leading up to the game is the availability of Duke's star QB, Riley Leonard. After suffering a high ankle sprain, his participation is in doubt. If Leonard is unavailable, it could be a significant blow for Duke. However, FSU's defense will be prepared for any eventuality.

Another key area to watch will be the battle in the trenches. FSU's offensive line has faced challenges with injuries, but players like Casey Roddick and Jeremiah Byers have stepped up. They'll be up against a formidable Duke defensive line, and this matchup could very well decide the outcome of the game.

Final Thoughts

This game promises to be a classic. A top 10 offense against a top 10 defense. Prime time. Doak Campbell Stadium. The stakes are high, and both teams will be desperate for a win. As Coach Norvell aptly put it, "These are the games you love being a part of."

Seminoles, are you ready? 🍢🏈🔥

A Flashback to Fuel Tomorrow's Fire! 🔥🏈

As we gear up to face Duke tomorrow, let's rewind to a moment when Duke tried to double-team Kelvin Benjamin. Spoiler: It didn't work. Get pumped, Seminole Nation, and watch this epic catch.

As we gear up for the weekend's action, make sure you're not missing out on any behind-the-scenes moments and exclusive updates. Follow us on Instagram for all things Seminoles. Let's keep the momentum going and show our unwavering support. Go Noles! 🍢🔥🏈