🏹 October 21st - The Chief Brief 🏹

Welcome to this weekend edition of The Chief Brief, where we bring you the latest and greatest from the world of Florida State sports. As the college football season heats up, all eyes are on the much-anticipated showdown between the Florida State Seminoles and the Duke Blue Devils. But that's not all we have in store for you!

• Dive into the world of volleyball as we celebrate the Seminoles' dominant sweep against Boston College and gear up for the "Paint It Pink" match against Syracuse.

• The Women's Basketball team is turning heads, securing impressive preseason rankings. Discover what's behind their rise and what to expect in the upcoming exhibition against Flagler College.

• Our swimming and diving teams made a splash at the 'Paint it Pink' contest. Relive the thrilling moments and look ahead to the challenges against LSU and Alabama.

• The recruiting world is abuzz as five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray prepares to announce his college commitment. Who will he choose?

• And in basketball, rejoice in the commitment of blue-chip prospect Alier Maluk, a significant boost for the Seminoles' men's basketball program.

So, whether you're here for the football face-off, the volleyball victories, or the basketball buzz, we've got something for every Seminoles fan. Let's dive in!

And also if you’re ever in the Orlando area, you’ve got to stop by The Gnarly Barley. The unofficially official best place to get your grub on, enjoy the finest beers, and cheer on your Noles.

Volleyball Moves to 8-1 in the ACC; Sweeps B.C. at Home

The Florida State Volleyball team continued their impressive run this season with a dominant 3-0 sweep against Boston College at Tully Gymnasium. The set scores were 25-17, 25-19, and 25-18. This victory was not just another win; it was a special performance during the "Seminole Heritage Game."

Audrey Koenig was the star of the show, delivering 16 kills and boasting a .378 hitting percentage. Khori Louis also made a significant impact, contributing seven kills. The match had its tense moments with several lead changes in the first two sets, but the Seminoles' resilience ensured they secured the win.

With this victory, FSU's ACC record has been bolstered to 8-1. The team is now gearing up for the "Paint It Pink" match against Syracuse this Sunday. Given their current form, it promises to be an exciting encounter.

Women’s Basketball Earns No. 17 Spot by Lindy's Sports Magazine

The Florida State Women's Basketball team continues to turn heads in the preseason, securing a No. 17 ranking from Lindy's Sports Magazine.

This follows their No. 15 selection by ESPN and No. 16 by The Athletic. Sophomore guard Ta'Niya Latson has been recognized for her outstanding performance, being chosen for the magazine's preseason All-America Third Team.

The Seminoles' strength is evident in their lineup, with the return of Latson after a stellar freshman year, All-ACC Team member Makayla Timpson, defensive ace Sara Bejedi, and the inclusion of high-scoring graduate transfer guard Alexis Tucker and top junior college player, forward Sakyia White. 

The team is gearing up for their first exhibition of the year against Flagler College on October 26th at the Tucker Center. Fans are encouraged to support the team by purchasing season tickets.

Noles Make a Splash with Four Wins on 'Paint it Pink' Day

In a spirited display at the annual 'Paint it Pink' contest at Morcom Aquatics Center, the No. 24/NR Florida State swimming and diving teams showcased their prowess by securing four wins.

The men's team, ranked 24th, dominated Florida Southern with a score of 168-58. On the other hand, the women's team, with a record of 1-1 in ACC, triumphed over West Florida, North Florida, and the Mocs with scores of 200-63, 203-54, and 209-47 respectively.

FSU head coach Neal Studd expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, especially praising the younger athletes for stepping up. The men's team set the tone early with a win in the 200 medley relay, and the momentum continued with victories in subsequent races.

The women's side also started strong with a win in the 200 medley relay, followed by top finishes in various events. In diving, Izzy Gregersen stood out by clinching victories on both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboards.

The Seminoles are gearing up for their next challenge as they prepare to face LSU and Alabama on November 4th at the Morcom Aquatics Center, an event that will also celebrate the Seminole Heritage.

LJ McCray: A Five-Star Decision Looms

The college football recruiting world is abuzz with anticipation as five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray prepares to announce his college commitment this afternoon. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound dynamo from Daytona (Fla.) Mainland has narrowed his choices down to Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and Miami. With the announcement set for this Saturday, speculation is rife, and the stakes are high.

The Journey So Far: McCray's recruitment journey has been closely watched by fans and analysts alike. He took his final official visit to Florida State just two weeks ago, having visited the other four contenders in June. Throughout the season, he's attended games at each of these schools, except for Georgia. Despite the intense scrutiny, McCray has remained tight-lipped about his leanings. "I have been going back and forth between two schools, but I think I know the one," he recently revealed to On3.

Insider Perspectives: Chad Simmons of On3 suggests that while multiple schools remain confident, Florida, Georgia, and Florida State seem to be the frontrunners. Michael Langston of Warchant.com echoes this sentiment, noting a shift in momentum towards FSU, especially after McCray's recent official visit. Corey Bender of GatorsOnline.com emphasizes the strong relationships McCray has built in Gainesville, while Rusty Mansell of DawgsHQ.com has picked up increasing chatter about Florida State's late surge.

What Sets Each School Apart:

• Auburn: McCray appreciates the community feel and has a good rapport with Coach Jeremy Garrett.

• Florida: Proximity plays a role, and McCray has visited the campus multiple times. He's impressed with Coach Billy Napier's vision and the rebuilding phase the team is undergoing.

• Florida State: Coach Mike Norvell's infectious energy and goal-driven approach resonate with McCray. The recent official visit seems to have made a significant impact.

• Georgia: The Bulldogs' undefeated streak and their track record of sending players to the NFL are undeniable attractions.

• Miami: The prospect of being mentored by Hall of Famer Coach Jason Taylor is a unique draw.

As the countdown to McCray's announcement begins, one thing is clear: whichever school secures his commitment will be gaining an exceptional talent, both on and off the field. Stay tuned to The Chief Brief for the latest updates on this developing story.

Read more about LJ McCray's recruitment journey here and here.

🏀 4-Star+ Alier Maluk Commits to the Seminoles

Leonard Hamilton and the Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball program received a significant boost with the commitment of 2025 blue-chip prospect, Alier Maluk. Hailing from Baldwin, Pennsylvania, and currently playing at Long Island Lutheran in Brookville, New York, Maluk stands at an impressive 6’9” and weighs 180 pounds.

Ranked as a high four-star recruit with a 98 rating from the 247Sports Composite List, Maluk is considered the 41st best player in his class. His commitment to FSU is notable, especially since the Seminoles were one of the later teams to extend an offer. Despite this, they managed to edge out teams like the Pittsburgh Panthers for his commitment.

A pivotal factor in Maluk's decision was his official visit to Tallahassee earlier this month, where he was hosted by freshman Taylor Bol Bowen. This visit left a lasting impression, with Maluk highlighting FSU's track record of developing players of his profile. "Coach Hamilton is a good coach and they have a history of developing long athletic guys. They’ve had success with guys playing the same position that I play and have gotten them to the NBA,” he remarked.

While Coach Hamilton played a significant role in his decision, Maluk was quick to emphasize the collective contribution of the entire coaching staff. "All of them played a huge role," he shared. With Maluk's commitment, the future looks bright for the Seminoles as they continue to attract top-tier talent to their roster.

Check out Maluk’s highlights:

Overall Analysis for today

First thing that’s going to happen today is an undefeated team is going to lose as Penn State plays Ohio State at noon. It’s the first of many incredible games today so buckle up and try to pace yourself because we turn the lights on at night in Doak.

The Florida State Seminoles are set to face the Duke Blue Devils in what is expected to be a crucial matchup. Both teams have been performing exceptionally well this season, making this game even more anticipated. The Seminoles are wrapping up a three-game homestand, and this contest will mark their second AP Top 25 matchup of the season. The unveiling of the College Football Playoff Rankings is also around the corner, adding to the game's significance.

Duke's performance has been commendable under the leadership of their second-year head coach, Mike Elko. A significant point of discussion is the health of Duke's starting quarterback, Riley Leonard, who suffered an ankle injury recently. His participation could be a game-changer. Both Florida State and Duke remain undefeated in conference play, with the Seminoles leading in scoring and the Blue Devils excelling in points allowed per game.

The game is expected to be a showcase a matchup of strength against strength. Duke's defense has been particularly strong this season, while FSU has displayed its offensive prowess in recent games. The atmosphere at Doak Campbell Stadium, especially with it being a sold-out night game, is anticipated to play a role in the game's outcome.

Staff Predictions:

• Chop Chat Staff:

  • Jason Parker: Seminoles 38, Blue Devils 17

  • Kelvin Hunt: Seminoles 31, Blue Devils 20

  • Dustin Lewis: Seminoles 31, Blue Devils 20

  • Logan Robinson: Seminoles 27, Blue Devils 24

  • Austin Veazey: Seminoles 27, Blue Devils 6

  • Dillon Riera: Seminoles 38, Blue Devils 24

  • Tommy Mire: Seminoles 31, Blue Devils 21

  • Kade Kimble: Seminoles 35, Blue Devils 24

  • Robert Malcom: Seminoles 24, Blue Devils 17

• Tomahawk Nation Staff:

  • Tim Alumbaugh: Seminoles 31, Blue Devils 17

  • David Stout: Seminoles 34, Blue Devils 20

  • Juan Montalvo: Seminoles 30, Blue Devils 20

  • Ethan Waters: Seminoles 27, Blue Devils 24

  • Dylan Kidd: Seminoles 35, Blue Devils 21

  • Perry Kostidakis: Seminoles 31, Blue Devils 21

• NoleGameday Staff:

  • Dustin Lewis: Seminoles 31, Blue Devils 20

  • Logan Robinson: Seminoles 27, Blue Devils 24

  • Austin Veazey: Seminoles 27, Blue Devils 6

  • Dillon Riera: Seminoles 38, Blue Devils 24

  • Tommy Mire: Seminoles 31, Blue Devils 21

  • Kade Kimble: Seminoles 35, Blue Devils 24

  • Robert Malcom: Seminoles 24, Blue Devils 17

Wrapping Up a Seminole-Packed Week

From the volleyball court's dominance to the basketball court's rising stars, and the anticipation of today's football face-off against the Blue Devils, it's been a whirlwind of excitement for the Seminoles' community. As we eagerly await LJ McCray's decision and cheer on our teams in their upcoming matches, we're reminded of the passion and dedication that defines Florida State sports.

Stay connected and relive these moments with us! For exclusive snapshots from the "Seminole Heritage Game", glimpses of our basketball stars in action, and behind-the-scenes content from today's football showdown, follow us on Instagram. Be a part of the journey as we celebrate every victory, big or small.

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Thank you for being a part of our Seminoles' family. Here's to more thrilling moments and shared celebrations. Go Noles!