🏹 October 26th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Hey there, Seminole Nation! 🎃

As the Halloween spirit engulfs the campus, our athletes are conjuring up their own magic on the field. From the soccer pitch to the basketball court, there's a tale of triumph waiting to be told. And, of course, a few spooky surprises along the way!

But before we dive into the cauldron of FSU sports updates, let's give a monstrous shoutout to our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. Their brews are the perfect potion to keep you spirited through every game. So, grab a goblet, and let's get started!

🏆 Soccer's Spooktacular Streak:
The No.1 Florida State women's soccer team is not just chasing balls; they're chasing history. With Senior Night looming, the stakes are as high as a witch's broomstick. Will they cast a spell over NC State and clinch the ACC Regular Season Championship? Only time will tell.

🏈 Norvell's Nightmare on Michigan Street:
The Michigan sign-stealing scandal is the talk of the tombstone. And when our very own Coach Mike Norvell was summoned to speak on it, he didn't hold back. Dive into the cryptic details of his press conference and unearth his stance on the controversy.

🏀 Basketball's Bewitching Beginnings:
ACC Media Day was a cauldron of excitement, and our Seminoles were at the heart of it. With Coach Leonard Hamilton's enchanting humor and the team's spirited outlook, this season promises to be spellbinding.

🏀 Forrest's Fantastical Flight:
From Seminole legend to NBA journeyman, Trent Forrest is on a quest that's nothing short of magical. Join us as we broomstick-hop through his journey and see what the future holds.

🏈 College Football's Cursed Contests:
This season has been a rollercoaster ride through a haunted house. Relive the top 10 most-watched games and see where the Seminoles stand amidst the phantoms and phenoms of college football.

🏈 Rodemaker's Eerie Excellence:
Backup QB Tate Rodemaker might just be FSU's secret potion master. With stats that'll make your skeleton shake, he's proving that every player, no matter the spotlight, brings a touch of magic to the field.

So, light up your jack-o'-lanterns and get ready for a thrilling journey through the world of FSU sports. And remember, whether you're at the stadium or sipping a brew from The Gnarly Barley, keep that Seminole spirit alive and howling!

Until the next full moon, keep the cheers loud and the spirits high! Go 'Noles! 🏹👻

🏆 Seminoles on the Verge of History

The No.1 Florida State women's soccer team is one step away from an undefeated regular season. As they face off against NC State on Senior Night, they're not just playing for pride; they're playing for the outright ACC Regular Season Championship.

• Last Match Recap: A dominant 4-0 win over Duke, with Onyi Echegini shining with her second brace in three games.

• Senior Night Spotlight: Nine seniors, including the likes of Jody Brown and Onyi Echegini, will be honored. Their journey boasts an 83-10-2 record and a National Championship in 2021.

• Stakes are High: A win or tie against NC State will seal the ACC Regular Season Championship for the Seminoles. They're also chasing an unbeaten regular season and home record.

• Players to Watch: Onyi Echegini, with her recent goal spree, and freshman sensation Jordynn Dudley, who's already netted nine times this season.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on ACCNX, but the celebrations start earlier with the senior night ceremony at 6:45 p.m.

Norvell's Stance on the Michigan Controversy

The Michigan sign-stealing scandal continues to unravel, with new revelations emerging daily. The core of the controversy revolves around a staff member who allegedly purchased tickets to various stadiums with the sole intention of videotaping sidelines to decode team signals.

The NCAA has clear rules against off-campus scouting, and when Florida State's head coach, Mike Norvell, was questioned about the situation, he was unequivocal in his condemnation.

Key Highlights from Norvell's Press Conference:

• Unethical Practices: Norvell expressed his disdain for the alleged actions, stating, “Accusations of people going and watching games, well, that’s just an unethical thing. It’s against all parts of the rules of what’s stated. I can’t defend if somebody chooses to go and watch our games. I mean that’s, you can’t defend it.”

• Sign-Stealing Within Games: Norvell acknowledged that sign-stealing during games has been a long-standing practice, especially with the advent of no-huddle offenses. He emphasized that if a team's signals are easily decipherable within the span of a game, the onus is on them. He added, “It’s our job … we have a very elaborate way of how we communicate.”

• Against NFL-Style Communication: Norvell voiced his concerns about adopting NFL-style communication, where quarterbacks receive play calls via a speaker in their helmets. He believes this would complicate the no-huddle approach prevalent in college football. Moreover, he stressed the importance of players being independent on the field, without coaches guiding their every move.

• Embracing Technology with Caution: While Norvell recognizes the benefits of technology, he hopes that its integration doesn't diminish the essence of the game. He said, “I just want to make sure if that’s where we go that there’s enough restrictions where coaching, application, growth within people, we’re not playing video games with kids that are out there.”

As the Michigan scandal unfolds, it's evident that the college football community is grappling with the ethical boundaries of competition. Norvell's comments highlight the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game while also embracing the advancements that come with it.

To catch all of Coach Norvell’s Interview check out the video:

Florida State Basketball Shines at ACC Media Day

In the bustling atmosphere of Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, ACC Media Day was in full swing. Florida State's presence was palpably felt with the trio of Coach Leonard Hamilton, Darin Green Jr, and Baba Miller. As always, Coach Hamilton, known for his light-hearted nature, added a touch of humor to the proceedings.

Historically, Florida State has been a team that rotates a deep bench, playing 10-12 guys. However, recent injuries and suspensions have disrupted this strategy. Coach Hamilton shed light on the challenges faced last season, particularly highlighting the strain on Darin Green Jr, who had to play extensive minutes.

The coach emphasized the importance of keeping players fresh for the team's signature fast-paced style. Green Jr shared this sentiment, expressing his optimism about the team's depth this season and confidently stating that they're returning to the traditional Florida State basketball style.

Sophomore Baba Miller is on a journey of resilience. After a freshman year marked by a series of challenges, including suspensions and health setbacks, Miller is poised for a comeback.

Coach Hamilton empathized with Miller's journey, while Miller himself spoke about the mental and physical reset he underwent in the offseason. A significant confidence booster for him was representing Spain in the FIBA U19 Tournament.

Looking ahead, there's a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the Seminoles. Darin Green Jr is particularly bullish about the team's prospects, emphasizing their return to signature length and athleticism.

He also had words of praise for the new transfers, lauding their adaptability and unique contributions. Coach Hamilton, ever the motivator, feels the Seminoles are being prematurely written off after one challenging season. With a twinkle in his eye, he confidently stated, "They'll see."

When asked about his personal sentiments, Coach Hamilton's response was as spirited as ever: "I feel like new money." It's clear he's raring to go, eager to prove that last year was just an anomaly.

With a harmonious blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers, Florida State Basketball is setting the stage for a significant comeback this season.

🏀 Trent Forrest: From Seminole Legend to NBA Journeyman

Trent Forrest, the most victorious player in Florida State basketball history, is embarking on a new chapter with the Atlanta Hawks. Having recently signed a two-way contract, Forrest is set to showcase his skills in both the NBA and the G League.

A Glimpse into Forrest's Journey:

• New Beginnings: Forrest's two-way contract allows him to split his time between the NBA and the G League, offering him a unique platform to hone his skills. "It's an opportunity to play and get games under my belt," Forrest remarked.

• Seminoles' Pride: Forrest's legacy at Florida State is unparalleled. As the starting point guard, he led the team to three NCAA Tournaments, clinched the 2020 ACC Championship, and accumulated 104 overall wins. His accolades include All-ACC Second Team, ACC All-Defensive Team, and the 2020 ACC Men's Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year.

• Academic Excellence: Beyond the court, Forrest's commitment to academics is commendable. He graduated in just 3.5 years and was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-American Third Team and the All-ACC Academic Team.

• NBA vs. G League: While acknowledging the talent disparity between the two leagues, Forrest emphasizes the essence of the game. "It's still basketball," he says. The G League offers a space for improvement, while the NBA presents an arena to display those refined skills.

• Cherished Memories: Reflecting on his time as a Seminole, Forrest recalls the Elite Eight run and his senior season, particularly the game against Louisville, as some of his most treasured moments.

Forrest's journey, marked by dedication and perseverance, serves as an inspiration to many. As he continues to make strides in the NBA, the Seminole community watches with pride and anticipation.

🏈 College Football's Most-Watched Top 10 Games of 2023

The 2023 college football season has been nothing short of exhilarating. With rivalry matchups and unexpected upsets, fans have been glued to their screens. Here's a rundown of the top 10 most-watched games this season:

10. COLORADO AT TCU (FOX): 7.26M Deion Sanders' Colorado made a statement with a 45-42 victory over TCU. Sanders' son, Shedeur, showcased his prowess, throwing for 510 yards and four touchdowns.

9. TEXAS AT ALABAMA (ESPN): 7.26M Texas stunned Alabama with a 34-24 upset, ending the Crimson Tide's 21-game home winning streak.

8. OKLAHOMA VS TEXAS (ABC): 7.9M Oklahoma's 34-30 win over Texas solidified their position as a top contender, with a last-minute touchdown sealing the deal.

7. TENNESSEE AT ALABAMA (CBS): 8M Alabama made a comeback against Tennessee, scoring 27 unanswered points in the second half for a 34-20 win.

6. NEBRASKA AT COLORADO (FOX): 8.7M Colorado, under the guidance of Deion Sanders, defeated Nebraska 36-14, with Shedeur Sanders once again shining with 393 passing yards.

5. FLORIDA STATE VS LSU (ABC): 9.2M Florida State showcased their potential with a 45-24 win over LSU, hinting at their playoff contention.

4. COLORADO STATE AT COLORADO (ESPN): 9.3M In a heated matchup, Colorado narrowly defeated Colorado State 43-35 in double overtime.

3. PENN STATE AT OHIO STATE (FOX): 9.96M Ohio State's defense was the star in their 20-12 win over Penn State, marking another top-10 victory for the Buckeyes.

2. OHIO STATE AT NOTRE DAME (NBC): 9.98M Ohio State clinched a nail-biting 17-14 victory over Notre Dame, thanks to a last-second touchdown.

1. COLORADO AT OREGON (ABC): 10.03M Oregon dominated Colorado with a 42-6 win, but the game was most notable for the verbal sparring between the coaches.

There was definitely a lot of anticipation for our week 1 showdown. Now that the Noles are predicted to be the most likely to go undefeated, it will be interesting to see how many fans tune in to see our journey. As we head into Week 9, the anticipation only grows!

🏈 FSU's Secret Weapon: Tate Rodemaker's Wildly Impressive (and Slightly Bizarre) Stat Line

Hold onto your helmets, FSU fans! Amidst a season of dazzling plays and jaw-dropping moments, there's one stat that's so wild, it might just make you spill your game-day nachos.

Enter Tate Rodemaker, FSU's backup quarterback. He might not be the guy on every poster, but boy, does he have a stat line that screams "Look at me!" With just six throws this season, Rodemaker has completed five, racking up 133 yards and bagging three touchdowns. This gives him a Passer Rating of 434.5, making him the top dog in the country (for those with at least 5 attempts). And if that wasn't spicy enough, here's the kicker: while his touchdowns and 22.2 yards per attempt would make any QB green with envy, his average Air Yards per Attempt is a mere 1.7. That's right, he's 283rd out of 285 qualified QBs. Talk about doing a lot with a little!

When FSU's comfortably leading and it's time for Rodemaker to step in, he's not just hurling Hail Marys. Nope, he's playing it cool, calm, and collected. And the real MVPs? FSU's deep bench of talent. Rodemaker's passes have found their way into the hands of stars like WR Hykeem Williams, TE Markeston Douglas, WR Destyn Hill, RB Caziah Holmes, and WR Vandrevius Jacobs. Late in the game, these players aren't just warming the bench; they're turning up the heat!

From screens to sprints, Williams, Douglas, and Jacobs have showcased their flair, with top-notch blocking and some serious moves after the catch.

In a nutshell, Rodemaker's stats aren't just a quirky tidbit for trivia night. They're a shining example of the depth, talent, and sheer fun FSU brings to the field. Let’s see how much play he gets against the Demon Deacons this Saturday. So, here's to every player, whether they're stealing the spotlight or making magic from the sidelines. Cheers!

🎃 Wrapping Up the Witching Hour 🎃

And just like that, as the ghostly mist settles and the moonlight wanes, we've reached the end of today's spectral sports saga. From the haunted halls of Michigan to the magical moves on our home turf, it's been a ride filled with thrills and chills.

But fear not, Seminole Nation! The spirits of victory are always with us, and as the days grow darker, our passion only burns brighter. So, as you prepare for a Halloween filled with tricks, treats, and touchdowns, remember to keep that Seminole spirit alive, both on and off the field.

A massive shoutout to The Gnarly Barley for sponsoring today's edition. Their brews are the perfect companion for every eerie evening and game-day gathering.

Until our paths cross again in the shadowy realm of FSU sports, stay safe, stay spooky, and always... Go 'Noles! 🍂👻🏹

P.S. Don't forget to carve out some time to follow us on Instagram! 🎃🖤