🏹 October 28th - The Chief Brief 🏹

No Miami and no Wake Forest⁉️

Hello, Seminole enthusiasts!

Whether it's the beach volleyball showdown, the intense gridiron clashes, or the strategic moves in the recruiting realm, FSU is in the spotlight, and for all the right reasons!

🏐 Seminole Sands: Dive into the world of FSU Beach Volleyball as they make a mark at the AVCA Collegiate East Coast Qualifier.

🔥 Seminole Setback: Discover the highs and lows of FSU's volleyball face-off against No. 4 Louisville.

🏃‍♂️ ACC XC Championships: Relive the thrilling moments as FSU's cross country teams sprint their way to glory.

🏈 Strategic Playbook: Get the inside scoop on FSU's recruiting horizon and the rising stars that are set to don the Garnet and Gold.

🍢 Gridiron Clash: Gear up for the much-anticipated showdown between Wake Forest and Florida State, complete with expert insights and predictions.

Before we dive into this week's action-packed edition, a big shoutout to our proud sponsor, The Gnarley Barley. Whether you're celebrating a Seminole win or just craving some delicious bites, they've got the perfect spread waiting for you.

Ready to embark on a Seminole journey filled with spikes, sprints, and scores? Let's get started! 🍢🔥🏐

Seminole Sands: FSU's Beach Volleyball Showdown

At the AVCA Collegiate East Coast Qualifier in Tavares, Florida, FSU Beach Volleyball made their presence known. Morgan Chacon/Skyler Germann and Madelyne Anderson/Raelyn White stormed through pool play, clinching the top seeds in the Gold Bracket. While Chacon and Germann faced an early exit against a formidable FIU pair, Anderson and White battled their way to the Semifinals, ultimately securing a commendable third-place finish.

Key Highlights:

• Maddie Anderson (4-1) and Raelyn White (4-1): A dynamic duo with a near-perfect record.

• Morgan Chacon (4-1): Showcased resilience alongside Skyler Germann.

• Maddie Trusty (6-0): An undefeated force on the court.

The Seminoles are now gearing up to host Stetson on November 10 at the Seminole Beach Volleyball Courts. With sand in their toes and victory in their sights, the team is ready for the next challenge. 🏐🍢🌴

Seminole Setback: FSU Volleyball Falls to #4 Louisville

In a clash of ACC titans, Florida State's volleyball team faced a challenging defeat against No. 4 Louisville, marking only their second loss in the last 12 games. The Seminoles, with a season record of 15-8 and 9-2 in the ACC, battled fiercely but were overpowered in three sets: 25-20, 25-22, and 25-16.

Match Highlights:

• Audrey Koenig was the standout for FSU, delivering a game-high 29 attacks and leading the team with 11 kills.

• Khori Louis contributed with six kills.

• Kenna Phelan showcased her all-round skills, tying Koenig with 10 digs and leading the team with 15 assists.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. The first set saw both teams jostling for dominance, with key plays from Sydney Conley and Audrey Rothman keeping the Seminoles in contention. The second set was a nail-biter, with the Seminoles tying the score at 21-21, only for Louisville to clinch it with a 3-0 run. The final set began promisingly for FSU, but Louisville's momentum proved too much, culminating in a 16-25 set win.

Looking ahead, the Seminoles are set to face Notre Dame on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., with the match being broadcasted on ACC Network Extra. With a dominant history against Notre Dame, leading the series 13-4 and an impressive away record of 7-1, FSU is optimistic about bouncing back. The 'Noles are on a 2-match winning streak against Notre Dame and will be keen to extend it. 🏐🍢🔥

FSU Shines at ACC XC Championships: Mullarkey and Churchill Lead the Charge

In a thrilling display of athleticism and endurance, the Florida State cross country teams showcased their prowess at the ACC XC Championships, held at the Apalachee Regional Park.

Men's Highlights:

• David Mullarkey clinched bronze with an impressive time of 23:11.5, staying within the top three throughout the race and even leading at the 2.2 kilometers split.

• Abdirizak Ibrahim secured a commendable 16th place finish with a time of 23:40.1.

• The men's team, which had previously secured votes in the USTFCCCA poll, improved from last year's ninth-place finish, surpassing the 20th-ranked Wake Forest. They accumulated 117 points, securing fifth place, marking their return to the top five in the conference since 2021.

• FSU men's head coach, Bob Braman, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, praising their aggressive approach and highlighting the standout performances of Mullarkey, Ibrahim, Ahmed, Neill, and Schroeder.

Women's Highlights:

• Alyson Churchill was the star for the women's team, finishing sixth with a time of 19:49.5, setting a new personal best by ten seconds.

• Churchill's performance was lauded by FSU women's head coach, Cody Halsey, who described it as one of her best performances. He emphasized her growth from the previous year and acknowledged her as one of the NCAA's best runners.

• The women's team accumulated 275 points, finishing 11th in the championship.

Looking forward, the Seminoles are gearing up for the NCAA South Region Championships in Gainesville on Nov. 10, followed by the NCAA Cross Country Championships a week later. The teams are eager to build on their ACC performances and make a mark on the national stage. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🍢🔥

Seminoles' Strategic Playbook: The Rising Stars of FSU's Recruiting Horizon

In the bustling realm of college football, Florida State is making strategic moves that have everyone talking. Coach Mike Norvell, with his clear vision and relentless drive, is at the helm of these exciting developments.

First up, the buzz around town is all about Tarvos “TJ” Alford. This in-state linebacker prodigy, ranked as a top 50 player in the '25 class, has just unveiled his top 10 list, and guess who's on it? That's right, the Seminoles. With rivals like Miami, Florida, and UCF also in the mix, the stakes are high.

But the good news doesn't stop there. Ethan Pritchard, the 4-star linebacker from Seminole High School, ranked No. 29 in his class, has officially declared his commitment to FSU. This is a significant win, especially considering Pritchard's impressive transition from safety to linebacker and his notable performance last season.

Now, here's where things get intriguing. Jaime Ffrench, the 5-star wide receiver ranked No. 4 in his position and No. 12 overall for the class of 2025, and current Alabama commit, is reportedly giving FSU another look. The upcoming Miami game might just be the perfect setting to sway his decision. And let's not forget, Ffrench and FSU's 2025 QB commit, Tramell Jones, are on the same high school team so let’s hope they want to keep that camaraderie going in Tallahassee.

Speaking of Jones, his commitment to FSU is as solid as they come. Ranked as the No. 28 quarterback in the 2025 class, his respect for Coach Norvell's leadership is palpable. However, the University of Florida is playing the long game, hoping to catch his eye. But for now, Jones remains a Seminole at heart.

In the grand tapestry of FSU's recruiting journey, each thread—each player and decision—adds depth and promise. With a blend of emerging talent and strategic plays, the future is looking exceptionally bright for the Seminoles and seems to keep getting better every week.

Wake Forest vs. Florida State: A Deep Dive into the Gridiron Clash

As the college football season progresses, all eyes are set on the upcoming clash between Wake Forest and the undefeated Florida State Seminoles. This matchup, rich in history and filled with recent upsets, is more than just a game; it's a statement. Here's an in-depth look:

Analyzing the Dynamics:

• The Tale of Two Teams: While Florida State rides high with a 7-0 record, Wake Forest, at 4-3, is no pushover. The Demon Deacons have had the Seminoles' number in their last three encounters, proving that past records can be deceptive.

• Wake Forest's QB Dilemma: The injury to Mitch Griffis has thrown a spanner in the works for Wake Forest. With the offense potentially pivoting to a more basic strategy under backup QB Santino Marucci, the Deacons' game plan remains a topic of intrigue.

• Receivers in the Spotlight: Wake Forest's receiving corps, with four players each boasting over 240 yards this season, will be pivotal. However, their Achilles heel remains pass protection, where they rank a dismal 131 out of 133 schools.

• Seminoles' Defensive Prowess: Florida State's defense, spearheaded by Jared Verse and Shyheim Brown, is poised to challenge Wake Forest's offense. Jared Verse, in particular, with his impressive stats, is expected to disrupt Wake Forest's offensive rhythm.

• Rising Star: Keon Coleman is not just another player on the field. As FSU's leading wide receiver and a top NFL Draft prospect, his performance could very well dictate the game's tempo.

Expert Predictions Galore:

• Warchant Staff's Take: The Seminoles are the clear favorites, with predictions ranging from a modest 27-10 to a commanding 42-10 victory.

• NoleGameday Staff Weighs In:

  • Dustin Lewis: FSU 41, Wake Forest 10

  • Logan Robinson: FSU 44, Wake Forest 17

  • Austin Veazey: FSU 38, Wake Forest 13

  • Dillon Riera: FSU 41, Wake Forest 24

  • Tommy Mire: FSU 38, Wake Forest 17

  • Kade Kimble: FSU 37, Wake Forest 14

  • Robert Malcom: FSU 41, Wake Forest 17

• ESPN's SP+ Projection: A 34-19 triumph for Florida State.

• Noles247 Staff's Predictions:

  • Adam Brown: FSU 52, Wake Forest 17

  • Trey Rowland: FSU 44, Wake Forest 10

  • Kevin Little: FSU 38, Wake Forest 13

  • ... and the list goes on, all pointing towards a Seminoles' win.

• Cameron Lemons Debro's Insight: A 31-10 victory for FSU.

Concluding Thoughts:

While predictions and stats heavily favor Florida State, the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability. Wake Forest's recent dominance over the Seminoles and their consistent offense might just spring a surprise. With the performance of Wake Forest's offensive line being the potential game-changer and FSU's star players ready to showcase their skills, this game promises to be a roller-coaster for fans.

Wrapping Up the Seminole Saga

As the sun sets on another thrilling week of Seminole sports, we're reminded of the passion, dedication, and resilience that defines Florida State. From the sandy courts of Tavares to the echoing cheers at Doak Campbell Stadium, the spirit of the Garnet and Gold remains unwavering.

A big thank you to our readers for joining us on this journey. Your support fuels our commitment to bringing you the latest and greatest from the world of FSU sports. Remember, every spike, sprint, and touchdown is a testament to the Seminole legacy, and together, we celebrate each moment.

Before we sign off, a special shoutout to our sponsor, The Gnarley Barley. Their unwavering support and delectable offerings make every Seminole celebration even more memorable.

Stay tuned for our next edition, where we'll dive deeper into the world of FSU sports, uncovering stories, highlights, and moments that define the Seminole spirit. Until then, keep the Garnet and Gold flying high, follow us on Instagram and Go 'Noles! 🍢🔥

Check out this hype video (and keep an eye out for FSU sacking Sam Hartman when he was at Wake Forest) to get your gameday off to a good start: