Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Monday, Seminole!

Here’s what’s on the docket today:

🏆 FSU Women’s Golf Wins Big 🏆
Florida State Women’s Golf claimed their first fall team championship at the Landfall Tradition in Wilmington, led by Lottie Woad’s outstanding performance as she tied for the individual title. Coach Amy Bond praised her squad’s resilience in tough conditions as they edged out Duke by a single stroke.

🏐 No. 19 FSU Volleyball Dominates Duke 🏐
FSU Volleyball powered through with a convincing sweep over Duke, extending their winning streak against the Blue Devils. With strong showings from Audrey Koenig and Taylor Head, the Seminoles set the tone with stellar defense and relentless offense.

🎙️ QB Decisions: Norvell Evaluates Kromenhoek and Glenn 🎙️
Coach Mike Norvell commented on the QB situation as both Luke Kromenhoek and Brock Glenn saw action in the loss to Miami. While Kromenhoek impressed with his mobility, Glenn’s experience provided a late-game spark. Norvell remains focused on developing both quarterbacks as he prepares for FSU’s upcoming games.

📊 Miami Game Breakdown: FSU PFF Grades 📊
PFF grades from FSU’s recent game against Miami offer insights into both the progress and challenges facing the team. The defense put in a solid performance, while the offense continued to struggle, showing the team’s ongoing need for refinement and consistency.

 🔍 FSU Recruiting Updates: Upcoming Visit and Another Lost WR🔍
FSU welcomes four-star defensive end Tobi Haastrup and wide receiver Jayvan Boggs to Tallahassee this weekend, but lose four-star wide received CJ Wiley.

🏆 FSU Women’s Golf Triumphs at Landfall Tradition with Woad Tying for Individual Title 🏆

The No. 11-ranked Florida State Women’s Golf Team captured their first team championship of the fall season by edging Duke by one stroke at the Landfall Tradition in Wilmington, N.C. Junior All-American Lottie Woad led the way, finishing tied for first in the individual standings, marking her fourth career individual title.

Championship Highlights:

• Lottie Woad: Claimed her fourth individual title, tying with NC State’s Lauren Olivares Leon. Despite challenging conditions, Woad’s final round 73 secured her place at the top with a 6-under-par total of 210, including a 65 in the first round that matched FSU’s single-round scoring record.

• Sophia Fullbrook: Tied for 22nd with a total of 218, marking her third career top-25 finish. Her steady play featured two birdies in the final round.

• Kaylah Williams: Closed with a 76 for a 219 total, earning her sixth career top-25 finish and consecutive top-25 results for the first time in her FSU career.

• Christina Surcey: Finished tied for 27th at 220, highlighted by three birdies over her final seven holes, contributing crucial points in FSU's close win.

• Alexandra Gazzoli: Posted the best Seminole round of the day with a 1-under 71, finishing strong at 222 after playing her last 15 holes at 3-under-par.

Head Coach Amy Bond commended her players’ resilience, particularly under Sunday’s windy and rainy conditions: "It was a matter of which team could make one more par. We talked about being patient... I’m very, very proud of all five girls."

Fall Season Summary

With this victory, FSU concludes a strong fall season with four top-four finishes, including:

1. 1st Place: Landfall Tradition

2. 2nd Place: Folds of Honor Collegiate

3. 3rd Place: Schooner Fall Classic

4. Tied for 4th: Jackson T. Stephens Cup

The Seminoles open their spring season at the IJGA Collegiate Invitational in Guadalajara, Mexico, January 31-February 1.

Full details here.

🏐 No. 19 FSU Volleyball Sweeps Duke in Dominant Road Performance 🏐

The No. 19-ranked Florida State volleyball team (15-5, 7-3 ACC) rebounded impressively on Sunday afternoon, delivering a decisive sweep over Duke (25-14, 25-11, 25-13) at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. This victory marks FSU's 12th consecutive win over the Blue Devils, extending a streak that dates back to 2015, and makes the Seminoles just the third team this season to sweep Duke at home.

Match Highlights:

• Set 1: FSU established control early with a 6-2 lead and surged ahead with a 12-2 run, closing the set 25-14.

• Set 2: The teams battled initially, but the Noles pulled away with a commanding 20-8 lead, finishing the set 25-11.

• Set 3: Despite an early 5-1 deficit, FSU stormed back with a 15-2 run to take a 16-7 lead, clinching the match 25-13.

Standout Performances:

• Audrey Koenig: Led with 12 kills, extending her career-best streak of 10+ kills to 17 matches.

• Taylor Head: Recorded 11 kills and a match-high 15 digs, marking her fifth double-double in six games.

• Kenna Phelan: Steered the offense with a team-high 20 assists.

Defensive Dominance

The Seminoles' defense held Duke to just 22 kills and forced 23 errors, marking the first time FSU has kept an opponent to a negative hitting percentage since 2020.

FSU returns to Tallahassee for a four-game homestand, beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m. against Cal on ACCNX.

Read more here.

🎙️ Norvell's QB Dilemma: Evaluating Kromenhoek & Glenn in Miami Matchup 🎙️ 

Following Florida State’s 36-14 loss to Miami, Head Coach Mike Norvell discussed his quarterback strategy and the ongoing evaluation of his young quarterbacks. Norvell’s approach in the game involved an initial plan to bring true freshman Luke Kromenhoek into the rotation early, offering him the third and fourth series for valuable game experience.

"We went in with a plan," Norvell said. "Roughly the third, potentially fourth series there for Luke, because I did want to get him in the game... Each of these situations is monumental for him and his future." Kromenhoek responded with an energizing performance, including a 42-yard run on a quarterback sneak that got the Seminoles on the board.

Norvell then returned to redshirt freshman Brock Glenn for the final two drives, with Glenn’s experience providing an advantage as the Seminoles attempted a fast-paced, two-minute offense. “More experience within the offense, to help us play fast and execute fast," Norvell explained, emphasizing the need for situational awareness in a game where time management was crucial.

Both quarterbacks had moments of success—Kromenhoek’s rushing ability added a new dynamic, while Glenn’s final drive concluded with a touchdown pass to Malik Benson. However, Norvell noted that the long-term quarterback strategy remains fluid. "We’ll continue to evaluate... Whether it’s playing with two guys or seeing if one stands out, we’re looking at what gives us the best chance to win."

Read more here.

📊 FSU PFF Grades Breakdown: Miami Game 📊

After a tough 36-14 loss to Miami, Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades tell a revealing story of the Seminoles’ struggles on both sides of the ball. Here’s a closer look at the key grades and standout performances that emerged from Saturday’s matchup.

Team Grades:

• Overall: 60.9 – marking the lowest score of the season.

• Offense: 55.9 – reflecting the team's ongoing challenges with consistency and production.

• Defense: 65.5 – the defense showed resilience, especially in limiting Cam Ward’s impact.

Position Group Highlights:

• Tackling: 82.0 – the team’s highest mark, showcasing solid individual efforts in open-field situations.

• Receiving: 51.1 – the lowest grade for the second straight week, impacted by several dropped passes.

Key Player Grades:

Quarterbacks:

• Luke Kromenhoek: 50.1

  • The freshman struggled compared to last week's 90.5 grade, completing 6-of-14 passes for 61 yards while adding 69 rushing yards, showing flashes of potential with his mobility.

• Brock Glenn: 64.9

  • A notable improvement from his previous grade of 32.4, Glenn ended with a garbage-time touchdown but had three drops affecting his stats. He finished with 54 passing yards on 5-of-18 attempts.

Offensive Standouts:

• Robert Scott Jr.: 80.3

  • Scott had his best outing since the 2022 season opener, excelling in both pass-blocking (88.2) and run-blocking (82.1), allowing only one pressure on 43 dropbacks.

Defensive Highlights:

• Omar Graham Jr.: 78.2

  • Led the defense with four tackles, one sack, two pressures, and a pass breakup, indicating promise among FSU's younger players.

• Darrell Jackson Jr.: 73.4

  • The defensive lineman recorded back-to-back strong performances, contributing to FSU's solid tackling grade.

Additional Grades:

• Pass Blocking: 70.7 – A decent showing with 16 pressures allowed on 43 dropbacks.

• Run Blocking: 53.9 – The team’s run game struggled with just 11 carries for FSU’s backs.

• Pass Rush: 54.4 – Despite four sacks, this was the lowest pass rush grade of the season, with starting ends Patrick Payton (54.6) and Marvin Jones Jr. (52.4) struggling to generate consistent pressure.

National Rankings Snapshot:

FSU’s current season has impacted their rankings in key areas:

• Total Offense: 131st

• Scoring Offense: 132nd

• Third Down Defense: 107th

• Net Punting: Ranked No. 1 nationally – a positive note amid the challenges.

Read more here.

🔍 FSU Recruiting Updates: Upcoming Visit and Another Lost WR🔍

FSU is set for an action-packed recruiting weekend, hosting top 2025 prospects Tobi Haastrup and Jayvan Boggs as they aim to bolster their future rosters. Despite recent challenges on the recruiting front, these visits provide a vital opportunity to make a fresh impression.

Tobi Haastrup’s Accelerated Journey to Tallahassee

Florida State has quickly made Houston’s Tobi Haastrup, a 6'4", 240-pound four-star defensive end, one of their highest priorities. Haastrup, who only began playing organized football this year, has been visiting top programs across the country. Despite FSU’s challenging season, Haastrup remains focused on growth and development over win-loss records.

As Haastrup puts it, “I’m looking for who is going to develop me...what we can improve on next season. I’m all for it.” He’s been in regular contact with FSU’s Andrew Wilson and John Papuchis, who have provided consistent communication—a factor that has impressed Haastrup as he nears his decision in early December. Haastrup will experience his first Seminole game-day atmosphere during FSU’s matchup against North Carolina this weekend.

Read more here.

WR Prospect Jayvan Boggs Joins the Visit List

Florida State has also invited Cocoa’s standout wide receiver, Jayvan Boggs, who has been committed to UCF since August. Officially offered by FSU in October, Boggs will be in Tallahassee this weekend. The 6-foot, 200-pound prospect boasts an impressive junior season with nearly 1,500 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.

As a skilled route runner with a strong ability to rack up yards after the catch, Boggs would add depth to FSU’s offense. His visit this weekend provides a key chance for FSU to present their vision for his role in the program.

Read more here.

Setback at Wide Receiver Position

While Haastrup and Boggs present potential additions, FSU faced a major setback this week as Rivals100 WR CJ Wiley decommitted from the Seminoles. Wiley, who initially committed over LSU and Georgia, maintained an open recruitment and visited Georgia in early October. With increasing interest from Colorado, LSU, and Auburn, FSU ultimately could not hold on to Wiley, now leaving the program with no committed receivers for 2025. This decommitment follows previous flips from Malik Clark and Daylan McCutcheon, marking a total reset for FSU’s WR recruiting efforts. The Seminoles are now left with 11 commitments in the 2025 class, dropping their national class ranking to No. 41 according to Rivals.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

As the fall season starts winding down, we're seeing some shining moments that highlight FSU’s potential on and off the field. From Women’s Golf clinching a hard-earned title to Volleyball’s continued dominance, our teams remind us what resilience looks like.

Stay tuned for more updates as our Seminoles gear up for the next challenges, both in competition and in recruiting. Until next time—keep the spirit high, and as always, Go Noles! 🏹