🏹 October 9th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

Because it will never get old 😂😂…

Good morning, fellow ‘Noles! In today's edition of The Chief Brief, we'll explore our ascent back to No. 4 in the polls, the unexpected departure of Winston Wright Jr., and the latest recruiting buzz surrounding LJ McCray. And for our soccer enthusiasts, get ready for a deep dive into our women's team's spectacular performance against Boston College. A special shoutout to our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley, for consistently elevating our game-day spirits. Let's dive into another exciting chapter of Seminole stories!

Seminoles Ascend: Back to No. 4 in the Polls

After a brief dip in the major college football polls, the Seminoles have reclaimed their No. 4 spot in both the USA Today Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25. This ascent follows their dominant 39-17 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Previously, the Seminoles had experienced a slight drop from No. 3 to No. 5, but their undefeated streak and a total of 11 consecutive wins since last year have solidified their position. A significant factor in this upward movement was Texas' loss to Oklahoma. The Longhorns plummeted from No. 4 to No. 11 in the coaches' poll and from No. 3 to No. 9 in the AP poll after their defeat. Oklahoma, on the other hand, made a significant leap from No. 12 to No. 7 in both rankings.

The ACC is well-represented in the rankings, with Florida State leading the charge. Other ACC teams making their mark include North Carolina at No. 12, Louisville at No. 15, and Duke at No. 18 in the coaches' rankings. The AP poll features UNC at No. 12, Louisville at No. 14, Duke at No. 17, and Miami sneaking in at No. 25 (out of pure pity).

The Seminoles, boasting a 5-0 record and a 3-0 ACC standing, are gearing up for their next challenge against Syracuse, who currently holds a 4-2 record. The Orange recently faced a crushing defeat against North Carolina, with a scoreline of 40-7. The Seminoles will host Syracuse this Saturday, with the game scheduled for noon on ABC.

For a comprehensive coverage of the Seminoles and more insights on their journey, check out the full story on Warchant.

Wright's Unexpected Exit: A Seminole Shift

In a surprising turn of events for the Seminoles' roster, Winston Wright Jr., the senior wide receiver known for his resilience, has taken his leave from the Florida State football team. This development was confirmed by a university spokesperson.

Wright's journey with the Seminoles was nothing short of inspirational. After shining as a star receiver at West Virginia in 2021, he transferred to Florida State with high hopes of being a leading receiver in 2022. However, fate had other plans as a severe car accident sidelined him for the entire season. Making a commendable comeback, Wright was eyeing a starting slot receiver position this fall. Yet, his stint this season saw him making only four receptions, accumulating 36 yards.

While Wright's departure leaves a void, the Seminoles have promising talents waiting in the wings. Freshman Destyn Hill (who has an inspiring story of his own) and junior Ja’Khi Douglas are gearing up to fill the slot receiver role.

For more insights and updates on this story, read more here and here.

McCray's FSU Visit: Beyond Expectations

Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland's four-star defensive lineman, LJ McCray, recently wrapped up his official visit to Florida State, and it seems the experience surpassed his expectations. Accompanied by his parents, McCray spent the weekend immersed in the Seminole spirit, witnessing FSU's impressive 39-17 win over Virginia Tech at Doak Campbell Stadium.

During his visit, McCray had extensive interactions with head coach Mike Norvell and several staff members. Reflecting on his visit, McCray shared, "It was great. I really enjoyed it. Honestly, it was a little bit better than I expected." He emphasized the value of spending quality time with the players, away from the coaches, to genuinely understand the team's dynamics.

McCray's focus during the game was, understandably, on the D-line, but he also appreciated the overall game and the playmakers on the field. He was particularly impressed with FSU's defensive strategy, noting their knack for creating mismatches and extracting desired outcomes from the offense.

As for his potential role at FSU, discussions with the coaching staff revealed that McCray could be utilized across the line in various capacities, depending on formations and game situations. While he's been to FSU multiple times and has reviewed game films with the coaches, this visit was more about understanding how he could fit into the team's scheme.

McCray's decision is eagerly anticipated, especially since he's hinted at making his choice after October 18th, his birthday. Currently, he's considering Auburn, Florida, FSU, Georgia, and Miami. It's worth noting that McCray is ranked by 247Sports.com as the No. 37 player in the nation, the No. 8 defensive lineman, and the No. 4 prospect in Florida.

For a detailed account of McCray's visit and insights, read the full article here.

Seminole Soccer Supremacy: FSU Dominates Boston College

In a display of sheer dominance, the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles women's soccer team showcased their prowess with a resounding 6-0 victory over Boston College at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

The game was a testament to FSU's offensive brilliance, with the team getting off to a roaring start. In the mere seventh minute, a series of swift passes culminated in Jordynn Dudley tapping the ball into the net for the first goal. The Seminoles continued their offensive onslaught, with goals from Kaitlyn Zipay, Leilanni Nesbeth, Taylor Huff, and two from Peyton Nourse, painting a picture of a well-rounded team effort.

While FSU's offense was the highlight, their defense was equally commendable. The Seminoles allowed Boston College only four shots, with just one on target. An interesting tidbit: FSU hasn't lost a game when leading at halftime since 2010.

However, the game wasn't without its share of drama. BC defender Jada Tuffin was shown a red card in the 79th minute, reducing Boston College to 10 players for the final moments of the match.

The next game on the roster? FSU will host Notre Dame at the Seminole Soccer Complex this Thursday at 7pm, with the match set to be broadcast on the ACC Network.

For a detailed breakdown of the game and more insights, read the full article here.

That's a wrap for this edition, Seminole faithful! Keep that finger on the Seminole pulse by following us on Instagram. As we march forward, let's continue to support our teams with the same passion and fervor. Whether it's cheering from the stands, tuning in from home, or simply donning the garnet and gold, every bit counts. Remember, we're not just a team; we're a tribe. Until next time, Go Noles!