🏹 October29th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Hello, fellow ‘Noles!

From the football field's exhilarating victories to the basketball court's upcoming showdowns, FSU is making headlines, and we're here to bring you all the action-packed details!

🏈 Seminoles Triumph: Relive the commanding 41-16 victory over Wake Forest, as the Seminoles maintain their undefeated streak this season.

🎙 Norvell Reflects: Dive deep into Coach Mike Norvell's thoughts on the recent win, the standout players, and the road that lies ahead for the team.

🏟️ Doak Campbell's Facelift: Discover the blend of progress and nostalgia as the iconic Doak Campbell Stadium undergoes a transformative renovation.

🏀 Basketball Exhibition: Gear up for the Seminoles' basketball face-off against Flagler College, and get a glimpse of Leonard Hamilton's 2023-24 squad.

Before we delve into this edition brimming with Seminole spirit, a special nod to to our proud sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. Whether you're celebrating a Seminole win or just in the mood for some scrumptious fare, they've got you covered. Check them out here.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of Garnet and Gold glory? Let's dive in! 🍢🔥🏈🏀

Seminoles Triumph: FSU's Commanding Win Over Wake Forest

In the heart of Winston-Salem, N.C., at the Allegacy Stadium, the Seminoles showcased their football prowess, silencing any doubters with a dominant 41-16 victory over Wake Forest. This win not only snapped a three-game losing streak against the Demon Deacons but also solidified FSU's undefeated status this season.

Game Highlights:

• Jordan Travis' Stellar Performance: The quarterback was on fire, amassing 359 passing yards with 22 of 35 completions. He threw for three touchdowns and even added a rushing touchdown to his tally. Travis' 13-yard touchdown run set the tone early on for the Seminoles.

• Trey Benson's Dual Threat: Benson was everywhere, rushing for 55 yards and catching four passes for an additional 100 yards. His versatility was on full display as he scored both in the air and on the ground.

• Keon Coleman's Receiving Mastery: Despite being shorthanded at the wide receiver position, Coleman stepped up, catching seven passes for 66 yards and bagging two touchdowns.

• FSU's Defensive Dominance: The Seminoles' defense was impenetrable, allowing Wake Forest a mere 210 yards throughout the game. With five sacks and 10 tackles for loss, players like Jared Verse and the linebacker duo of Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach were instrumental in stifling Wake Forest's offense.

You can check out the full game highlights here:

Looking Ahead:

As the Seminoles bask in the glory of this victory, their sights are now set on their upcoming clash against Pitt next weekend at 3:30 PM in Pittsburgh, Pa. With momentum on their side and a team brimming with talent, FSU is poised for more successes this season. 🍢🔥

Norvell Reflects: FSU's Victory and the Road Ahead

In the aftermath of a commanding win over Wake Forest, Coach Mike Norvell took a moment to share his thoughts on the game, the team's performance, and the journey ahead.

A Team's Triumph: "Really proud of our football team," began Norvell, emphasizing the challenges of playing on the road after a month. He lauded the team's mindset, their fight for each other, and the dedication they showcased during the week's practice. "Not just because of winning the game, but who they are," he added.

Highlighting the Stars: Norvell had words of praise for several players. He mentioned Kentron Poitier's significant contribution and the unfortunate called-back TD. He highlighted big plays from Kyle Morlock, Darrion Williamson, and Jahki Douglas and expressed his delight at seeing them improve. Keon Coleman's performance was termed "special," and Trey Benson's two monumental plays were spotlighted. Norvell also commended the defense for their discipline and aggression, especially in challenging the quarterback. "I thought our guys really flew around," he noted.

Jordan Travis' Elite Play: "I think Jordan is playing at an elite level," Norvell remarked, praising Travis for his exceptional management of the offense and his growing confidence. He emphasized Travis's continuous improvement, especially in his final year.

Defense and Challenges: Norvell appreciated the defense's disruptive nature and their good gap control. He emphasized the importance of the linebackers in challenging the offense and gave credit to the D-line for their impact.

Keon's Dominance: Norvell expressed his strategy of getting Keon in one-on-ones, emphasizing that if there's soft coverage, they'll throw him the ball frequently. "He made a guy miss," Norvell added with a hint of pride.

Looking Ahead: While acknowledging the team's 8-0 record, Norvell stressed the importance of continuous improvement. "We're eight games through this season, it goes fast, and I want to enjoy every day I get with this group," he said. He also touched upon the playoff poll, emphasizing that the team's focus shouldn't be on a number but on their performance every Saturday. "What that number is really doesn't matter right now," he added.

Benson's Resilience: Norvell had special words for Trey Benson, mentioning his dedication and love for the team. "Trey is so hard on himself, and I swear I love him. I love the human being," Norvell expressed. He also revealed that Benson had the honor of breaking the rock after the game, a testament to his significant contributions.

Seminole Spirit: Norvell concluded by expressing his gratitude to the FSU fans who turned up in large numbers at an away stadium, terming their presence as "special."

With a blend of reflection and forward-looking optimism, Norvell's comments encapsulate the Seminole spirit: a team that's not just about winning games but about growth, dedication, and unity. 🍢🔥

Doak Campbell's Facelift: A Blend of Progress and Nostalgia

In the heart of Tallahassee, the iconic Doak Campbell Stadium stands as a testament to Florida State University's rich football legacy. But as the saying goes, change is the only constant. FSU's commitment to a $265 million renovation of the stadium has stirred a mix of excitement and apprehension among the Seminole faithful.

A New Era Dawns

The ambitious renovation project, targeting the west stands, has been the talk of the town, especially among season ticket holders. While many are thrilled about the modern upgrades, others are grappling with the reality of increased ticket prices and potential seat relocations.

The new pricing structure includes a one-time capital gift contribution, which is tax-deductible and can be spread over three years. This contribution will directly fund the stadium's makeover, set to be unveiled for the 2025 home opener against Alabama.

The Seminole Booster Initiative

Seminole Booster, Inc. is at the forefront of this transition, with sales representatives actively engaging with season ticket holders. These meetings, both in-person and virtual, aim to clarify the seating process and options. The goal? To ensure that every donor, all 8,000 of them, is informed and satisfied.

However, the journey has been a rollercoaster. Mike Harrison, a lifelong Seminole fan, expressed his shock at the steep price hike for club seats near his current location. Yet, Michael Alford, FSU's Athletic Director, emphasizes the broader vision. He points to survey results indicating a strong desire among fans for enhanced game-day experiences and improved seat comfort.

The Modernization Drive

The west stands' renovation is just one piece of the puzzle. FSU is simultaneously undertaking multiple construction projects, including the Dunlap Football Center and essential building code work in the east stands.

The renovation will see the stadium's seating capacity reduced by nearly 10,000. However, this isn't about reducing numbers but enhancing the fan experience. From premium seating to upgraded concourses, the new Doak Campbell Stadium promises a blend of comfort and modernity.

Generations of Loyalty

The west stands hold a special place in the hearts of many Seminole fans. Generations have cheered for FSU from these seats, and the upcoming changes have evoked a myriad of emotions. While some fans see the renovation as a necessary step towards competitiveness, others are more cautious, waiting to see the final pricing options.

A Future-Ready Stadium

The FSU Board of Trustees has given the green light to the renovation, with the state university system’s Board of Governors set to review the proposal next. Mark Cameron, VP of stadium development for Seminole Boosters, Inc., emphasizes the importance of clear communication with season ticket holders. The aim is not just to sell seats but to ensure fans understand the vision behind the changes.

Final Thoughts

As Doak Campbell Stadium undergoes its transformation, the Seminole community stands at a crossroads. The balance between preserving tradition and embracing progress is delicate. But one thing is certain: the spirit of the Garnet and Gold will continue to shine brightly, no matter the changes on the horizon. 🍢🏟️🔥

Seminoles Welcome Flagler for Exhibition Basketball Game

The Florida State Seminoles are gearing up to host Flagler College in what promises to be an exciting exhibition basketball game. This face-off, scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., will take place at the renowned Donald L. Tucker Center. Fans can look forward to free parking and admission for this special event, dubbed the Annual Aubry Boyd game. This matchup offers Seminole enthusiasts their inaugural glimpse of Leonard Hamilton's 2023-24 team as they square off against the Saints, hailing from St. Augustine, Florida, and representing the Peach Belt Conference.

This game against the Saints holds special significance as the Aubry Boyd game, powered by Rising Spear. For 23 consecutive years, Florida State has dedicated efforts to raise funds for Boyd, a former Seminole standout. Tragically, Boyd suffered a severe injury during a pick-up football game in 1995, which resulted in paralysis from the neck down. This accident fractured the fourth vertebra in his neck, rendering him a paraplegic. Boyd's legacy with the Seminoles spans from 1988-91, during which he was a four-year letter-winner.

Boyd's journey with the Seminoles began when he signed on as a sought-after recruit from Southwest High School in Macon, Ga. His prowess on the court was evident from the get-go. Between 1988-91, Boyd participated in 116 games, boasting an average of 6.7 points per game during the 1990-91 season. In his senior year, he started in 31 of the 32 games, averaging 11.8 points per game. This impressive performance contributed to the Seminoles achieving a 21-11 record, clinching the Metro Conference Championship, and advancing to the NCAA Tournament's second round by triumphing over Southern California.

As the Seminoles gear up for Hamilton's 22nd season, they boast the return of five of their top seven scorers from the previous season. Leading the pack is senior Darin Green Jr., who recorded a career-high average of 13.4 points and made a team-leading 91 3-point field goals. Other notable returnees include senior Cam'Ron Fletcher, sophomore Cam Corhen, junior Jalen Warley, and sophomore Baba Miller.

The 2023-24 regular season for the Seminoles will kick off with a game against Kennesaw State on Friday, November 10, at 6:00 p.m. This match is particularly noteworthy as it precedes the nationally ranked Seminole football team's game against Miami in the iconic Doak Campbell Stadium.

As the sun sets on another thrilling month of Seminole sports, we're reminded of the passion, dedication, and spirit that defines Florida State University. Whether it's the roar of the crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium, the swish of a basketball net at the Donald L. Tucker Center, or the stories of legends like Aubry Boyd, the Seminole legacy is one of resilience, excellence, and community. As we look forward to more victories, more challenges, and more moments that define us, we thank you, our loyal fans, for being with us every step of the way. Here's to the future, and as always, Go Noles! 🍢🔥🏀🏈