Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Saturday and Gameday, Seminole!

Here’s your pre-tailgate docket:

⛳ Sophia Fullbrook Shines in FSU Golf Debut ⛳
Freshman Sophia Fullbrook had an impressive start, finishing in the top-10 of the Folds of Honor Intercollegiate and now prepares for the Schooner Fall Classic alongside standout teammates.

⛳ Luke Clanton Excels at Fighting Illini Invitational ⛳
Junior Luke Clanton leads the Seminoles, shooting a 2-under-par 68, tying for third individually as FSU pushes for a strong finish.

🏀 Kiyan Anthony Nears College Decision 🏀
Top-40 prospect Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA star Carmelo Anthony, is close to choosing his college, with FSU still in the mix.

🛡️ FSU Commit Kevin Wynn Considering Other Options 🛡️
Four-star defensive lineman Kevin Wynn is reevaluating his options after a visit to South Carolina.

🏈 FSU Hosting Key Recruits Ousmane Kromah and Chase Linton 🏈
Top recruits Ousmane Kromah and Chase Linton visit FSU this weekend for the Cal game, presenting a major opportunity for the Seminoles.

🏈 Analyzing DJ Uiagalelei’s Struggles and Offensive Issues 🏈
FSU's offense has struggled across the board, leaving DJ Uiagalelei under constant pressure. Improvement is crucial as the Seminoles face a strong Cal defense.

🔍 Breaking Down Cal’s Offensive and Defensive Threats for FSU 🔍
Cal’s offense and aggressive defense will test FSU’s gap discipline and pass protection.

🏈 Florida State vs. Cal: Game Preview and Staff Predictions 🏈
FSU's staff predictions lean toward another tough game for the Seminoles, with Cal favored to win.

⛳ Sophia Fullbrook Shines in FSU Golf Debut ⛳

Freshman Sophia Fullbrook impressed in her first collegiate event, finishing in the top-10 at the Folds of Honor Intercollegiate.

Adjusting quickly to life at FSU, Fullbrook now joins teammates, including Lottie Woad and Mirabel Ting, at the Schooner Fall Classic in Oklahoma.

The Seminoles aim to capture their third team title at the event, which supports the Toby Keith Foundation for children battling cancer.

Fullbrook's strong start boosts her confidence as she prepares to compete on the national stage.

🔗 [More on Fullbrook’s rise here]

⛳ Luke Clanton Shines at Fighting Illini Invitational ⛳

Junior All-American Luke Clanton shot a 2-under-par 68 in the first round of the Fighting Illini Invitational, placing him in a tie for third in the individual standings.

The Seminoles are tied for fifth as a team, with Clanton leading the charge alongside strong performances from Carson Brewer and Michael Mays, both shooting under par.

FSU will face Stanford and North Carolina in the second round on Saturday, continuing their push for a strong finish.

🔗 [Full event details here]

🏀 Kiyan Anthony Nears College Decision 🏀

Kiyan Anthony, a top-40 prospect in the 2025 class and son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, is closing in on his college decision.

His six finalists include Auburn, Rutgers, USC, Syracuse, Florida State, and Ohio State. Anthony plans to commit before the high school season starts, with visits to USC and Rutgers still on his schedule.

FSU remains in the mix, with Anthony maintaining frequent communication with the Seminoles' coaching staff.

🔗 [More details on Anthony’s recruitment here]

🛡️ FSU Commit Kevin Wynn Considering Other Options After Visit to South Carolina 🛡️

Four-star defensive lineman Kevin Wynn, currently committed to FSU, visited South Carolina last weekend, signaling he's weighing other options after the Seminoles' tough start.

Wynn also visited Texas, Georgia, and USC over the summer and may return to South Carolina this season. The Gamecocks, looking to bolster their defensive line, believe they have a strong chance to flip Wynn.

🔗 [More on Wynn’s recruitment here]

🏈 FSU Hosting Key Recruits for Cal Game: Ousmane Kromah and Chase Linton 🏈

Florida State has an important opportunity to impress two major recruits during this weekend’s game against Cal.

Top247 running back Ousmane Kromah, who is leaning toward Auburn and Georgia, will visit Tallahassee in a pivotal recruiting moment for the Seminoles.

A strong offensive performance could shift the momentum in FSU’s favor ahead of Kromah’s September 28 decision.

Additionally, Top247 defensive lineman Chase Linton will also be in attendance, with FSU aiming to steal him from Georgia’s grasp. The defense’s showing could play a crucial role in Linton’s recruitment.

🔗 [More details on Kromah and Linton’s recruitment here]

🏈 Analyzing DJ Uiagalelei’s Struggles: FSU’s Offensive Issues Go Beyond the QB 🏈

While DJ Uiagalelei has faced significant challenges this season, Coach Mike Norvell has been clear that the Seminoles’ offensive woes aren’t solely on his shoulders. FSU ranks near the bottom in yards-per-carry, drops, and pressure rate, offering little support for their quarterback.

Uiagalelei is under immense pressure, facing more on his drop-backs than any other P4 QB, and although his decision-making and time to throw are contributing factors, it's evident the entire offense needs improvement. Against Cal, which ranks in the Top 20 in pressure rate, it will be critical for Uiagalelei to get the ball out faster to avoid another tough outing.

🔗 [More on FSU's offensive struggles here]

🔍 Breaking Down Cal’s Offensive and Defensive Threats for FSU 🔍

This week, FSU faces a unique challenge in Cal, known for its split-zone running game. Cal’s offense thrives on zone blocking and motion, often using tight ends and tackles to execute key blocks. Florida State will need to maintain strong gap discipline to counter this strategy.

On defense, Cal's aggressive linebackers, particularly Teddye Buchanan and Cade Uluave, set a physical tone, playing fast and downhill. For FSU to find success, both the offensive line and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei must perform under pressure, as Cal ranks in the Top 20 in Pressure Rate nationally.

🔗 [Full breakdown on Cal here]

🏈 Florida State vs. Cal: Game Preview and Staff Predictions 🏈

Florida State (0-3) faces California (3-0) on Saturday, hoping to secure its first win of the season.

While FSU’s offense has struggled, Cal’s defense has been solid, limiting teams to 14 points or fewer in all their games this season.

Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza leads a balanced attack, but the Seminoles’ pass defense could cause trouble for the Golden Bears.

Cal’s rushing game, powered by Jaydn Ott, poses a serious threat to FSU’s defense, which improved against Memphis but still ranks outside the top 100.

FSU’s run game, meanwhile, has been hampered by injuries and poor blocking, ranking 133rd nationally in rushing yards.

FSU’s staff predictions reveal little optimism for a turnaround, with most expecting another tough loss for the Seminoles.

Adam Brown and Clay Fink predict a blowout in Cal’s favor, citing FSU’s inability to stop the run or move the ball effectively.

Brendan Sonnone notes the defense showed improvement in practice but still doubts FSU’s ability to consistently score.

Overall, predictions lean toward Cal winning, with only Chris Nee and Corey Clark predicting a narrow FSU victory.

Staff Score Predictions:

• Adam Brown: Cal 30, FSU 13

• Clay Fink: Cal 21, FSU 8

• Brendan Sonnone: Cal 28, FSU 17

• Trey Rowland: Cal 23, FSU 17

• Kevin Little: Cal 24, FSU 10

• Brett Nevitt: Cal 20, FSU 14

• Zach Blostein: Cal 27, FSU 17

• Dane Draper: FSU 13, Cal 20

• Chris Nee: FSU 23, Cal 20

🔗 [More on FSU vs. Cal and predictions here and here]

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles prepare for their clash with Cal, FSU is in search of momentum on the field and in recruiting. Let’s see if this weekend brings a turnaround for the Noles!