🏹 September 26th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Strength, Strategy, and Storms

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The Chief
September 26, 2024

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Here's what's inside this edition:

🏐 FSU Volleyball Triumphs Over Miami in Five-Set Thriller – A recap of FSU's impressive victory and standout performances.

🎾 Corey Craig Shines at ITA All-American Championships – Highlights of Corey Craig's exceptional run in the tournament.

🎾 Lottie Woad Named to ANNIKA Award Fall Watch List – Celebrating Lottie Woad's latest accolade and her contributions to collegiate golf.

🏈 Robert Scott Jr. Semifinalist for Campbell Trophy – Spotlight on Robert Scott Jr.'s academic and athletic achievements.

🏈 FSU Pursues Miami-Committed Offensive Lineman Max Buchanan – Insights into FSU's recruitment efforts targeting Max Buchanan.

🏈 FSU Prepares for SMU with Promising Practice Performance – Overview of FSU's final practice before facing SMU.

🏈 FSU Faces SMU: Ten Must-Know Mustangs – Key SMU players to watch in the upcoming ACC clash.

🏈 FSU Faces SMU in First ACC Clash – Breakdown of the upcoming first ACC game against SMU.

🌪️ FSU Maintains Travel Plans Amid Hurricane Helene – Latest updates on FSU's travel plans as Hurricane Helene approaches.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Triumphs Over Miami in Five-Set Thriller 🏐

The No. 18 Seminoles (9-2, 1-0) clinched a thrilling five-set victory (22-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 15-10) against No. 25 Miami (9-3, 0-1) at Tully Gym. This marks FSU's fifth straight win over the Hurricanes and extends their home streak to an impressive 17 games since September 12, 2023.

Highlights:

  • Star Performers:

    • Audrey Koenig delivered a game-high 23 kills.

    • Khori Louis achieved a career-best 20 kills, maintaining a .600 hitting percentage.

  • Defensive Prowess:

    • Taylor Head led with 21 digs.

    • Kelsey Perry dominated the net with five blocks.

  • Match Momentum:
    After splitting the first three sets, FSU took control in the fourth and secured the win in the fifth set, showcasing their resilience and strategic gameplay.

🎾 Corey Craig Shines at ITA All-American Championships 🎾

Corey Craig achieved his third straight win in three days at the ITA All-American Championships. Entering as a wild card, Craig secured two top-100 victories to reach the main draw. In his first main bracket match, he upset No. 22 Danil Panarin by winning the last two sets after dropping the first.

Highlights:

  • Star Performer:

    • Corey Craig: Three consecutive wins, including an upset over No. 22 Panarin.

  • Doubles Action:

    • Erik Schiessl/Joshua Dous-Karpenschif advanced to Round of 32.

    • Youcef Rihane/Alex Bulte also reached Round of 32.

  • Upcoming Matches:

    • Singles: Craig vs. Jaden Weekes (Kentucky) at 2:30 p.m. ET.

    • Doubles: Schiessl/Dous-Karpenschif vs. Texas Tech at 3:30 p.m. ET; Rihane/Bulte vs. Wake Forest at 4:00 p.m. ET.

🎾 Lottie Woad Named to ANNIKA Award Fall Watch List 🎾

Four-time All-American Lottie Woad, who led the Great Britain & Ireland team to the Curtis Cup championship at Sunningdale Golf Club in England, has been named to the ANNIKA Award Fall Watch List. Woad is one of 25 top women's collegiate golfers considered for the sport's premier individual honor.

Highlights:

  • Achievement:

    • Named to the ANNIKA Award Fall Watch List for the fourth time.

  • Team Success:

    • Led GB&I to the Curtis Cup Championship with a 1-1-2 record, earning 2.0 points.

    • Helped secure GB&I's first win over the United States since 2016.

  • Individual Success:

    • Won the 2024 Augusta National Women's Amateur.

    • Runner-up in the NCAA Division I Championship.

    • Competed in three LPGA majors, including the US Open.

  • Awards and Honors:

    • 2024 ACC Golfer of the Year.

    • Multiple All-American honors from WGCA and Golfweek.

    • Named National Freshman of the Year by WGCA in 2023.

Woad continues to set records at FSU, averaging 69.60 strokes through the first two events of the season and tying the school record with a 65 in the final round of the Schooner Fall Classic.

🏈 Robert Scott Jr. Semifinalist for Campbell Trophy 🏈

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Robert Scott Jr. is a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy, recognizing the top football scholar-athlete for his academic success, on-field performance, and leadership.

Highlights:

  • Academic Excellence:

    • Three-time All-ACC Academic Team member

    • Two-time ACC Academic Honor Roll

    • Three-time dean's list recipient

  • Football Achievements:

    • Played in 40 career games with 32 starts

    • Second-team All-ACC in 2022

    • Key contributor to FSU leading the ACC in multiple offensive categories last season

  • Career Milestones:

    • True Freshman All-American in 2020

    • Started 11 games in 2021

Robert Scott Jr.'s dedication both academically and athletically exemplifies the spirit of the Seminoles.

🏈 FSU Pursues Miami-Committed Offensive Lineman Max Buchanan 🏈

Florida State is actively recruiting four-star offensive lineman Max Buchanan, currently committed to in-state rival Miami.

Ranked No. 323 overall and No. 18 interior OL by 247Sports, Buchanan from Sanford, FL, remains a key target for FSU's 2025 class.

Despite his commitment to Miami, FSU's Alex Atkins is maintaining contact, with Buchanan planning a return visit to Tallahassee for the home game against Florida in November.

Highlights:

  • Current Commitments:

    • Solomon Thomas – Five-star guard

    • Peyton Joseph – Four-star guard

  • Top Target:

    • Max Buchanan – Four-star OL, committed to Miami

FSU continues to bolster both sides of the line of scrimmage with high-level talent from the high school ranks.

🏈 FSU Prepares for SMU with Promising Practice Performance 🏈

On Wednesday, Florida State held its final practice before facing SMU on Saturday, showcasing strong energy and emerging talent across the team. Quarterbacks DJ Uiagalelei and Brock Glenn had standout moments, with Glenn excelling in situational drills and Uiagalelei demonstrating improved accuracy and decision-making in the second half.

Highlights:

  • Offensive Standouts:

    • Uiagalelei connected effectively with WR Malik Benson and RB Micahi Danzy, showing promising chemistry.

    • Tight Ends Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams impressed with their physicality and receiving skills, while veteran WR Jakhi Douglas and Hykeem Williams made notable catches.

  • Defensive Highlights:

    • Conrad Hussey secured a one-handed interception, and defensive tackles KJ Sampson and Jamorie Flagg showcased their pass-rushing abilities.

  • Linebacker and Offensive Line Improvements:

    • Lawrance Toafili demonstrated dynamic receiving capabilities.

    • Jonathan Daniels displayed his length and effectiveness against edge rushers.

    • The offensive line is strengthening with the return of Darius Washington and Jeremiah Byers, enhancing pass protection.

Coach Mike Norvell emphasized the importance of consistency in the struggling passing game, highlighting improvements in the offensive line and wide receiver performance as key factors for the upcoming game against SMU, which presents a significant opportunity to boost FSU's passing efficiency.

Read More Here and Here

🏈 FSU Faces SMU: Ten Must-Know Mustangs 🏈

Florida State travels to Dallas this weekend to take on the SMU Mustangs, a new member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. This marks SMU's first in-conference ACC game, adding extra intensity to the matchup despite FSU's early season struggles.

Ten SMU Players FSU Fans Should Know:

  1. QB Kevin Jennings
    Dual-threat quarterback with 479 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 137 rushing yards. A significant challenge for FSU’s defense with his mobility.

  2. RB Brashard Smith
    Leading SMU in rushing with 398 yards and 6 TDs. Versatile and a key offensive threat.

  3. TE RJ Maryland
    Standout tight end with 162 receiving yards and a touchdown. A primary target in SMU’s offense.

  4. WR Key'Shawn Smith
    Second-leading receiver with 101 yards and a touchdown. Known for his speed and downfield capabilities.

  5. WR Romello Brinson
    Versatile receiver from Miami with 92 yards. Excels in contested catches and has a wirey frame.

  6. WR Jordan Hudson
    Former blue-chip recruit with 54 yards and 2 touchdowns this season. Expected to make a strong impact.

  7. DL Elijah Roberts
    Productive defensive lineman with 7 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 1 sack. Will challenge FSU’s offensive line.

  8. DL Jared Harrison-Hunte
    Defensive lineman with 10 tackles and 1 sack. Adds depth and versatility to SMU’s defense.

  9. LB Ahmad Walker
    Top linebacker with 26 tackles and a forced fumble. A cornerstone of SMU’s defensive unit.

  10. S Ahmaad Moses
    Premier safety with 22 tackles and 3 interceptions, including a pick-six. A key playmaker in SMU’s secondary.

🏈 FSU Faces SMU in First ACC Clash 🏈

Florida State travels to Dallas this weekend to take on the SMU Mustangs, marking SMU's first-ever in-conference ACC game. Despite FSU's early 2024 struggles (1-3, 1-2 ACC), SMU enters with a strong 3-1 record and a formidable home performance at Ford Stadium.

Key Points:

  • SMU's Dominance at Home: 10-1 in their last 11 home games, averaging 51.4 points per game.

  • Top SMU Players to Watch:

    • QB Kevin Jennings: Dual-threat quarterback with 479 passing yards and 137 rushing yards.

    • RB Brashard Smith: Leads SMU with 398 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.

    • TE RJ Maryland: Standout tight end with 162 receiving yards and a touchdown.

    • S Ahmaad Moses: Premier safety with 3 interceptions, including a pick-six.

  • SMU's Offensive Strength: Ranked 16th in turnover margin and 3rd in defensive takeaways.

This Saturday's game presents a crucial opportunity for FSU to challenge a high-performing SMU team and improve their ACC standing.

🌪️ FSU Maintains Travel Plans Amid Hurricane Helene 🌪️

Florida State will not drastically alter its travel plans for Saturday's game at SMU despite Hurricane Helene approaching Tallahassee. The Seminoles plan to stay in town until the storm passes and will depart for Dallas on Friday morning.

Highlights:

  • Travel Plans:

    • Depart Tallahassee for Dallas Friday morning after Helene passes.

    • Plans include "A, B, and C" options, monitoring the situation.

  • Coach's Statement:

    • Mike Norvell acknowledged the storm's severity and emphasized readiness to adapt if needed.

    • Ensured the team is aware and cautious of the storm's impact.

  • Storm Details:

    • Helene expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region near Tallahassee on Thursday evening.

    • Fast-moving storm with significant wind and rain.

  • Social Media Update:

    • @NWSTallahassee reported no significant changes in the track but noted rapid intensification likely.

Kickoff for the contest is at 8 p.m., televised on ACC Network. FSU is 1-3 (1-2 ACC); SMU is 3-1, set to play their first ACC game.

And that’s a wrap!

Thank you for joining us in this edition of The Chief Brief.

Stay tuned for more updates and continue to support our Seminoles as we navigate a challenging season together.

Remember to stay dry today and stay vigilant of Helene.

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