🏹 September 27th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

Hello, Seminole enthusiasts! As we dive into this week's edition of 'The Chief Brief', we're taking you on a journey from the sidelines to the heart of the action. And speaking of journeys, a big shoutout to our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. Whether you're celebrating a Seminole win or just craving a top-notch brew, they've got you covered. Let's dive into the latest and greatest in FSU happenings.

Cinematic Recap: The Tiger Takedown

Although it's been a rollercoaster with two nail-biting noon games, we've triumphed over Clemson, arguably our toughest challenge this season. No. 4 Florida State ventured into the Tiger's den and emerged victorious with a 31-24 win. This wasn't just any win; it snapped the Tigers' impressive 25-game conference winning streak and marked Clemson's first home loss by more than a single point since FSU's dominant 51-14 victory in 2013. Our very own Jordan Travis made history, breaking FSU's career touchdown responsibility record with his game-winning, 24-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman in overtime. And who could forget Kalen DeLoach's game-tying heroics, forcing a fumble on a sack and sprinting 56 yards for a touchdown?

Relive the magic, the tension, and the jubilation with this cinematic recap. As we march into the middle of the week, let this be the fuel to your Seminole spirit.

Florida State Seminoles: A Bulldog's Change of Heart?

The Seminoles are on a roll, not just on the field but also in the recruiting arena. After impressive victories over football giants LSU and Clemson this September, they've firmly established themselves as the No. 5 team in the nation. This momentum is palpable, with FSU's 2024 class already boasting 21 committed prospects, placing them at a commendable No. 6 spot nationally, as per 247Sports.

But the latest buzz isn't just about who's already committed. The grapevine is abuzz with the news of four-star wide receiver Ny Carr rethinking his options. Carr, who had initially given his nod to the Georgia Bulldogs back in July 2022, recently announced his decision to reconsider his commitment. And while he's been exploring other schools, his two unofficial visits to Tallahassee this year are hard to ignore.

Recalling his visit to Florida State post his scholarship offer in January, Carr shared, "I loved it. They show you a lot of love here. Coming from where I am from, that is good, to get the love." His recent attendance at the Seminoles' home opener against Southern Miss, alongside his Colquitt County High School teammate and FSU's five-star commit, Landen Thomas, further fuels speculations. The dynamic duo, known for their on-field synergy, might just extend their partnership into their college years.

FSU's recent successes and the evident development of their wide receivers under the guidance of position coach Ron Dugans have certainly not gone unnoticed by Carr. As the Seminoles continue their upward trajectory, the question remains: Will they add another star to their already shining 2024 roster? Only time will tell.

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Heisman Trophy Watch: Week 5 Shakeup

The Heisman Trophy race is heating up as we approach the critical month of October. Here's a look at the current state of the race:

1. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington: The new favorite, Penix Jr., has been on fire, leading the nation with an average of 409 passing yards per game. His recent performance against Cal, where he threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns, has solidified his top spot.

2. Caleb Williams, QB, USC: Previously the favorite, Williams now sits second despite USC's undefeated record. His dual-threat capabilities were on display against Arizona State, where he threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns and ran in two more.

3. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas: Ewers led Texas to a dominant win over Baylor, throwing for 293 yards and a touchdown. He remains a strong contender as Texas heads into a crucial stretch of games.

4. Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State: Travis was instrumental in FSU's thrilling overtime victory against Clemson, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns. His clutch performance in Death Valley keeps him in the Heisman conversation.

5. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: Nix dazzled against Colorado, throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns. His impressive 79.4% completion percentage this season ranks second in the nation.

6. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU: Daniels saw a significant jump in his Heisman odds after leading LSU to a victory over Arkansas. He showcased his versatility, throwing for 320 yards and four touchdowns and adding 36 rushing yards.

7. Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame: Despite a heart-wrenching loss to Ohio State, Hartman's performance remains noteworthy. He threw for 175 yards and a touchdown against a challenging Buckeyes defense.

Other notable contenders include Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma), Tyler Van Dyke (Miami), J.J. McCarthy (Michigan), and several others who are making their mark in college football.

The Heisman race is always unpredictable, and with several weeks left in the season, anything can happen. As teams push towards their conference championships, individual performances will be under the microscope, and the Heisman board will undoubtedly see more shakeups.

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Florida State expands 2024 DE board with offer to 6-foot-6 pass rusher Lugard Edokpayi

FSU is actively expanding its 2024 defensive end recruitment board. They currently have one defensive end prospect committed for their 2024 class, Gonzaga (D.C.) four-star edge rusher DD Holmes. However, the Seminoles are looking to add more talent to this position. Recently, they faced challenges in gaining momentum in recruiting for this position, with their primary target being Delray Beach (Fla.) Mainland four-star defensive lineman LJ McCray, who seems to be leaning towards either Georgia or Florida. But hey, in the world of college football recruiting, it's not over until it's over.

To address this, FSU's coaching staff decided to broaden their defensive end recruiting board. On Monday evening, they extended an offer to District Heights (MD.) Bishop McNamara three-star edge rusher Lugard Edokpayi. Edokpayi announced this offer on social media with the kind of excitement you'd expect from someone who just found an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. While the scholarship offer surprised some, FSU had been in touch with Edokpayi for a few weeks, discussing games with him. Edokpayi's recruitment began to gain traction when Morgan State showed interest in March. Since then, several other programs, including Power Five schools like Virginia, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, California, Rutgers, Indiana, and Boston College, have offered him scholarships in September.

Edokpayi has expressed appreciation for the feedback he's received from college coaches, who commend his athleticism, size, and physicality. He has an official visit planned to Minnesota in November and has also expressed interest in visiting FSU. With his towering 6-foot-6 frame, he might just be the next big thing—literally and figuratively—for FSU's defensive lineup.

247Sports ranks Edokpayi as the No. 43 edge prospect in the country and the No. 20 overall player in Maryland for the 2024 class.

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As we wrap up another edition, we're reminded of the passion, dedication, and spirit that defines the Seminole community. A huge thank you to The Gnarly Barley for fueling our spirits (literally and figuratively). Stay tuned, stay passionate, and always, Go 'Noles!