Introduction:

Hello, Seminole family! Welcome back to another edition of The Chief Brief, where we dive deep into the world of FSU sports, sprinkling in a bit of humor, insight, and of course, the passion that defines our community. As we gear up for another round of stories, we'd like to tip our hats to our ever-supportive sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. Their commitment to the FSU spirit is as unwavering as our love for a good game. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's get started with the latest from the Seminole universe!

^{A heat-seeking missle}

In a recent discussion on the r/fsusports subreddit, fans delved into the standout performances of a Tatum Bethune. The original post pondered whether Bethune's impressive displays were a mere product of recency bias or if he genuinely was operating at a higher echelon. While Bethune's prowess on the field has been undeniable, some fans expected other players, like Verse, to have a more immediate impact. There's also a shared sentiment of nostalgia and concern, with fans reminiscing about past glories and expressing apprehensions about the team's defensive consistency.

Several users offered their insights, painting a comprehensive picture of the current sentiment. Bethune's value, especially when he's in peak health, can draw parallels to the esteemed 2013 linebacker group. Bethune is also a beacon of consistency, setting high standards in the linebacker room, with some fans already expressing sorrow about his impending departure after the season.

Another universal challenge in team sports: the potential distractions players face, especially during bye weeks. As the FSU community continues to debate Bethune's impact and the team's trajectory, one thing is clear: Bethune's influence on the field is undeniable.

You be the judge: The FSU Football Instagram account posted his highlight reel today (posted below)

Also - show him some love on Twitter and Instagram

fsufootball

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FSU Soccer Shines Under the Lights

In a dazzling display against a bitter rival, the No. 2 Florida State soccer team emerged victorious against Miami with a 2-0 victory on Friday evening in Tallahassee. The star of the evening was freshman Jordynn Dudley, who netted both goals for FSU. Show her some love on Twitter (never calling it X) and Instagram.

The Seminoles showcased their offensive prowess with a total of 22 shots, 11 of which were on target, while Miami couldn't muster a single shot throughout the game.

This win further cements FSU's impressive record. The Seminoles now boast a streak of 44 consecutive victories against unranked opponents. Moreover, their recent win over the Hurricanes pushes their record to 25-3 against teams from the Sunshine State since 2011. When it comes to face-offs against Miami, FSU has an overwhelming advantage with a 20-4-0 all-time record, including 11 wins in Tallahassee.

The match wasn't without its moments of tension. The first half ended in a stalemate with no goals from either side. FSU had six shots, three of which were on target, while Miami failed to register a shot. The deadlock was finally broken in the 59th minute when Dudley showcased her brilliance, firing a shot into the net. She wasn't done yet, as she added another goal in the 87th minute, with Leah Pais providing the assist. With this performance, Dudley is now tied for first in the ACC with seven goals this season. The Seminoles are gearing up for their next challenge as they travel to face Louisville on Thursday at 7 p.m., a match that will be broadcasted on ACC Network Extra.

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Mike Norvell's Bye-Week Recruitment Tour

Florida State's head coach, Mike Norvell, is making waves on the recruiting trail. After spending a significant portion of his Friday in Georgia, Norvell shifted his focus to the Sunshine State. Here's a breakdown of his itinerary:

• Palm Beach County:

  • Norvell is anticipated to visit several of his 2024 commitments and potential recruits across various classes.

• Cardinal Newman High School:

  • Home to four-star defensive back commit Ricky Knight III.

  • Other prospects:

    • Four-star 2025 wide receiver target Naeshaun Montgomery.

    • Three-star 2025 safety target Max Redmon.

    • 2026 athlete target Jyron Hughley.

• The Benjamin School:

  • Alma mater of FSU quarterback Jordan Travis.

  • Key prospect: Blue-chip 2025 edge rusher Amaree Williams.

• Delray Beach Stops:

  • Atlantic High School: Home to three-star linebacker commit Jayden Parrish.

  • American Heritage Delray: FSU's future kicker, three-star Jake Weinberg, hails from here.

• Daytona Beach:

  • Norvell will witness Mainland High School's game against Pine Ridge.

  • Mainland boasts:

    • Four-star defensive lineman LJ McCray (set to visit FSU next weekend officially).

    • Four-star defensive back Zavier Mincey (attended FSU's game against LSU earlier this month).

  • FSU faces competition from schools like Georgia, Florida, and Miami for both players.

  • Defensive line coach Odell Haggins is expected to join Norvell on the sidelines of the Mainland game.

With such a packed schedule, it's evident Coach Norvell is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to bring the best talent to Tallahassee. The dedication is clear, and we are eager to see the fruits of this labor in upcoming seasons. We will drink double for you since you’re so busy this weekend, coach.

Locker Room Banter: Gano's Hilarious FSU-Clemson Antics

After Florida State's nail-biting 31-24 overtime win over Clemson, former Seminole and current New York Giants kicker Graham Gano couldn't help but indulge in some locker-room mischief. With the FSU-Clemson game being a TV hit, ranking third most-watched in Week 4, Gano saw the perfect opportunity to remind a teammate of the Seminoles' triumph.

Targeting Dexter Lawrence, a proud Clemson grad and fellow Giant, Gano sneakily set up Lawrence's locker to blare the iconic Florida State War Chant every time it swung open. The prank's pièce de résistance? A bemused Lawrence, caught on camera, doing the Tomahawk Chop and sporting an FSU hat, much to the amusement of onlookers.

Though their college days never saw them face off on the field, their shared Giants' locker room has been a stage for such delightful jests for over two years. Gano, not just content with being one of the NFL's top kickers over the past six seasons, clearly has a knack for off-field antics too. Meanwhile, Lawrence, with his impressive NFL stats, took the prank in stride, proving that a little collegiate rivalry only adds to the fun. We're all ears for the next chapter of Gano-Lawrence banter for the next FSU-Clemson matchup.

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As we wrap up this edition of The Chief Brief, we're reminded that sports, at their core, are about camaraderie, competition, and a good dose of playful banter. Whether it's on the field or in the locker room, these moments make the journey memorable. Speaking of playful banter, have you ever pulled a War Chant prank on a friend? If so, we're all ears! Share your story with us, and as a token of appreciation, we'll grant you an extra entry into our raffle for Duke tickets. Enter here and stand a chance to witness the action live. Until next time, keep the spirit alive and the pranks friendly! Go Noles!