🏹 September 4th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Rising Through Challenges: A Turning Point Awaits

Author

The Chief
September 04, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy humpday, Seminole!

Here’s what’s lined up in today’s edition:

🏅 FSU’s Lily Guinn Named ACC Freshman of the Week 🏅
Lily Guinn shines in her collegiate debut, leading FSU to victory and earning ACC Freshman of the Week honors.

🔒 4-Star DL Kevin Wynn Affirms FSU Commitment 🔒
Despite interest from Georgia, Kevin Wynn remains firm in his commitment to Florida State.

🔍 CJ Wiley Eyes FSU’s Season Performance 🔍
Committed wide receiver CJ Wiley is keeping a close watch on FSU’s progress this season, with other schools still in the mix.

🔢 FSU Snap Count Analysis 🔢
A breakdown of snap counts from FSU’s tough loss to Boston College.

🏈 ACC Power Rankings: Miami Surges, FSU Slips 🏈
Miami climbs to the top while FSU tumbles in the ACC power rankings after two shocking losses.

🏈 FSU Legends React to the Boston College Loss 🏈
Former Seminoles, including Jalen Ramsey and Danny Kanell, voice their concerns over FSU’s 0-2 start.

🏈 Five Takes on FSU’s Struggles 🏈
A deep dive into the causes behind FSU’s unprecedented decline this season.

🏅 FSU’s Lily Guinn Named ACC Women’s Freshman of the Week 🏅

Florida State women’s cross country runner Lily Guinn earned ACC Women's Freshman of the Week honors after her collegiate debut at the UCF Invite. Guinn led the Noles to victory with a perfect score of 15, finishing the 5K race in 17:16.4.

FSU coach Cody Halsey praised Guinn, calling her win a well-deserved accomplishment in her first race as a Seminole.

🔒 4-Star FSU Commit Kevin Wynn Reaffirms His Strong Connection to Tallahassee 🔒

Four-star defensive line commit Kevin Wynn returned to Florida State for the Boston College matchup on Monday, his first visit since committing in June.

Despite the Seminoles' loss, Wynn expressed confidence in FSU's direction, praising veteran DL coach Odell Haggins’ optimism.

Although he’s committed to FSU, Wynn admitted he's still in contact with other programs, particularly Georgia.

Despite this, Wynn remains strong with Florida State but noted that Georgia is still a contender.

🔍 FSU Commit CJ Wiley Keeps an Eye on the Seminoles' Season Despite Rival Interest 🔍

Committed to FSU since July, four-star wide receiver CJ Wiley attended Monday's game against Boston College.

While his commitment remains firm, Wiley admits that FSU's performance this season is important to him, stating that "winning does matter."

Although he continues to hear from Georgia, LSU, and Auburn daily, Wiley is closely watching the Seminoles' receiver development and overall season before making any changes to his decision.

🔍 Joey O’Brien Includes FSU Among Fall Visits as Recruitment Heats Up 🔍

Highly sought-after 2026 recruit Joey O’Brien, a versatile cornerback/receiver from La Salle, PA, has lined up visits to several top programs, including Notre Dame, Alabama, and Tennessee. O’Brien, ranked No. 74 overall, also plans to visit Florida State and Penn State.

O’Brien has strong ties to FSU, where his sister played basketball, and praises the Seminoles' "family bond" and close-knit coaching staff. As his recruitment progresses, O’Brien remains focused on his dual role in football and maintaining his versatility on the field.

🔔 Top 2025 Target Chase Linton to Visit FSU for Cal Matchup 🔔

Four-star defensive lineman and former Rutgers commit Chase Linton from North Atlanta High is set to visit Florida State for their Sept. 21 game against Cal.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound pass rusher, who has also drawn interest from Georgia, recently reopened his recruitment.

Known for his explosive athleticism and dominant performances, Linton is a rising star in the 2025 class.

FSU hasn't extended an offer yet, but it's expected during his visit. This could be a pivotal moment for FSU’s 2025 recruiting class.

🔢 FSU Snap Counts Breakdown: Mixed Results Amid Adjusted Rotations 🔢

After a tough loss to Georgia Tech, Florida State adjusted its player rotations in the 28-13 defeat to Boston College. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei played all 58 snaps, while running backs Roydell Williams and Lawrance Toafili split time.

On defense, Blake Nichelson led with 57 snaps at linebacker, and Azareye'h Thomas played the most snaps of any cornerback with 68.

The reshuffled roles saw varied results, but the team remains winless at 0-2.

🏈 ACC Power Rankings: Miami Rises, FSU Falls After Shocking Losses 🏈

The 2024 ACC football season kicked off with unexpected results that shook up the conference power rankings.

Miami surged to the top following a dominant 41-17 win over Florida, while Florida State's season spiraled after back-to-back losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College, leaving the Seminoles at 0-2 and outside the top 10.

Clemson also faltered, dropping after a 34-3 loss to Georgia, while Boston College rocketed to third following their impressive upset over FSU.

Here’s the full updated rankings:

  1. Miami (1-0)

  2. Georgia Tech (2-0)

  3. Boston College (1-0)

  4. Louisville (1-0)

  5. Clemson (0-1)

  6. NC State (1-0)

  7. North Carolina (1-0)

  8. SMU (2-0)

  9. Syracuse (1-0)

  10. Virginia Tech (0-1)

  11. Florida State (0-2)

  12. Pittsburgh (1-0)

  13. California (1-0)

  14. Duke (1-0)

  15. Wake Forest (1-0)

  16. Virginia (1-0)

  17. Stanford (0-1)

Miami Takes the Lead
Miami, on the other hand, now looks like the ACC’s top team, dominating Florida with a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Cam Ward. With an easier schedule ahead, the Hurricanes could solidify their position as the team to beat in the ACC.

Read the full power rankings and analysis here

🏈 FSU Legends Sound Off After Seminoles' Loss to Boston College 🏈

The fallout from Florida State's 28-13 defeat to Boston College has drawn sharp criticism from several former Seminoles stars. Jalen Ramsey, an NFL All-Pro and former FSU standout, expressed shock at the team's 0-2 start, particularly given the high expectations for this season.

Former linebacker Dontavious Jackson voiced concern over quarterback DJ Uiagalelei's struggles, while ex-defensive star Karlos Williams lamented the team's defensive performance, drawing comparisons to last season's standout edge rusher, Jared Verse.

Freddie Stevenson, a member of FSU's 2013 national championship team, and other alums, like Jacques Patrick and Danny Kanell, also weighed in, highlighting the lack of identity and confidence, especially on offense, as a major concern.

The loss marks a steep decline for a program that entered the season with College Football Playoff aspirations.

Former players continue to question the direction of the team, pointing to poor leadership and underperformance, leaving many to wonder if the Seminoles can turn their season around.

🏈 Five Takes on FSU’s Troubling Start 🏈

  1. Florida State’s Fall from Grace is Unprecedented
    The dramatic drop in performance, despite strong preseason expectations and transfer portal success, is shocking. FSU’s systemic issues are more significant than anticipated.

  2. DJ Uiagalelei Miscast in His Role
    Uiagalelei, without a competent running game, is struggling in a system that doesn’t suit his strengths.

  3. Time for a Youth Movement
    With the 2024 season essentially lost, FSU should focus on developing younger players, including at quarterback.

  4. Coaching Changes are Inevitable
    Major staff adjustments are likely necessary, given the team’s poor performance.

  5. Reevaluating Transfer Portal Dependence
    Norvell’s reliance on the transfer portal has backfired this season, raising questions about its long-term viability as a team-building strategy.

And that’s a wrap!

As Florida State pushes through early-season challenges, there’s still plenty of action to come.

Stay tuned as the Seminoles regroup during the bye week, with key recruits visiting and pivotal games ahead.

We’re in this together, Noles fans—keep the spirit strong, and let's see how the team bounces back!

Catch you in the next edition! Go Noles!

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