I mentioned in a post earlier wondering if the ACC is considering playing their championship game indoors in the future? If score and margin of victory are so important to the invitational, can we really risk a downpour, or snow, while the other tough conferences play indoors, immuned from the weather and any related excuses🤔

My Father was a USAF Fighter Pilot. His legacy was honored by having a rebuilt F-86 painted like his Korean War vintage F-86.
He shot down two MiG 15s in that airplane and went on to fly 379 combat missions, flying in both Korea and Vietnam. This rebuilt F-86 will fly in air shows across the country.

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FSU linebacker commit Jayden Parrish has been committed since April and now reflects on his weekend official visit:

The media made it out like Travis was Tom Brady. He exceeded 300 yards passing in only 3 games this year, 2 of which were against teams under 500. He was falling out of the heisman race slowly every week after the LSU game.

I mean, no disrespect, great kid, and yes he had legs, but come on. We were were losing 13-0 when Travis was injured….then between both Rodemaker and Glenn, they did the most important thing possible, neither of them turned the ball over in any of the next 3 games.

Would the d have played that inspired against Louisville with Travis? Theres so many factors that make what the cfp did just nonsense. They made this about 1 player when we have such a deep team and over 10 kids that will likely be drafted this year. Travis might not even be one of those. What will be said on draft day about that? Or will that all just get overlooked.

Jeff Sims former GT and Cornhuskers QB has transferred to Mia. I don’t how I feel about this, but he worries me less the TVD and I feel like they pulled the trigger to early on a portal QB. Haven’t watched him play much at all. What say ye Noles?

All they talk about are the ESPN talking points, and the counter points aren’t mentioned. Apparently, according to Kirk, all our UNDEFEATED team had to do was beat Louisville 57 to 0 with our third string quarterback, and we were in. Watch both videos - but I again warn you - your blood pressure will rise..,



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The Florida State Championship Football games will wrap up this today at FAMU's Bragg Stadium. Here is a look at the teams and some of the top prospects for the classes of 2024, 2025 and 2026 that will be playing today. If you aren't in Tallahassee but want to watch the games, they will be televised and streamed by Bally Sports.

Fish, Jerry, Bob and I, or some combination of the four of us, will be in attendance, and we will offer some thoughts throughout the day.




Saturday, December 9

• Class 2M State Championship, 10 a.m.
  • Berkeley Prep vs. Miami Norland

Berkeley Prep Prospects-2024: DT Nikhil Jefferson (has Louisville, USF, WV offers). 2025: DB Dallas Golden-Has an FSU offer, been on-campus twice, also has ALA, AUB, UGA, LSU, etc.

Miami Norland Prospects-2024: DB Jamari Howard-FSU commit, DB Tomauri Johnson, DE Tyclean Luman (Rutgers commit), DB Larry Tarver (Maryland commit), LB Jeremiah Marcelin (Pitt commit) 2025: ATH Jade Card has FSU offer, also has Miami and Pitt, LB Darryl Desir, QB Ennio Yapoor (has Colorado, Ole Miss offers)

• Class 3M State Championship, 3 p.m.
  • Homestead vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)

Homestead Prospects-2024: RB Issac Brown (Louisville commit). 2025: WR Cortez Miller (has FSU offer)

St. Thomas Aquinas Prospects-2024: Has 12 2024 prospects currently committed to Power 5 schools. 2026: ATH Justice Fitzpatrick (has FSU offer)

• Class 4S State Championship, 8 p.m.
  • Lakeland vs. Venice

Lakeland Prospects-2025: S Keon Young, QB Zander Smith

Venice Prospects-2024: CB Charles Lester (committed to FSU). 2025 WR Ryan Matulevich

FSU 72 USF 88 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly


The Good

Baba Miller with his first career double double, 11 pts and 11 boards (a career high).

Jamir Watkins did manage to lead the team with 15 points before fouling out in a whistle fest in the second half second half.

The press used late in the second half by FSU paid some dividends that brought the Seminoles within thirteen, 84-71.

FSU did mange to make it single digits closing the score to 50-41. It was REALLY down hill after that.

In FSU's previous two games, the 'Noles had double digit leads (17 and 14 vs UGA at UNC) only to eventually lose the games. Today, FSU did not have to concern themselves with giving up a big lead as USF led the entire game. An 8-0 USF run started the game. FSU did answer with a 7-0 run, but that would be as close as they would come to taking a lead.


The Bad

With the loss, FSU evens up its record at 4-4. Coming into this year's Orange Bowl Classic, FSU's record at the Classic was 9-3. Make that 9-4. Also, FSU never had lost to a team from Florida in the Classic. Until today. USF came into the game 2-4 having lost three straight and were 6.5 point underdogs to the 'Noles. The Seminoles embarrassingly lost by 16.

USF has one of the top scoring benches in the country averaging 34 ppg. Today the Bulls bench chipped in 37. The Seminoles did manage to get 24 from its reserves.

FSU had a week off and a chance to get some fresh legs. In watching the game, you would have thought FSU had played 3 games in five days because the Bulls beat the 'Noles up and down the floor all game long. They were noticeably quicker and more energetic than the turquoise clad Seminoles.

Darin Green had a terrible game as he was harassed all game long by the USF defense. Clearly part of USF's game plan was to take away Darin which they did very successfully. Darin's lone basket was one of the vary rare times he was wide open connecting on a three from above the key to make the score 50-41.

Clearly USF looked to be the fresher and quicker team. How does a team that had a week off as the Seminoles did look so lackluster? The Bulls play a very physical game and today was no exception as there was contact on every possession. It certainly had an effect on the play of the Seminoles. It also resulted in 77 combined shots at the foul line especially in the second half dragging the game down to a crawl. Two and a half hours after tip off, the game mercifully came to a sad end if you are a Seminole fan.


The Ugly

This should sum it up. From color analyst Jacob Ridenour, "No one expected an "offensive explosion from a team not inclined to offensive explosions". Added Leonard Hamilton post game, "We've been consistently inconsistent". Case in point, De'Ante Green's pass to Baba, Unfortunately Miller went one way and the ball another sailing into the not so cheap courtside seats. Things like that plagued FSU throughout the game at inopportune times.

FSU is ranked 6th in three point defense. USF averages 5 threes per game and shooting an AAC worst 24%. Today the Bulls shot 52% connecting on a season high of 12 of 23 from the arc (the previous season high was 8). Interestingly Hamilton said in his pre game show that FSU had a reputation of guarding the arc very well forcing teams to adjust their offenses. Ummm, today I would call that an epic fail for the 'Noles when your opponent not known for its long range shooting rips you to shreds.

Remember that one and only basket by Darin made (out of 7 attempts)? He scored it at the 13:50 mark. FSU did not make another basket until 5:42 was left on the clock. By then the score was 71-48 thanks to an 18-5 USF run. The game for all practical purposes was over at that point. I lost track, but FSU connected on a jumper right before the second TV timeout of the first half. The game was well into the second half before FSU would hit another jump shot. Oh, FSU did get the lead down to 13, but you could see the Seminoles did not have enough firepower. More so the Bulls lost some focus and struggled against the FSU press turning the ball over.

FTs. Shooting 51% is dadgum good. UNLESS that is your percentage from the line. FSU was a miserable 18 of 35 in its charity shots. Baba was particularly bad with a 4 of 13.

The news that really came as no surprise that Cam'Ron Fletcher is lost for the season after suffering another terrible injury to the same leg he injured almost to the day he injured it last season.


Up Next

FSU will take another week off for finals and hopefully get back into the win column when they return. The 'Noles will face future ACC member and current AAC member SMU at the TLCCC. Tip is at 8 PM and will be aired on the ACCN. The 6-4 Mustangs are holding opponents to 38% from the floor and 28% from the arc.

dl from gainesville flipped from uf to um.

Apparently matching 100% of new membership pledges up to $500,000 up until 12-22-2023 at The Battles End. If you haven't signed up, now is a great time. Let's continue this momentum and build a powerhouse. Go Noles!

After a week between games, the Florida State men's basketball team is back in action Saturday afternoon. The Seminoles (4-3, 0-1 in ACC) will take on USF (2-4) in the opening game of the Orange Bowl Classic at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. at 1:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network.

Below are some pregame notes from FSU. This will also serve as the game thread once things get underway from Sunrise today.

SEMINOLES TO PLAY USF IN ORANGE BOWL CLASSIC ON SATURDAY IN SUNRISE
Florida State, which has won both of its games played this season on a neutral court, travels to Sunrise, Fla. to face the USF Bulls in the AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic. It’s the 13th time in the history of the classic and the 12th time under head coach Leonard Hamilton the Seminole will play in the event. It also marks the third time Florida State will face USF in the Orange Bowl Classic with the Seminoles taking wins in the first two meetings in 2014 (75-62) and in 2019 (66-60). With nine victories in their history of playing, the Seminoles have defeated eight different teams with hits most recent win coming against USF in 2019. The classic was not played in 2020 or 2021. Following Saturday’s game against USF, the Seminoles’ players will break for the fall semester exam period and play host to SMU on Saturday, December 16, at 8:00 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
SEMINOLES TO WEAR SPECIAL TURQUOISE UNIFORMS AGAINST BULLS
As is its annual tradition in the Orange Bowl Classic, Florida State will wear its distinctive Nike N7 turquoise uniforms in its game against USF. It marks the 26th time the Seminoles will wear the uniforms since first donning them on November 17, 2013 in an 89-61 win over UT Martin. It’s the 20th time the Seminoles have worn the special uniforms during a non-conference game – the Seminoles are 15-4 against non-ACC teams in the uniforms. It’s the ninth time the Seminole have worn the uniforms in the Orange Bowl Classic – Florida State is 6-2 in the special uniforms whileplaying in the Orange Bowl Classic.
FLORIDA STATE’S HISTORY IN THE ORANGE BOWL CLASSIC
Florida State owns an 9-3 record in 12 previous Orange Bowl Classic appearances and enters the 2023 Classic having won nine of their last 11 games with victories over Nebraska (2005), Western Kentucky (2008), Tulsa (2012), UMass (2013), USF (2014), Florida Atlantic (2016), Manhattan (2017), Saint Louis (2018) and USF (2019). The Seminoles are 3-0 in the Orange Bowl Classic against teams from the state of Florida with two victories over USF and one over Florida Atlantic.
LOOK FOR FLORIDA STATE TO……Defeat USF and gain a victory over the Bulls for the third consecutive game between the two teams – with each of the game being played in the Orange Bowl Classic. The Seminoles defeated the Bulls on both December 20, 2014(75-62) and December 21, 2019 (66-60) in Sunrise.
Defeat USF and gain its fourth win in its last five games against USF.
FLORIDA STATE VS. USF - A SERIES HISTORY
The Series: Florida State leads, 22-12
First Game: January 29, 1973; at Florida State 93, USF 53
Last Game: December 21, 2019; Florida State 66, USF 60
Last Florida State Win: December 21, 2019; Florida State 66, USF 60
Last USF Win: November 18, 2007; USF 68, Florida State 67
Last Florida State Win in Sunrise: December 21, 2019; Florida State 66, USF 60
Last USF Win in Sunrise: None
Current Streak: Florida State has won 2
Current Streak in Sunrise: Florida State has won 2

The Florida State Championship Football games will continue this morning at FAMU's Bragg Stadium. Here is a look at the teams and some of the top prospects for the classes of 2024, 2025 and 2026 that will be playing today. If you aren't in Tallahassee but want to watch the games, they will be televised and streamed by Bally Sports.

Fish, Jerry and I will be in attendance, and we will offer some thoughts throughout the day.



Friday, December 8

• Class 1S State Championship, 10 a.m.
  • Trinity Catholic (Ocala) vs. Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota)

Trinity Catholic Prospects: 2025’s-Several with Rivals profiles, non with FSU offers.

Cardinal Mooney Prospects: 2024’s-ATH Zy’marion Lang (SOCAR), DB Teddy Foster (UF). WR 2025’s Chris McCorkle

• Class 4M State Championship, 3 p.m.
  • Mandarin (Jacksonville) vs. Columbus (Miami)

Mandarin Prospects: 2024’s DB Jon Mitchell (PSU), OL Deryc Plazz (UM), DB Antoine Belgrave-Shorter (PSU) 2025’s QB Tramell Jones (FSU), WR Jaime Ffrench (ALA), DB Hylton Stubbs (FSU offer)

Columbus Prospects: 2025’s LB Hector Chavez, ATH Bryce Fitzgerald.

• Class 2S State Championship, 8 p.m.
  • Bradford (Starke) vs. Cocoa

Bradford Prospects: 2024’s WR Chalil Cummings (3-star), LB Chason Clark (Marshall). 2025’s and 2026’s-A half dozen guys with profiles, no ranking.

Cocoa Prospects: 2024 OL Daviyon Hawkins-Ingram (3-star), DT Loren Ward (FAU), 2025’s DE Javion Hilson (FSU offer), WR Jayvan Boggs (OHST), OL Jaquez Joiner (UCF)

Paul Finebaum
Steve Spurrier
Vince Dooley
Greg Sankey
The Coorigan Brothers
Herschel Walker

Stan Wilcox for reviews

It is VERY important the SEC wins the OB for so many reasons😉

A day after closing out his high school career with a state title, 4-star DL and Florida commit LJ McCray was at FSU for a visit Friday. He got to hear once again from FSU's coaching staff as well as Jared Verse two weeks out from when he'll sign.

Graduated
1-Jordan Travis (SR) (Graduated)
2-D'Mitri Emmanuel-(SR) (Graduating)
3-Casey Roddick-(SR) (Graduating)
4-Bless Harris (SR) (Graduating)
5-Dennis Briggs (SR) (Graduating)
6-Braden Fiske (SR) (Graduating)
7-Fabien Lovett-(SR) (Graduating)
8-Tatum Bethune (SR) (Graduating)
9-Thomas Shrader (JR) (Seen some say he walked on senior day)
10-Kalen Deloach-(SR) (Graduating)
11-Akeem Dent (SR) (Graduating)
12-Renardo Green (SR) (Graduating)
13-Jarian Jones-(SR) (Graduating)

Entered Portal
14-AJ Duffy-(SO)
15-Markeston Douglas-TE-(JR)
16-Winston Wright (JR) (Transfer)
17-Dylan Brown Turner (FR) (Transfer)
18-Daughtry Richardson-OL-(FR)
19-Q'aeshon Sapp OL (FR)
20-Ayobami Tifase-DT-(FR)

Could declare for NFL Draft
21-Trey Benson (JR)
22-Keon Coleman (JR)
23-Johnny Wilson-(JR) Invited to Sr. Bowl
24-Jaheim Bell-(JR)
25-Jared Verse (JR)
26-Darrell Jackson (JR)

Roster for 2024

1-Tate Rodemaker - QB (JR)
2-Brock Glenn -QB (FR)
3-Rodney Hills-RB (FR)
4-Samuel Singlton-RB (FR)
5-Lawrance Toafili-RB (JR)
6-Joshua Burrell-WR-(SO)
7-Ja'Khi Douglas-WR (JR)
8-Destyn Hill-WR-(FR)
9-Vandrevius Jacobs-WR-(FR)
10-Goldie Lawrence-WR (FR)
11-Kentron Poitier-WR-(JR)
12-Deuce Spann-WR-(JR)
13-Hykeem Williams-WR-(FR)
14-Darion Williamson-WR-(JR)
15-Kyle Morlock-TE-(JR)
16-Jerrale Powers-TE-(FR)
17-Jackson West-TE-(SO)
18-Julian Armella-OT-(FR)
19-Kanaya Charlton-OL-(FR)
20-Jaylen Early-OT-(FR)
21-Keiondre Jones-OG (Jr)
22-Andre Otto-OL (FR)
23-Bryson Estes-OL (SO)
24-Robert Scott-OT (JR)
25-Lucas Simmons-OT-(FR)
26-Maurice Smith -OC (JR)
27-Darius Washington-OL-(JR)
28-Gilber Edmond-DE-(JR)
29-Joshua Farmer-DT-(SO)
30-Lamont Greene JR-DE (FR)
31-Aaron Hester-DE-(FR)
32-Jaden Jones-DE-(SO)
33-Daniel Lyons-DT-(FR)
34-Patrick Payton-DE-(SO)
35-Malcom Ray-DT-(JR)
36-KJ Sampsont-DT-(JR)
37-Byron Turner-DL-(SO)
38-Justin Cryer-LB-(FR)
39-Omar Graham-LB-(FR)
40-DJ Lundy-LB (JR)
41-Blake Nichelson-LB-(FR)
42-Demarco Ward-LB-(FR)
43-Ahylynd Barker-DB-(FR)
44-Shyheim Brown-DB-(SO)
45-Fentrell Cypres DB-(SR)
46-Conrad Hussey-DB-(FR)
47-Quindarrius Jones-DB-(FR)
48-Edwin Joseph-DB-(FR)
49-KJ Kirkland-DB-(FR)
50-Jabril Rawls-DB-(FR)
51-AZ Thomas-DB-(SO)
52-Greedy Vance-DB-(JR)
53-Alex Mastroman-P-(JR)
54-Ryan Fitzgerald-K-(JR)

Right now no one has committed to the NFL Draft....FSU has 54 players on their roster for 2024. That does not count the 23 which are currently committed. That would put you at 77 players not counted the handful we project to turn pro. If that number is correct that means there are 8 spots left for HS and transfer kids. We expect more attrition so the number could grow.

Who is on the highest flip alert?

Some stats and notes from me on Tramell Jones, FSU's 2025 QB commit, who played in a state title game on Friday in Tallahassee. We also have a scouting report from Patrick Burnham and Charles Fishbein, who also watched Jones in-person this afternoon

How is the TEAM reacting to all the nonsense going on. Is the mood like they want to smash Georgia, or is the mood like they just don’t give a darn right now.

Five-star WR Jeremiah Smith and two key DE transfer targets highlight the visitors this weekend.

https://floridastate.rivals.com/new...gets-highlight-weekend-official-visitors-list

What’s the reality FSU to BIG or SEC in the next 12 months?