The more we dig in on Byron Louis, the better the FSU spot at No. 1 on his list feels going into decision time. More notes here:

I spoke with Linton last night about the offer and where the Seminoles sit with him.

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During the bye week, FSU's QBs and wideouts got together a few times without coaches to try and work out the kinks that have showed up this season.

After an improved week in practice, Mike Norvell is hopeful the passing game can sync better vs. Memphis.

Here is the YouTube link for today's show. Please join us live at 3pm today.

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The battle for Linton is heavily favored to Georgia currently but Florida State has thrown their hat in the ring for the North Atlanta defensive end.
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The Oral Argument on the ACC's request that the appellate court overturn Judge Cooper's decision on whether the stay the case in favor of NC will be heard in just over 24 hours (10am) in Tallahassee. Here is a link to the DCA site where it should be streamed. Each side gets 20 minutes.

I see a lot of people saying that the snub caused all this, or that our staff doesn't recruit well enough. That's all BS. I'm not even going to address the snub, that was last year, we have a different football team this year. As for recruiting, here's the deal. We recruit at a high enough level to win a national championship. We consistently have outrecruited Michigan and Washington, who played in the national championship last year. I don't think we have the NIL budget to consistently land top 10 classes. I think we are going to live in that 10-20 area, which is good enough. No amount of different coaches on this staff will lead to us landing a top 5 class. We literally do not have the money for it, so just forget about it. But money is not the issue. Georgia Tech and Boston College both recruit a bunch of players that we would never even offer, but because they actually developed their players, they both kicked our ass. Michigan and Ohio State is another perfect example. Michigan has never recruited on the level of Ohio State. Ohio State has always had way more money to throw around. Yet, because of their superior coaching and development of players, Michigan took the rivalry back and won a national championship. Now, Ohio State has built possibly the most expensive CFB roster ever constructed, and they are probably going to wipe the floor with Michigan this year. We cannot do what Ohio State is doing, we do not have the money for it. We can however, do what Michigan did, and develop our recruits into elite players. Michigan is the blueprint we can follow. We will never have the money to recruit with Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, etc. Our donor base is just not as big as those schools. We have to win with development, and that is precisely what we are not doing. I also see people complaining that we relied too heavily on the portal. That is also not the issue. Last year's team was built through the portal, and we were one of the best teams in the country before the Travis injury. Miami, who is probably going to murder us this year, is also built heavily through the portal. Their QB, RB, entire DL, and star LB are all from the portal. You can win through the portal if you choose the right guys who are hungry and develop them properly. So what is the solution? If these trends continue, we need to clean house with this coaching staff. Forget about recruiting, we have a decent enough NIL budget and that's all that matters in recruiting. What we need are coaches who can properly develop our players. We have enough talent on this roster to be way better than we are. We need better coaches. Norvell needs an OC. Atkins has shown zero ability to teach our line how to run block. Even last year, run blocking was the weakness of the team, and we probably would have been one dimensional in a playoff game, and probably would have lost. Keeping Atkins for recruiting is asinine. We have a bunch of 5th year seniors on this roster who still can't block. Atkins has not developed our players. He needs to go. Thomsen obviously needs to go, our tight ends are god awful. If the d-line doesn't improve rapidly, Papuchis and Haggins need to go. Shannon obviously needs to go, the linebackers are completely lost. I think Fuller may need to go as well. Teams have figured out his weakness, and he hasn't adapted. Teams have figured out that we always keep the box too light, and we don't communicate effectively when there is pre-snap motion. Until he adapts, we will continue to get gashed on defense. His system has 2 major weaknesses, and they've been figured out. Storms also needs to go. No excuse for us being pushed around by GT and BC. Barring a dramatic change in trajectory, this is going to a very bad season, and we need to fire a bunch of coaches. Forget about recruiting, we need coaches who can develop the players that we recruit. It should be obvious from the last 2 losses that development trumps recruiting every time.

FSU sports information:

The No. 21 Florida State volleyball team (5-1) will look to keep its momentum going as they host two in-state foes in Florida Atlantic (5-2) and UCF (4-0) this weekend in the Seminole Classic at Tully Gym. FSU will take on the Owls on Friday at 6 p.m. and UCF at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Both matches can be seen live on ACCNX with Shawn Davison and Madison Fitzpatrick on the call.

Noles Off to Hot Start

• FSU is off and running so far in 2024 as they look to defend its ACC Championship.
• FSU started 4-0 for the first time since 2017 including a win over No. 25 Georgia for their first ranked non-conference win since 2021.
• FSU opened up the season at home for the first time since 2011 and went 3-0 against USF, UC Santa Barbara and No. 25 Georgia. Both Georgia and UC Santa Barbara qualified for the 2023 NCAA Tournament while USF finished 22-12 last season.

Spreading the Wealth

• FSU has a plethora of offensive weapons and continues to spread the wealth.
• In the Seminole Invitational, FSU had three different kill leaders in three games.
• FSU has had five different players record 10 or more kills through six games.

Climbing the Ranks

• FSU was ranked No. 15 in last week’s AVCA/TARAFLEX Coaches Poll which is the program’s highest ranking since 2017.
• FSU opened the season ranked 20th in the preseason poll. It was the first time FSU was ranked to start the season since 2017.
• FSU picked up a ranked win against No. 25 Georgia. It was FSU’s 41st ranked win in program history and was the first time FSU beat a ranked non conference opponent since defeating No. 14 Florida in 2021.

SHE’S BAAAACCCKKKKK

• The reigning 2023 ACC Co-Player of the Year Audrey Koenig is back for one last season with the Seminoles and will look to solidify herself as one of the top players in FSU history.
• Koenig was just the fourth Seminole to win the ACC Player of the Year award and was the first Nole to accomplish the feat since Payton Caffrey in 2018.
• Koenig leads the team with 70 kills through six matches and is averaging 3.33 kills per set.
• Koenig has recorded 10 or more kills in the last four matches.
• Koenig also leads the team with 52 digs.
• Koenig also earned 2023 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honors for the first time in her career.
• Koenig’s 13 double-doubles last season were the 13th-most in FSU history.
• Koenig has recorded 1,027 kills during her career with the Garnet and Gold. Koenig became just the sixth player in FSU history to surpass 1,000 career kills in the rally scoring era. Her 1,027 kills is the sixth-best mark in school history. Koenig needs 11 kills to move into fifth and 40 kills to move into fourth. Koenig also ranks second all-time in the rally scoring era with 2,813 attacks.

Louis Coming Off Her Best Season as a Nole

• FSU senior and Tallahassee native Khori Louis put together her best season as a Seminole in 2023 as she earned First Team All-ACC honors and AVCA All-America Honorable Mention for the first time in her career.
• Louis hit a career-high .432 in 2023 which ranked fourth in the nation and was the fifth-best mark in school history and the best mark since Sareea Freeman in 2012.
• Louis has picked up right where she left off as she is hitting .450 with 60 kills to go along with 19 blocks.
• Louis holds a career hitting percentage of .366 which is fourth all-time in FSU history. Brianna Barry holds the program record for career hitting percentage as she hit .371 in her career from 2006-09.
• Louis was second on the team with 271 kills and 93 blocks in 2023.
• In her career, Louis has recorded 817 kills which is 11th in program history in the rally scoring era. Louis needs just 40 kills to crack the top 10 list.
• Louis also ranks top 15 in program history in the rally scoring era in solo blocks, assisted blocks and total blocks.

Noles Make Transfer Splash with Taylor Head

• The Seminoles made one of the biggest transfer moves in college volleyball last season as they picked up transfer Taylor Head from Arkansas. Head will have one season with the Seminoles after three seasons with Arkansas.
• Head was one of the best hitters not only in the SEC but the entire country last season as she picked up AVCA Third Team All-America honors after recording 494 kills with a .231 hitting percentage for a Razorback team that qualified for the Elite Eight.
• Head is currently second on the team with 51 digs and is third on the team with 55 kills.
• Head was one of the best all-around players in the country last season as she was third in the entire nation with 22 double-doubles.
• Head ranked in the top 10 in the SEC in total kills, kills per set, total attacks, attacks per set, double-doubles, points and total digs.
• Last season, Head would’ve led the ACC in total kills, points, double doubles and total attacks. Head also would’ve ranked in the top five in kills per set, attacks per set and points per set.
• Head spent her spring with the Florida State beach volleyball team where she finished the season with a 8-2 record.

Dupes Ready To Get Back on the Court

• After a knee injury kept her off the court in 2023, libero Emery Dupes is ready to become a force for the Seminoles’ defense once again.
• Dupes has played in all 21 sets so far this season and has recorded 21 digs.
• Prior to injury, Dupes led the team with 287 digs in 2022 while playing in 94 sets.
• As a freshman, Dupes earned All-ACC honors and became the first freshman libero in FSU history to earn All-ACC honors.
• Broke the school freshman record with 3.88 digs per set and was also just the 12th player in FSU history to record over 400 digs.
• Dupes is currently averaging 3.29 digs per set in her career which ranks ninth all-time in FSU history.
• Dupes has also been terrific behind the service line recording 44 aces in two seasons. In 2021, Dupes recorded six service aces in a single match which is tied for the third-most ever by a Seminole in a single match.

Perry Shines on Opening Weekend

• After redshirting at Iowa State last season, Perry shined on opening weekend for the Noles.
• Perry currently leads the team with 21 blocks and 1.11 blocks per set.
• Perry had seven total blocks against No. 25 Georgia which was just one block off her career high.
• Perry also has recorded 12 kills on 33 attempts.

Filimaua: A True Swiss Army Knife

• Kyleene Filimaua is a true do-it-all for Florida State volleyball.
• Returning to her main position as an outside hitter after playing libero last season, Filimaua was FSU’s kill leader in the season opener against USF with 10 kills while also adding 11 kills against UC Santa Barbara. Filimaua had just one double-digit kill game last season.
• To go along with her 61 kills this season, Filimaua has also recorded 46 digs, 15 assists, eight aces and four blocks.

Phelan Becoming a Force On the Service Line and On Defense

• Kenna Phelan has shown off her nasty serve this season, and it became a game-changer for FSU.
• In 10 sets on opening weekend, Phelan recorded 10 aces from the service line. Her 10 aces were the eighth-most in the entire country on opening weekend.
• Phelan has recorded 13 service aces in six matches so far this season.
• Phelan has also come on defensively as she has recorded 34 digs the last two matches. It is the first time in her career that Phelan has had back-to-back matches with 10 or more digs.
• Phelan has also been great as a setter in FSU’s 6-2 system as she has recorded 99 assists.

Henke Off To Strong Start for the Garnet and Gold

• After missing opening weekend, Iane Henke has come right in and been a very valuable asset for the Seminoles.
• In her debut, Henke tallied 10 kills and six blocks against Cal Poly.
• In total, Henke has had 24 kills in three matches and is averaging 2.18 kills per set.

For the final time before Saturday's home game against Memphis, the Florida State football held an open practice to media members Wednesday morning.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell said after the practice that they wanted to bring a bit more speed and intensity to the day's work to prepare the team for Saturday after it hasn't played up to its standard in the first two games of the season. I thought that was clear and translated onto the field, especially as the practice progressed. Below are the Osceola staff observations from Wednesday morning's practice:

FSU was definitely trying to find some unique ways to work on tackling in practice Wednesday after struggling to make tackles consistently enough in the first two games. One particular drill which we don't often see in practice during game weeks saw the skill-position players work on a perimeter blocking/tackling drill with screen passes and lateral runs towards the sideline. The coaches watching this drill seemed pleased with the defense's response to the physical challenge.

For the second time in as many practices, I thought the passing game really grew into the practice and finished quite strong after a slower start. There was a fairly successful one-minute drill which moved the ball across midfield early in practice and then the offense finished strong when working against the scout-team defense. Yes, it was the scout team, but we saw a level of very successful deep passing from DJ Uiagalelei during this portion of practice that we hadn't seen in some time even against the scout team. During this final portion of practice, he hit a number of beautiful deep balls to Ja'Khi Douglas through some pretty good coverage, found Jalen Brown open deep for a few more touchdowns and generally took more shots and had more success with the intermediate to deep passing game than we've seen him have in recent memory. It's not to say it was a perfect day for Uiagalelei. He had some miscues and missed opportunities. But it was an encouraging trend if he again starts for the Seminoles against Memphis.

Brock Glenn also had some success during this final portion of practice, including a few connections with Deuce Spann, who made a few nice catches against the scout team in addition to an exceptional leaping, toe-tapping catch in the back of the end zone during 1-on-1s. Norvell said that Hykeem Williams has had to shake some rust off this week as he's ramped back up, but he again made a few plays on Wednesday, including a really strong leaping catch near the goal line during situational work.

Freshman QB Luke Kromenhoek continues to impress, especially during 7-on-7 pass skelly. His arm is legit and he uses it well to rocket some throws over the middle of the field.

The run game also found a bit of success during the scout-team period with both Roydell Williams and Caziah Holmes busting a few runs. Freshman RB Kam Davis continues to flash as a pass-blocker with a few really nice reps Wednesday, showing how far he's come in this facet in a short period of time.

Patrick Payton added to his practice "sack" total Wednesday, combining with Tomiwa Durojaiye for a sack on the goal line. Marvin Jones Jr. also had a "sack" during an early 11-on-11 period when the defensive line converged on the quarterback. Redshirt freshman safety K.J. Kirkland added an interception against the scout-team offense.

On the special teams front, freshman kicker Jake Weinberg made what seems like an impossible trick shot when, on a field-goal attempt, he made the kick through the uprights and also fit it into a small window of approximately one foot by one foot way up the wall where FSU uses a camera to film out of. It was an impressive display of accuracy to match the big leg Weinberg possesses as FSU's kicker of the future.

Florida State is desperate to get the run game going. A big, bruising back like Kam Davis could be part of the solution.

The Seminoles will sorely miss a versatile and elusive runner (and pass-catcher) like Jaylin Lucas, who is out for the season with an injury. But after the bye week, FSU coaches are now trying to figure out which three running backs will take on the majority of the playing time.

Davis was FSU’s running back on the first drive of the third quarter against Boston College, a sign that the coaches feel good about what he can do in pressure moments.

“I just think it’s trust,” Davis said. “I work hard. The guys in the room push me to be able to be ready whenever my name is called. Coach YAC (David Johnson), he trusts me a lot.”

2025 four-star DE Tobi Haastrup has earned 19 Division 1 offers in just two weeks as he is exploding on the scene in his senior year. I spoke with Haastrup last night on why Florida State is a school that is he is seriously considering early on before making a decision in December. This kid is very raw but with the loss of Hilson, he needs to become a priority.
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If I buy a couple tickets in the club section for me and the boy Sat ( and possibly a few of his miscreant friends)do I get to hobnob inside as well ?

I have a horrible back and would like to have a seat softer than a cinder block.

I assumed I would be able to but just making sure.

TIA.

FSU is paying Memphis a $1.3 million guarantee for Saturday’s home game. This is close to prior guarantees to G5 schools but also lower than in past years this decade.

2020
Jacksonville State — $400,000

2021
Jacksonville State — $400,000
UMass — $1.5 million

2022
Duquesne — $400,000
Louisiana — $1.4 million

2023
North Alabama — $400,000
Southern Miss — $1.5 million

2024
Charleston Southern — $450,000
Memphis — $1.3 million

2025
Texas A&M Commerce — $450,000
Kent State — $1.2 million

FSU earned $5.1 million for playing LSU at New Orleans in 2022 and $5.1 million for playing LSU at Orlando in 2023

We previously wrote about the FSU-GT contract for the game in Ireland

FSU sports information:

Five current Seminoles advanced into the quarterfinals of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup at the Estadio El Campín on Wednesday evening.

After cruising through group play and outscoring opponents 14-0 in three matches, Brazil came into the match red-hot against tournament debutants Cameroon. After conceding an early goal, Brazil equalized from the penalty spot to tie the match at 1-1 before extra time was required. The Seleção immediately scored in the first minute of extended play before punching their ticket to Medellín and facing the winner of North Korea and Austria in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

The United States came out second in Group C and met a familiar foe in CONCACAF rival Mexico in the Round of 16. Taylor Suarez and Heather Gilchrist appeared in the starting lineup. The United States struck first at the ten minute mark before Mexico equalized just inside 25 minutes. Not five minutes passed before the Stars and Stripes regained the lead before conceding just before half at 2-2.

Just before the end of regulation, goal scorer Pietra Tordin was subbed off for Jordynn Dudley and the national freshman of the year took full advantage of the opportunity. Dudley was able to beat the defender and run towards the near post and sent her shot roaring into the top of the netting to put the U.S. ahead in extra time. Dudley scored her first goal of the tournament and worked through the remaining time off to seal a huge victory. The Americans await the winner of Germany and Argentina for a major quarter final battle in Cali.

How do we get them to quit with the DJ and canned music and let the Chiefs perform more during the games???? The canned music is annoying and contributes nothing to the games. The Chiefs work their tails off practicing every week and deserve to be heard during the games. I'd rather hear the Warchant and other traditional game songs to get the crowd involved. (I felt like I was back in Dublin last night)

FSU sports information:

Sophomore Carson Brewer finished in a tie for 19th place in the individual standings, and the Florida State Men’s Golf Team finished in sixth place in the season-opening Folds of Honor Collegiate at the American Dunes Golf Club. Playing in his first collegiate event, Brewer totaled scores of 70 in the second and third rounds to finish as the Seminoles’ leading golfer with a 5 over par 218 total.

Alabama, which carded under par team scores in the first and third rounds, earned the team championship with a seven stroke victory over Illinois. The Crimson Tide and the Fighting Illini finished as the only two schools under par in the 15-team field. Dominic Clemson of Alabama won the individual championship with a 1 stroke victory over Tommy Morison of Texas.

Brewer played sensational golf on day three of the championship with four birdies and 16 holes played at par or better. He played his best golf on his front nine with three birdies and a 2 under par score at the turn. Brewer totaled eight birdies during his second and third rounds of play and was a total of five strokes under par during the second and third rounds of play.

Senior Michael Mays earned his fifth carer top-25 finish with a 6 over par total of 219 and a tied for 23rd place finish. He posted rounds of 71 in the first and third rounds. Mays’ score of 71 in the third round included four birdies with two coming on his front nine and two coming on his back nine.

Mays’ tie for 23rd place finish is his best in three career appearances in the Folds of Honor with his 219 total for his three rounds in 2024 earning him his best score and finish in the event. His single round score of 71 in the first and third rounds in 2024 also marked his best sores in nine rounds of play in the event.

Junior Jack Bigham finished in a tie for 26th place with a score of 220, while graduate student Gray Albright finished in a tie for 30th place with a score of 221. Bigham carded a 74 in the final round while Albright totaled a 72 to help the Seminoles to their sixth place finish.

The Seminoles continue their five-match fall schedule at the Olympia Fields Intercollegiate hosted by the University of Illinois, September 20-22, at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois.

Third Annual Folds of Honor Collegiate/Sept. 9-11, 2024

American Dunes Golf Club/Grand Haven, Mich./Par 71

6/15., Florida State, 872

T19., Carson Brewer, 218

T23., Michael Mays, 219

T26., Jack Bigham, 220

T30., Gray Albright, 221

T51., Tyler Weaver, 228

Third Annual Folds of Honor Collegiate/Sept. 9-11, 2024

American Dunes Golf Club/Grand Haven, Mich./Par 71

1.-Alabama, 840

2.- Illinois, 847

3.- Texas, 855

4.- Michigan State, 861

5.- Notre Dame, 858

6.-Florida State, 872

7.- Ohio State, 875

8.- Kansas, 878

9.- Kentucky, 880

10.- Arkansas, 889

11.- Grand Valley State, 892

12.- Navy, 901

13.- Army West Point, 912

14.- Arkansas Pine-Bluff, 924

15.-Air Force, 929

Sunday Mourning QB

This week FSU fans don’t have to worry about the results of their game. They were able to sit back and watch the rest of college football teams. There were some meltdowns. The first was Arkansas. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead. They went into halftime up 21-7. Transfer quarterback Taylen Green finished with 416 yards and a TD. He rushed for over 60 yards. He helped Arkansas rack up 648 Total Yards of offense. Sam Pittman’s Arkansas team still lost 39-31 in OT to the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. While Pittman seat is scorching hot, Mike Gundy continues to be one of the most underrated coaches in college football. Gundy has won 168 games and lost 79. He has ten seasons of at least 9 wins. He has two teams that have won 12 games. Oklahoma State is not the easiest place to win and he has done it better than anyone else who has gone through there and that includes Hall of Fame Coach Jimmy Johnson.

Notre Dame – Now that Texas seems to have found their rhythm amongst college football elites, ND has taken the mantle of most overrated program in the country. They beat Texas A&M last weekend and come back and lose to NIU at home 16-14. Notre Dame officially eliminated themselves in week 2 from the playoffs. They have an easy schedule but this loss will loom large and now they must run the table and not having a conference championship game hurts them. They will have to land an at large bid and the loss to NIU will stick out like a sore thumb. As for their coach Marcus Freeman. I was never a fan of his hiring. He was the DC at Cincinnati. At the time that was just a title in name as Luke Fickle was the guy really running the show? Freeman is a nice guy but the head coach at Notre Dame. The first HC job he would hold. I think this one will not end well and ND will be hiring a new coach sooner rather than later.

Alabama + Jalen Milroe = more bad than good. Milroe is not a good quarterback. When you look at Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami, USC or even LSU. Which of these teams do you believe Milroe is better than the starter on the opposite sideline? I feel Texas, UGA and even LSU are better teams because of their quarterback situations. I feel that even teams like Tennessee could give Bama fits. This is the year to get them as this maybe DeBoer worst team.

Transfer Portal – I think we can just declare Miami finished with the top class. Tyler Barron –STUD, Damian Martinez-STUD….Cam Ward-Stud. Should I keep going? Add in great high school recruiting a Miami is back. It took 20+ years but this is their best team in since 2001-2002. They still have some flaws but that roster is starting to look stacked. Mario has a team that can make some noise this year.

DJ Lagway – They say starters don’t lose their jobs because of Injury. Well this may be one case where the starter does not get his job back. Lagway did play Samford but Lagway put up 456 yards and 3 touchdowns. I said it this spring, Lagway is the real deal and will make life very difficult for opposing fans in 2025-2026.

YOUNG GUNS….Dominic Raiola – Nebraska is 2-0. They play Northern Iowa next. They follow that up with Illinois, Purdue, Rutgers and Indiana. They finish with Ohio State, UCLA, USC, Wisconsin and Iowa. One player changed an entire programs outlook. DR was very impressive. This is one of the best young quarterbacks in the country.

IF YOU HAVE TO HIT THE PORTAL IN 2025 – AVERY JOHNSON. Now the kid needs to hit the portal but IF HE DOES….This is the guy I want. I think he is this year’s version of Cam Ward. He was 15-23 for 181 yards and two touchdowns against Tulane. Not great numbers but realize his top receiver was running back DJ Giddens who had four receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown. He has no one to throw to. He is a very good athlete and Johnson can throw the ball. Some will say WHY FSU. Well Johnson did come to FSU Summer Elite Camp two years ago. MN offered his a full ride. If Kromenhoek is not ready and Glenn is not the guy this kid can change your luck next off-season.

On a heater….We chose Georgia Tech to cover against FSU. We liked USC to cover over LSU, Miami over UF, UGA to blow out Clemson, Penn State over WVU and the Irish over Texas A&M. This week we gave you Texas big over Michigan and questioned why Syracuse was only a 3 point dog to Georgia Tech. We will try and give you more correct picks in the coming weeks.

HOT SEAT or Hot Coaching Prospects

1-Sam Pittman - Up 14-0 and 21-7. He is trying to get fired. Tavion Wallace on line 1....For the love of God -As John Malkovich says in Rounds....FSU needs to pay the man.

2-Bill Napier - Next coach up should thank him for DJ Lagway.

3-Stan Drayton - For those don't know he coaches Temple. They lost 38-11 to Navy who was is not quarterbacked by Roger Staubach. Can you imagine they interviewed Fran Brown.

4-Marcus Freeman- I am not saying he will get fired this year but this seat is hot. He lost to Marshall at home in 2022. You can't lose to NIU. I was against the hire when it happened. When players cheer for a coaching being hired...OH NO. Larry Coker after Butch. Clay Helton. This thing won't end well.

5-Kirk Ferentz- He can't blame his son for the offense sucking anymore. They lost to Iowa State yesterday. One name here (Mark Stoops). Iowa and the Stoops family have major ties.

WHOSE NEXT....There will be openings who will be the GUYS...

1-Elijah Drinkwitz- He is the leader in the clubhouse for the next coach at Florida. He is young, an offensive coach is already in the SEC. He would take Lagway and turn him into a Heisman Trophy Canidate.

2-Alex Golesh - What he has done at USF is quite impressive. Guy is a very good coach and finds talent. He has had USF in two games back to back years against Bama. You look at USF schedule and they would easily have 9 wins if not for games against Bama and Miami. He is going to be sought after.

3-D'Anton Lynn- For those who have not watched USC play this year their defense does not look the same. Guys are flying to the football. They are actually tackling guys. He is one of the best off-season hires in the country. He is young and someone is going to hire the man in the next two years. Lincoln needs to lock him up with a 3-4 million dollar a year contract and tell him to wait for a good job like Kirby did at BAMA. UCLA not hiring him is on par of Fran Brown not getting the HC job at Temple.

4-Jamey Chadwell- at North Greenville he went 11-3 and made the playoffs. Charleston Southern he won 10 games. At Coastal his teams won 11 games twice. He went 13-0 last year at Liberty and is 2-0 this year. They struggled last night but he has an offense like Urban Meyer coming from Utah. This guy is made to coach in the SEC. It is only a matter of time. UF has two choices Drink or Chad. Not hard but their AD seem to screw it up more times than not.

5-Curt Cignetti - Indiana is 2-0. They beat a crappy Western Illinois team 77-3. I know it was only Western Illinois. Cignetti is not losing to NIU at home. They play UCLA, Charlotte, Maryland and Northwestern next....They could be bowl eligible after that stretch. In year one a bowl game at IU. Some guys are just good coaches....He is one of them.


Polls….

1-Texas (2-0)- Over the first two weeks there has not been a more impressive team in college football. Texas who always seems to underachieve made it the playoffs last year. They lost to the Washington Huskies in the first round and that motivation seems to be on full display in 2024. Quarterback Qwinn Ewers is the front runner for the Heisman Trophy after two weeks. This team has talent at receiver, running back, tight end and on the offensive line. Their defense is much improve this year. Texas is the number one team in the country right now.

2-UGA (2-0): Georgia had an impressive win over Clemson. The dominated the 2nd half against a team that was pre-season ranked top 15. Georgia has one of the best signal callers in Carson Beck. They have a very good backfield. They once again have one of the best defenses in the nation.

3-Ole Miss (2-0): Ole Miss has put up over 100 points in two games. While they have not played very good competition they have buried both opponents. Jaxson Dart looks to have finally found his groove. This team is loaded on offense and looks to have a much improved defense in 2024. To beat them you will have to outscore the rebels and not many teams can do that.

4-Ohio State (2-0): The Buckeyes are everyone’s darling this year. Will Howard put up an impressive performance against Western Michigan? Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith is one of the best receivers in the country. Ohio State has an impressive run game. Their defense has shown up in the first two games. This is a very good team but right now Texas, UGA and Ole Miss are still ahead of them in my opinion.

5-Miami (2-0): The U is back. We have heard that for over 20 years. We will say it, THE U IS BACK. Cam Ward is one of the best players in the country at the quarterback position. Miami has one of the best running backs in transfer Damian Martinez. They have talent and depth on the offensive line. There are not many better defensive lines in the country. Miami has an easy schedule but they must avoid those pitfalls that have ruined many seasons in Coral Gables.

6-Missouri (2-0): Eli Drinwitz keeps winning and Gator fans may start cheering his name at home games. The guy is a very good coach. Luther Burden is one of the best receivers in the country. Missouri can run on defense. This is a dark horse for the playoffs in 2024.

7- Alabama (2-0): Bama looked very beatable through three quarters against USF. Don’t get me wrong Bama can beat anyone on their schedule. They could also lose a few along the way. This team has some flaws and it starts at the quarterback position; Jalen Milroe. I just feel that he is the weak link for the Crimson Tide.

8- Penn State (2-0): Penn State struggled at home against Bowling Green. They did what they needed and that is win and move on. Quarterback Drew Allar is one of the most frustrating quarterbacks in the country. He has a big time arm but is very inconsistent. He can beat you with his legs. The Lions have two of the very best backs in the nation. Their defense is for real. Penn State has a chance for a big season. Their season comes down to two games; USC and Ohio State. Win either of those and make it to the Big Ten Title game and Franklin will get his first playoff appearance.

9- Oregon (2-0) the first two weeks have not looked good for the Ducks. Dillon Gabriel is getting better. Oregon had a run game this week. The defense got some stops but this team was expected to contend for a playoff spot. They are at best the third best team in the BIG whatever you want to call it now.

10-Utah (2-0) - Cam Rising got injured and just petitioned the NCAA for his 20th season of college football. Utah can't afford for Rising to be out very long or this ranking won't last. For those who don't watch much college football do yourself a favor and watch Utah. This team is as well coaches as any in the country. They play physical football. If there was a team that could transition to the SEC conference and have success right away it would be Utah. They are big and physical.

11- Tennessee (2-0): Tennessee found Phil Fulmer Jr in Josh Huepel. One of the reasons why UF has struggled to make it back is the success of UGA. Now that Tennessee got better it makes that rise back to the top that much harder. Tennessee beat NC State like they were Eastern Kentucky. The Vols look good and are a serious threat this year to not only make the SEC Title game but also the playoffs. They along with Missouri are two dark horses in the SEC.

12- USC-(2-0): Everyone was worried about Caleb Williams leaving USC. Miller Moss has filled in nicely for the former Heisman Trophy Winner. USC has a very impressive passing game. They also can run the ball this year. DC Anthony Lynn is going to start getting calls from Athletic Directors wondering if he is interested in their head coaching opening.

13-Oklahoma (2-0): Oklahoma has not looked pretty doing it but they are 2-0. Jackson Arnold has not played to the level of Dillion Gabriel. Heck, Dillon Gabriel has not played to the level of Dillon Gabriel. OU first test comes against Tennessee in a couple of weeks.

14- Louisville (2-0): Jeff Brohm is a very good coach. Did I say it...Jeff Brohm is a very good coach. It is actually a good thing that he is now coaching in the ACC as his teams don't seem to dissapoint. Unlike NC State who emabarrased the conference yesterday. I would not be surprised to see them be the team that makes it back to the ACC Title game.

15- Arizona (2-0): Arizona does not look like the same team as last season. They still have their star QB and star receiver but they are missing their former head coach who is now in Washington. I don't think this is going to last long.

The best of the rest 16-25

16-Nebraska (2-0): Nebraska is still a flawed team. Even though that statement is most likely true, they also have one of the best freshman quarterbacks in the country. Dominic Raiola looks like another #15 from KC. This is a team that looked and played differently against Colorado.

17-Oklahoma State (2-0): Mike Gundy continues to win ball games in Stillwater. They were down 14-0 and 21-7 against Arkansas only to come back and win in overtime. Ollie Gordon is one of the top five backs in the nation. The defense needs to do a better job for the Cowboys to be a threat for the Big 12 Championship.

18- ASU (2-0)- Dilly has ASU playing some great football. They were pouding Mississippi State most of the game before I turned it off last night. He has one of the toughest running backs in the county with Cam Skattebo.

19- Clemson (1-1): Klubnik finally clubbed an opponent. He threw for five touchdowns. Clemson made App State look like a G5 program they are.

20- LSU (1-1): LSU had a tough loss to USC. That being said the Trojans over the past two weeks have shown they are for real. At the end of the year that will end up a good loss for the Tigers. They have a really good young QB. They did lose their starting running back to an ACL injury. Can they replace John Emery? The Tigers are a team to watch in the second half of this season.

21- TCU (2-0): TCU had a championship title game apperance hangover in 2024. This year it seems like FSU has it. TCU looks to have rebounded in 2024. TCU is sitting at 2-0 and could be a team to watch in the Big 12.

22-Washington (2-0): The Huskies hired Jeff Fisch. He was a great hire for a program that just lost their elite coach. The Huskies are going to a ruin a couple teams season in the Big 10.

23-Kansas State (2-0) Avery Johnson is my favorite under the radar QB. He needs to be priority number one in the off-season. This is another team that plays hard nosed football.

24- Notre Dame (1-1) –Notre Dame used to have the luck of the Irish. They now find ways to lose to teams like Northern Illinois at home. Head Coach Marcus Freeman better stop losing these types of games or he will be the Ex-Head Coach at Notre Dame. They still have a very good backfield. The Irish also have a very good defense. It is transfer Riley Leonard that needs to step up his game.

25-Michigan (1-1): This is the not the same Michigan team that made the playoffs the past two years. It is hard to justify by keeping them in the top 25. A loss vs. USC in two weeks will knock them out of the polls. Michigan lost too much on both sides of the football. They lack play makers on offense and defense. 8 wins would be a great season for this Michigan football team.

PLAYOFFS....AS JIM MORA LIKE TO SAY...

1-Texas -BYE
2-UGA-BYE
3-Ohio State-BYE
4-Miami -BYE

5-OLE MISS vs 12 Liberty
6-Missouri vs. 11 Tennessee
7-Oregon vs 10 UTAH
8. Penn State vs. 9. Kansas State

FSU sports information:

Florida State’s Mirabel Ting birdied five of her last six holes and won the individual championship of the Third Annual Folds of Honor Collegiate at the American Dunes Golf Club. Ting’s third career win helped Florida State to a second place finish in the team standings as Ting (first), junior Lottie Woad (tied for third), and freshman Sophia Fullbrook (tied for sixth) all earned top 10 individual finishes in the power-packed first event of the fall season for the No. 6 ranked Seminoles.



Arizona, with two players in the top six, and four in the top 21 of the individual standings, won the team championship with a three-stroke victory over Florida State. The Seminoles finished nine strokes ahead of third placed finishing Ohio State. Ting, who carded a 68 in the final round, defeated Arizona’s Carolina Melgrati by two strokes to win her third carer championship. Megan Streicher finished in a tie for third with Florida State’s Woad as the par finished with 3 under par scores of 213.



“This was a really good week of golf for our team,” said Head Coach Amy Bond. “It’s a good first week because it was the first tournament of the fall, and we didn’t have a lot of practice time. There are a lot of positives to come from this event as well as weaknesses that need attention.”



Ting got hot at the right time as she carded six birdies on her final 10 holes to win her third career collegiate championship. She was one over par on her first eight holes and six under par on her final 10 holes to overtake Melgrati who led the tournament over the course of the first 36 holes. The junior was even par at the turn, and five under par on her back nine with five birdies and four holes scores at par to take over the lead and win the championship. She finished in first place by two strokes with a 6 under par total of 210 for the 54 hole event.



“I was in shock, actually,” said Ting about her string of five consecutive bridies. “I wasn’t really sure what was happening. I asked coach Ryan (Heisey) to walk with me on the par three hole No. 12. We have this joke that when I see Ryan, our assistant coach, I’ll make birdies. He followed me the entire last seven holes and they just kept coming. Thanks to coach Ryan.”



The victory was Ting’s third as a collegiate player, and second as a Seminole. She won the spring 2023 Moon Invitational as a freshman at Augusta University and the spring 2024 as a sophomore at Florida State.



“I’m very proud of Mirabel,” said Bond. “Especially for the way she gave us a chance at the end. Lottie played great golf as did Sophia in her first career tournament.”



Woad carded a 2 under par score of 70 to finish with a 3 under par score of 213. She finished in a tie for third place in the individual standings.



Woad carded four birdies and finished the championship at 1 under par over her last six holes. She was 2 strokes under par with three birdies over her final 14 holes of the final round. She totaled 11 birdies in fishing under par for the 11th consecutive event as a Seminole. She has finished each of her events under par since finishing at 8 strokes under par in the 2023 fall season opening ANNIKA Intercollegiate.



Woad has now earned three consecutive top three finishes (third at the 2024 Las Vegas Regional Championship, second at the NCAA Championship Finals, and now tied for third at the Folds of Honor. Woad has finished the top three of in 11 of her 20 career events as a Seminoles.



Freshman Sophia Fullbrook finished in a tie for sixth place in her collegiate debut for the Seminoles. She carded scores of 73-69-75 for a 2 over par total of 217. Fullbrook totaled a 69 in the second round – the second-lowest single round score of the tournament by a Seminole.



Senior Kaylah Williams (73 in the final round) and freshman Christina Surcey (76) both played their best rounds of golf in Wednesday’s final round.



The Seminoles’ next event comes at the Belmar Golf Club at the Schoner Fall Classic in Norman, Okla., Sept., 21-23.



Third Annual Folds of Honor Collegiate/Sept 9-11, 2024

American Dunes Golf Club/Grand Haven, Mich./Par 72

2/15., Florida State, 871

1., Mirabel Ting, 210

T3., Lottie Woad, 213

T6., Sophia Fullbrook, 217

T41., Kaylah Williams, 231

T64., Christina Surcey, 239



Third Annual Folds of Honor Collegiate/Sept 9-11, 2024

American Dunes Golf Club/Grand Haven, Mich./Par 72

1.-Arizona, 868

2.-FLORIDA STATE, 871

3.-Ohio State, 880

T4.-Texas, 883

T4.-Baylor, 883

T4.-Michigan State, 883

7.-Kansas, 894

8.-North Carolina, 896

9.-San Jose State, 903

10.-Notre Dame, 916

11.-Tulsa, 920

12.-Howard, 921

13.-Colorado State, 932

14.-Grand Valley State, 935

15 .-Navy, 969

Mike Norvell begins talking on "Inside Seminole Football" with Jeff Culhane

The bye week came at the right time after an 0-2 start. The Seminoles had a great approach, focused on discipline, details and fundamentals.

Please look at Matt Baker's critical article on Mike's success/failure at developing his own recruits as well as the number of "Blue Chip" recruits in the '20 and '21 classes (15). I don't recall having that many BC's those 2 years. He places the blame for this year's start on Mike's failure to develop those classes. I don't believe there were many impact guys in those classes. Would you examine this issue and clarify the situation from your perspective? I think Matt on average try's to be even-handed, but he is a Gator grad and rarely misses an opportunity to strike wounded prey.

Saturday, Sept. 14, Noon ET
Louisiana Tech at NC State
Series: NC State leads series, 2-0
Last meeting: NC State, 34-27 (2021)
ACCN: Jorge Sedano (play-by-play), Orlando Franklin (analyst), Morgan Uber (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 162 / SiriusXM 194
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 956 / SiriusXM 983

Saturday, Sept. 14, Noon ET
[RV] Memphis at Florida State
Series: Florida State leads series, 10-7-1
Last meeting: Florida State, 35-3 (1990)
ESPN: Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), Kris Budden (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 119 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 381
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 955 / SiriusXM 971

Saturday, Sept. 14, 12:45 p.m. ET
#24 Boston College at #6 Missouri
Series: Boston College leads series, 1-0
Last meeting: Boston College, 41-34 (2021)
SECN: Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), Alyssa Lang (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 161 / SiriusXM 190 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 371 / SiriusXM 960

Saturday, Sept. 14, 3:30 p.m. ET
West Virginia at [RV] Pitt
Series: Pitt leads series, 62-41-3
Last meeting: West Virginia, 17-6 (2023)
ESPN2: Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), Dawn Davenport (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 119 / SiriusXM 139 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 198
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 952 / SiriusXM 955

Saturday, Sept. 14, 3:30 p.m. ET
Ball State at #10 Miami
Series: First Meeting
Last meeting: N/A
ACCN: Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Mark Herzlich (analyst), Coley Harvey (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 162 / SiriusXM 194
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 956 / SiriusXM 989

Saturday, Sept. 14, 3:30 p.m. ET
VMI at Georgia Tech
Series: Georgia Tech leads series, 14-1
Last meeting: Georgia Tech, 34-7 (1988)
ACCNX: Shawn Kenney (play-by-play), Forrest Conoly (analyst)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 113 / SiriusXM 202
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 964

Saturday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m. ET
NC Central at [RV] North Carolina
Series: First Meeting
Last meeting: N/A
ACCNX: Kevin Fitzgerald (play-by-play), Charlie Strong (analyst), Ashley Stroehlein (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 103 / SiriusXM 206
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 968

Saturday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m. ET
UConn at Duke
Series: UConn leads series, 2-1
Last meeting: Duke, 41-7 (2023)
ACCNX: Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Steve Addazio (analyst), Marilyn Payne (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 94 / SiriusXM 205 / SiriusXM 390
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 967 / SiriusXM 980

Saturday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m. ET
Virginia Tech at Old Dominion
Series: Virginia Tech leads series, 3-2
Last meeting: Virginia Tech, 36-17 (2023)
ESPN+: Chip Tarkenton (play-by-play), Andy Mashaw (analyst)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 146 / SiriusXM 204
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 966

Saturday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m. ET
#5 Ole Miss at Wake Forest
Series: Wake Forest leads series, 2-0
Last meeting: Wake Forest, 30-28 (2008)
The CW: Thom Brennaman (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst), Treavor Scales (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 132 / SiriusXM 192 / SiriusXM 371
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 371 / SiriusXM 962

Saturday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m. ET
Maryland at Virginia
Series: Maryland leads series, 45-32-2
Last meeting: Maryland, 42-14 (2023)
ACCN: Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tom Luginbill (analyst), Dana Boyle (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 119 / SiriusXM 138 / SiriusXM 193 / SiriusXM 196
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 955 / SiriusXM 958

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10:30 p.m. ET
San Diego State at [RV] California
Series: Series is tied, 4-4
Last meeting: San Diego State, 45-40 (2016)
ESPN: Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (analyst), Stormy Buonantony (sideline)
SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM 371 / SiriusXM 390
SiriusXM App: SiriusXM 371 / SiriusXM 980