...allow contributions from the HFC?

My apology if already discussed here.

FSU sports information:

The No. 18 Florida State volleyball team (8-2) wrapped up non-conference play with a sweep (25-23, 25-23, 25-13) over Alabama (8-3) Saturday afternoon at Foster Auditorium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Seminoles 8-2 record through 10 matches is their best start through 10 matches since 2021 when they also started 8-2.

The Seminoles' offense continued to stay hot in the first set as they hit .367 in the first set. After a close start to the set, the Seminoles were able to pull away and take a 17-12 lead. The Tide did not go down without fight and cut the lead to 20-18, but FSU responded to get to set point at 24-20. Alabama scored three-consecutive points to cut it to one, but Audrey Koenig ended the set with a kill to give the Noles a 1-0 lead.

The Noles jumped out to an early 10-2 lead in set two, but Alabama chipped away and tied the set at 15. The teams traded the next few points until Koenig recorded a kill and back-to-back aces to take a 20-16 lead. The Tide tied the set at 21, and after trading points, FSU prevailed to take the set 25-23 with Koenig once again recording a kill to end it.

The third set was all Seminoles from start to finish as they ran away with the final set by a score of 25-13.

The Seminoles hit a season-high .462 while they held Alabama to a .210 hitting percentage. Koenig led the way with her seventh-consecutive match with 10 or more kills as she had a game-high 13 kills. Louis continued her strong play with 11 kills while hitting .600. Maddie Snider came on strong and had a season-high 10 kills on 17 attempts. Defensively, Taylor Head led the way with a season-high 16 digs.

FSU will begin ACC play with a rivalry matchup against Miami on Wednesday night. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at Tully Gym on ACC Network.

It would appear there will not be a change at QB this week for FSU.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported this morning on College Gameday that FSU will stick with DJ Uiagalelei tonight vs. Cal.

Wilcox on whether having played against DJU last year when he was Oregon State's QB gives Cal an advantage in preparation:

DJ is a really talented guy. I remember him in high school, even in early years of high school. He's a big, physical guy. He can throw the ball all over the place. He's played a lot of football, and we played him last year. He played an excellent game against us last year and so we've got a ton of respect for him. He can throw it. He's really hard to tackle because he's so big. So we've got a lot of respect for DJ. ... Anytime you've seen somebody once, you kind of have a little bit more of a feel for him, but it's a different system.

Below is the link to the stats and play by play of Oregon State's 50-40 victory over Cal last year in which DJU was 19 for 25 and threw 5 TD passes with no turnovers.

OSU defeats Cal in 2023

As an offensive line standout on a couple great 80s FSU teams, few have enjoyed FSU’s OL resurgence of the last few years more than Mark Salva.

That has made FSU’s serious struggles and lack of cohesiveness up front this season tough for Salva to watch with no clear answers or fixes in sight.

FSU WR commit Malik Clark will be visiting South Carolina for their game against Akron today. Clark visited Florida State last week for their game against Memphis. It should come as no surprise but South Carolina and NC State have both come back around hard on Clark since Florida State has started the season 0-3. This will be one to monitor moving forward.
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All those drafted to the NFL didn't play....I see it now.

Story from Justin Hood and a few quotes from coach Brian Pensky:

After an afternoon of hyperbole and images of FSU fans with bags over their heads, Saturday came to a merciful end. As I lay in bed my wife noted my body was home but my head was still at Doak and then asked a humanizing question that became the subject of this column: What is going through Mike Norvell's mind tonight.
I called several former coaches in the morning to ask how they dealt with losses and while they each had similar processes, I found Mark Richt's comments particularily relevant. In this column, he takes us through his thoughts, emotions the other coaches shared with me as well. If you are ready to put the Memphis game to bed, you might enjoy what Richt has to share about how to motivate your team to keep fighting for improvement.

Solutions to move the 2024 team forward

Watching Altmeyer against Nebraska is making me jealous because of his scrambling ability. He can spin it too.

REBUILD

FSU sits at 75 scholarships if none of the underclassmen leave and there is no attrition. I really have not seen one player who is an underclassmen play who should declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Payton, Jackson, Farmer and AZ Thomas are the guys with the best shot at leaving early. Anyone else that wants to leave early like MJJ can. Personally someone like MJJ can take a pay cut and try and win a starting job in 2025. I would not run anyone off. I know that is the thing for most but the biggest issue is no longer getting to 85 which FSU is ten under the limit. It is 105. FSU is going to have to keep everyone in the fold. I have added in all of FSU 2025 commitments. This means they lose no other players to decommitments. FSU will need to add 30 more players between the portal and HS recruiting this off season. That number could grow to another 10-15 players depending on who leaves, who gets Med DQ’d. I do think there are pieces there to work with. We will break down the roster and give you are opinion.

QB

• Brock Glenn (RS SO) 6’2 215
• Luke Kromenhokek (RS FR) 6’4-210
• Tramell Johnes (FR) 6’0-200
• Walk On-Trever Jackson (RFR) 6’3-190

Comments: FSU needs to find out what they have in Brock Glenn. He either is THE GUY in 2025 or FSU is down to two scholarship quarterbacks next year and that is not ideal. I would still bring in another arm out of the portal even if it is back up. FSU is going to have seriously consider some options out of the portal.

Prediction – Glenn transfers, FSU takes another QB from HS and one from the portal.

Portal Options:

Top Targets:

Avery Johnson Kansas State (43-67 64.2% -6 TD-1 INT)
DJ Lagway University of Florida (27-44 61.4% 4 TD-3INT)

Anthony Colandrea: (UVA) (Lakewood HS-St Pete) 6’0-190 (71-103 -69%-5 TD/4 Int.)
Rocco Becht: (Iowa State) (Wesley Chapel) 6’1-210 (43-61-70.5% 4 TD/1int)

Comments: Why AVERY??? Avery came to FSU Seminole Showcase heading into his senior season. He was a true option for FSU and they went after other quarterbacks instead. Avery will be this classes Cam Ward. He has to enter the portal but if/when that happens FSU has to be ready to offer the million dollar price tag it will cost. He will be a junior…Bring him in, let Luke sit one more season and let’s roll.

RB

• Jaylin Lucas (SR) 5’9-180
• Kam Davis (SO) 5’10-220
• Samuel Singleton (FR) 5’11-195
• Micahi Danzy (FR) 6’1-190
• Byron Louis (TFR) 6’0-200

Comments: FSU backfield heading into 2025 will be much stronger then 2024. Davis and Danzy will be a year older and more experienced. You have Lucas who will come back with experience. Byron Louis is the future. He is really good. FSU can still go out and get a seasoned back out of the portal. He must be a Benson or Damian Martinez type back.


Portal Options
CJ Donaldson (West Virginia) (Hialeah HS) 6’2-240 (45 Rushes-246 Yards-5.47 AVG-3 TD)
Fluff Bothwell (South Alabama) (Oneonta HS) 5’10 220 (23-243-10.57 AVG-4 TD)
Montrell Johnson (UF) (NEW ORLEANS) 5’11-215 (SOPH SEASON-152-817-5TD)

Comments: CJ is from Hialeah HS in Miami. He was a bit of an h-back/running back/tight end in high school. He is big and powerful. He would complement what FSU is trying to run on offense. He is a junior and may declare for the draft. He may decide to play somewhere his senior season. He would be ideal for FSU.

WR

• Hykeem Williams (JR) 6’2-220
• Destyn Hill (SO) 6’1-195
• Camdon Frier (RFR) 6’0-190
• BJ Gibson (RFR) 6’0-190
• Lawayne McCoy (RFR) 6’1-180
• Elijah Moore (RFR) 6’4-200
• CJ Wiley (TFR) 6’4-190
• Malik Clark (TFR) 6’3-220
• Daylon McCutcheon (TFR) 5’11-175

Portal Options:
Eugene Wilson (JR) 5’10-170 (UF-Gaither HS) (13-191-14.69 AVG-1TD)

Comments: The only way FSU should go after a portal receivers is if they are legit. Wilson has proven to be one of the better weapons on UF team. He had close to 800 yards last season. FSU needs some experience. Add Wilson and Gadsden and the new QB in 2025 puts FSU right back on the map.

TE

• Brian Courtney (SR) 6’3-240
• Jackson West (SR) 6’4-240
• Jerrale Powers (SO) 6’4-240
• Landen Thomas (RFR) 6’4-235
• Amare Williams (RFR) 6’4-220
• Chase Loftin (RFR) 6’6-320

Portal Options:
Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse) (American Heritage) 6’5-240 (13-201-3 TD-15.5)
Arlis Boradingham (UF-Van Nuys-CA) 6’3-240 (Freshman Stats – 26-289 4 TD)
Randy Pittman (UCF-Mosley HS) 6’2-250) (6-95-Yards)

Comments: Gadsden father coached with Surtain. His son played for him at Heritage. Gadsden is a Tight End Version of Johnny Wilson. He would be someone I would really try and go after. You want to talk about changing your offense this kid would do it. He is a hybrid WR/TE. He would make an immediate impact on Day 1. Gadsden and Landen Thomas and the room went from dismal to potentially great.

OT

• Jaylen Early (JR) 6’4-300
• Lucas Simmons (SO) 6’8-310
• Jonathan Daniels (RFR) 6’4-290
• Manasse Itete (RFR) 6’5-300
• Jayden Todd (RFR) 6’6-325
• Solomon Thomas (TFR) 6’4-315

OG/C

• Julian Armella (JR) 6’6-325
• Bryson Estes (SR) 6’3-290
• TJ Ferguson (SR) 6’4-330
• Tye Hylton (RFR) 6’5-290
• Andre Otto (RFR) 6’5-320
• Peyton Joseph (RFR) 6’3-310

Portal Options
Rod Kearney (UF-Mandarin HS) (RFR) 6’4-310
Knijeah Harris (UF-IMG Academy HS) (SO) 6’3-320

Comments: FSU needed Perry. They need to circle back to him and offer more money. FSU will need to go to the portal. Harris starts for UF. He would give FSU a bigger, more athletic interior lineman. FSU is going to recruit the portal for Guards and Centers he would be a good one. I know Kearney spurned FSU the first time around….He would be a welcomed addition. FSU does need tackles…Gonna have to try and find one in the portal.

FSU sports information:

Junior All-American Luke Clanton shot a 2-under par 68 and is in a tie for third place in the individual standings, and the No. 2 ranked Seminoles are in a tie for fifth place in the team standings after the first round of the Fighting Illini Invitational at the Olympia Fields Country Club. Clanton, the Haskins Award nominee and No. 1 ranked amateur in the world, is playing in his first collegiate event of the season after an incredible summer during which he became the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1961 to record three top-10 finishes in the same season as an amateur on the PGA Tour.

Arizona State, with three players in the top-12 of the individual standings, is the team leader after the first 18 holes of the event. The Sun Devils hold a five-stroke lead over a group of four teams (Georgia Tech, Florida, Illinois, and North Carolina) and a six stroke lead over the Seminoles. Benjamin Reuter of Georgia Tech and Jose Luis Ballester of Arizona State share the individual lead as both golfers carded 6 under par scores of 64 on the par 70 course at Olympia Fields.

“We came out ready to compete today and had very good energy,” said Seminole Head Coach Trey Jones. “I feel like each player is in a very good spot and needs to stay aggressive. It’s easy to let a tough course take some of your aggressiveness away, but we have a committed to aggressive swings. The aggressiveness comes with confidence, and I see that continuing to grow on this team.”

Clanton led the Seminoles through the first round with a 68 – the 10th time in his career that he carded first round score in the 60s. He has carded a first round score in the 60s in five of his last six collegiate events including a 65 in the first round of the NCAA Stanford Regional during the spring of 2024.

Clanton played well throughout the round and was three under par with three birdies and 13 more holes played at par on his first 16 holes. He began the round with five consecutive holes scored at par and was never above par at any time during the round. He then totaled three birdies on his next 10 holes to move to three under par.

Clanton, who begins his second round within four strokes of the lead, has finished in the top five of the individual standings of six consecutive collegiate events – the Seminole Intercollegiate (1st) the Valspar Collegiate Invitational (1st), the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial (1st), the ACC Championship (5th), the NCAA Stanford Regional (tied for 5th) and the NCAA Championship (tied for 2nd).

Redshirt freshman Carson Brewer, who was the Seminoles’ leading golfer in the season-opening Folds of Honor Collegiate, carded a 1 under par score of 69 and in a tie for 11th place in the individual standings. He began the first round with consecutive birdies to quickly move to two under par. Brewer totaled 17 holes scored at par or better with two birdies during the round. He closed the round with a clean card of rounds scored of par over this final 10 holes of the round.

Brewer has scored three consecutive rounds at under par (70 in the second and third rounds of the Folds of Honor and a 69 in the first round of the Fighting Illini) and is just four strokes over par for the first four rounds of his Florida State career.

Senior Michael Mays was the third of the Seminoles to card a score of par or better as he finished the first round with an even par score of 70. He led Florida State with five birdies in his first round, as he too, was never above par during the round. Mays was even par on his front nine with two bridies, and even par on his back with three birdies. He is in a tie for 22nd place in the individual standings.

Mays has now carded rounds of par or better in the three of his first four rounds of the fall season.

Graduate student Gray Albright and junior Jack Bigham both finished with scores of 73 – allowing all five Seminoles to finish with scores of 73 or better.

The Seminoles will play with Florida and North Carolina in Saturday’s second round.

Fighting Illini Invitational, Sept. 20-22, 2024

Olympia Fields Country Club/Olympia Fields, Ill./Par 70

T5/15. – Florida State, 281
T3.– Luke Clanton, 68
T11. – Carson Brewer, 69
T22. – Michael Mays, 70
T46. – Jack Bigham, 73
T46. – Gray Albright, 73

Fighting Illini Invitational, Sept. 20-22, 2024

Olympia Fields Country Club/Olympia Fields, Ill./Par 70

1. – Arizona State, 273
T2. – Georgia Tech, 279
T2. – Florida, 279
T2. – North Carolina, 279
T5. – Florida State, 280
T5. – Stanford, 280
T5. – Illinois, 280
8. – Texas, 281
9. – Northwestern, 283
10. – Oklahoma State, 284
11. – Texas A&M, 286
12. – Texas Tech, 287
13. – Alabama, 291
14. – Baylor, 295
15. – Michigan, 300

The 2024-25 ACC women’s and men’s basketball schedules will be unveiled during back-to-back one-hour Nothing But Net primetime specials on Tuesday on ACC Network. The specials will provide a first look at the ACC game dates, times and networks for the season, breaking down key rivalries and top matchups ahead of the ACC’s first season as an 18-team conference.

Prior to Tuesday’s Nothing But Net schedule release shows, ACC PM with host Mark Packer will exclusively reveal the first conference game for each team on Monday at 4 p.m. on ACC PM.

The FSU men's hoops non-conference schedule is here

I have 2 Champions Club tickets sec 224 row 3 and parking pass Lot 19 available. If interested please make a reasonable offer. Go Noles!

@QuaZ2002 How's it been hanging, brother??

I know they are 3-0 but how good is Cal? I know we are really bad, but is this a game we should win handily?

Defense: DE's are not containing QB/RB's and NO pressure on the QB's, LB's are slow and can't cover the RB's coming out of the backfield. Offense: WR's are NOT getting separation. QB is, well slow. Lucas is a blaze....FSU has always had breakaway speed but this team is average.

Please join us live on the Osceola YouTube Channel for Seminole Sidelines at 3pm today. Our guest will be Matt Moreno from GoldenBearReport.com who will give us some insight on what type of team Cal is rolling into Tallahassee with. Then JP Peterson will join me to talk all things FSU football related, including his reaction to my Takeaway Tuesday column. Here is the link:

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FSU didn't have a chance to set up Brock Glenn for success in 2023. This year is different and Glenn could provide a spark to a sputtering offense.

If FSU waits much longer, though, it'll again be throwing him into the deep end of the tough part of the Seminoles' 2024 schedule.

Florida State was back at work Wednesday morning, holding its final practice availability of the week before Saturday night's home matchup against ACC newcomer Cal.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell said afterwards that he thought the FSU defense had one of its better practices. It's become harder to ascertain how practice has translated over to games (spoiler: not very well) but I do agree with Norvell's assessment. The defense, especially the secondary, brought quite a high energy level to Wednesday morning's practice, talking quite a bit and hyping each up during plays. Redshirt freshman safety K.J. Kirkland said after practice that this was a player-led decision that they hoped would spark the team as a whole as it remains in pursuit of that elusive first win of the 2024 season.

This was most evident during 1-on-1s against the wide receivers in the middle of practice. The secondary played with quite a bit of swagger and was winning reps at an impressive rate. There were a few reps won by the passing game -- Brock Glenn had a great deep ball to Ja'Khi Douglas and Jackson West fooled Conrad Hussey with some impressive footwork for an open catch in the end zone. On the whole, though, the secondary won the day. It was a throwback of sorts to when the FSU secondary had a quite impressive stretch in the middle of preseason camp.

Hussey almost had an interception early in the practice, jumping a route over the middle of the field in 11-on-11 work. Sione Lolohea also had a "sack" of DJ Uiagalelei during this period. Fentrell Cypress made a great play on the goal line, knocking down a pass in the back of the end zone and drawing a big reaction from his defensive teammates. Azareye'h Thomas also made quite a few plays on the ball in 11-on-11 work Wednesday, denying a few coverages with active hands and tight coverage.

The first team period of Wednesday's practice saw the offense tasked with trying to get points in a one-minute drill situation. The offense marched across midfield with a pair of short catches by Kyle Morlock, a catch by Amaree Williams and a defensive holding penalty. However, the offense ran out of time and Ryan Fitzgerald was unable to hit a 61-yard field goal.

The offense's best period of work came on the goal line near the end of practice with touchdowns scored on at least three straight plays, maybe even a fourth if a low pass was caught (a bit unclear). DJ Uiagalelei found Landen Thomas for a touchdown and then Douglas -- who had an impactful day in all phases -- for another. In between those, Brock Glenn took off and scampered his way for a touchdown run. Glenn also had a touchdown pass to Elijah Moore during this period.

Shortly after that in red-zone work, Glenn had probably the best throw of the day, a back-shoulder pass to Kyle Morlock which he caught while on the move through tight coverage for a really impressive touchdown.

2025 RB target Ousmane Kromah will be back on campus this weekend to take in the Cal game. He has set a commitment date for September 28th.

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