Tomahawk Nation: for Florida State Seminoles fans

Florida State is off to Super Regionals, set to face off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders following a dramatic victory over the Auburn Tigers in two games in Tallahassee to kick off NCAA Tournament competition. On this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap, Brian and Gwyn break down the Seminoles' regionals performance as well as their matchup vs. Texas Tech. The duo review results from the rest of the field -- including some unexpected upsets -- and look at the road to Oklahoma City for the country at large. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New FSU basketball coach Luke Loucks discusses his vision for FSU: a fast, three-point-heavy, NBA-style offense and a top-tier defense, inspired by Steve Kerr and Mike Brown. Speaking in Jacksonville, he talks on JU transfer Robert McCray V and how he brings what Loucks believes to be NBA-level athleticism to the squad, part of his first-year approach of blending portal talent with homegrown players. In addition, he spoke on the ACC's down year (pushing for more investment to rival the SEC), praises Leonard Hamilton's Hall of Fame legacy and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After wrapping up the annual trip to Amelia Island for the ACC Spring Meetings, FSU head coach Mike Norvell made a stop in Jacksonville on Thursday for a Seminole Boosters event. Before meeting with fans, he spoke with the media on a variety of topics, including his post-spring thoughts on his squad, what he's seen from new quarterback Tommy Castellanos as well as the rest of his gunslingers, what lessons he's taking from last season and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida State softball team will open their NCAA Tournament run at home this Friday as the Seminoles host the Tallahassee Regional. The No. 5 overall seed FSU is set to host the Auburn Tigers for the second year in a row, the USF Bulls and the Robert Morris Colonials as the No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 seeds for the weekend. On this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast, Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin discuss the Seminoles draw with this regional, including the unusual path that brought Auburn back to town this year, USF's strength in the circle and Robert Morris' potential upset hopes. They also recap an eventful last two weeks that saw a no-hitter, the announcement of a season-ending injury, clinching an ACC regular season title and a loss in the ACC Tournament Championship Game. Gwyn and Brian also give their picks for each regional around the country this weekend through Softball America's World Series Pickem Challenge. And yes, that includes who they expect to be in Tallahassee next weekend for the Super Regionals plus some top-seed upsets around the country. As we get started on the postseason run, thank you for listening all year long and allowing us to talk softball with you. We're excited to watch the next month of softball ahead. Tallahassee Regional: Game schedule, TV info May 16 Game 1: South Florida vs. Auburn | 12 p.m. | ESPNU Game 2: Robert Morris vs. No. 5 Florida State | 2:30 p.m. | ACC Network May 17 Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD* *Loser eliminated Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD* *Loser eliminated May 18 Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 12 p.m. | TV TBD Game 7 (if necessary): TBD vs. TBD | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida State Seminoles softball team is heading to Virginia Tech this weekend one win away from clinching the ACC regular season championship and the top seed in next week's ACC Tournament. For the Noles, it's been a strong last few weeks as they enter the final week of the regular season 16-2 in conference play, 42-7 overall and currently on the right side of the top-eight national seed bubble. On this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap, Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin look at the biggest strengths of the team with the large majority of the year in the rearview mirror, the growth to sure up some weak spots, the potential ACC Tournament sleepers and the bracketology outlook for the Noles with just a few games remaining before the NCAA Regionals get underway. Plus, they look back at this week's Senior Showcase honoring an outstanding class of seniors who have left a lasting mark on the program and Michaela Edenfield's Golden Moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With spring camp firmly in the books for Florida State, head coach Mike Norvell met with the media on Wednesday for a post-spring press conference, touching on what he called a “very productive spring.” “I thought that we really got a great glimpse of the potential of what this team can be,” Norvell said, praising players for “trying to be their best, trying to challenge each other, trying to compete.” One of the highlights for him was the way the team responded following a lackluster practice towards the end of spring, bouncing back to showcase the execution he had been searching for up to that point: “To see the way that they responded the next two days was really a great opportunity for them to show a little bit of that grit, a little bit of that desire and the edge.” With spring practice cut two practices short due to the tragic shooting on campus (“I definitely think that was the right decision to be made”), the Seminoles will look to offseason and summer workouts to pick up the work and further establish continuity. Norvell spoke on the offensive line, which was one of the position groups hardest hit by injuries this spring, saying that “it's gonna be a group that has great experience… potentially one of the great strengths of what this team can be,” while saying that the attrition in the receiver room was a result of “real conversations” due to being over numbers. “Nothing's happened I can say was just absolutely unexpected.....I'm really pleased with some of the newcomers that joined the program in January, and I really believe that the growth of guys that have been here.” He was especially complimentary of the quarterbacks, saying that watching the group was “one of the highlights of our spring ball.” Florida State added transfer quarterback Jalen King last week, something that excited Norvell as he anticipates King to “hit the ground running....he's going to be a great addition to the quarterback room. We've had the last few years we only had three scholarship quarterbacks… being able to have another talented young man in that room… is gonna provide great depth.” The head coach also spoke on tight end Markeston Douglas' decision to remain with the Seminoles after previously announcing his desire to transfer for the second time in three years, saying “I'm grateful that he is here… I think we've got a chance to have a really dynamic tight end room… Markeston definitely brings tremendous value and playmaking ability.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida State coaches said before hitting the field for spring practices that the first part of camp would be about installation, familiarity and establishing healthy habits. Thursday marked the eighth day of spring practice, meaning the Noles are on the back nine of camp — and with the second of three scrimmages looming this coming Saturday, head coach Mike Norvell “wants to see guys take another step.” He didn't see it on Thursday, however, saying after practice that he saw the team put together an up-and-down day with “lulls” throughout practice. “I didn't think today was a bad practice, I just think there are moments we have to be better...We had two drops that were big play opportunities, and we have to eliminate that.” The head coach said Saturday's scrimmage, the only open-media activity of the spring, will “be a little more game-like” with a continued emphasis on situational reps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh off a series sweep of NC State, Florida State softball now heads into a Top 10 matchup against the Florida Gators. But even during a major season so far for the Seminoles, some things stand out as bigger than sports. In this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast, Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin discuss head coach Lonni Alameda's recent breast cancer diagnosis, the outpouring of support for her, and her impact on the program. Switching gears back to the diamond, the duo discuss a big win on the road over a ranked Duke Blue Devils and the continuing to roll against Stetson and NC State. Gwyn offers her insight into the home game against Florida and what the Gators bring to the table, wrapping up with thoughts on the ‘Noles upcoming trip back out West to face a pair of California teams. Gwyn and Brian also talk about the ongoing Brady Vernon vs. Ellis Family Twitter battle, women's basketball Sweet 16 and a trip to the ACC Tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida State football held its first practice of April, with Tuesday serving as the seventh day of spring camp. The Seminoles scrimmaged on Saturday, offering the coaching staff's first look into the team in situational action and the player's first opportunity to measure their progress so far. “We wanted to see a day of response...whether it's drastic improvement or just a fundamental focus, situational awareness, the different elements that you get coming out of a scrimmage that will show up, especially for a lot of newcomers,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “It was a good test to see the mindset, response.” Norvell said he liked the energy that the team came with, especially with the staff putting them in situations where a competitive edge was needed — “defined winner-loser” portions where the aim was to build off what was seen on Saturday. “I thought guys handled it well, it was good physicality, good speed....guys that were given a great opportunity, we're getting a great perspective of exactly where they are and I think some guys are taking advantage of it.” Norvell highlighted the performance of several players from the scrimmage — running back Sam Singleton, wide receiver Elijah Moore, defensive back Earl Little and linebacker Omar Graham, who specifically was singled out for continued elevation over the past week, capping it off with a strong showing in the scrimmage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Florida State football continues to increase its workload, the Seminoles took the field Saturday for their first spring scrimmage. Mike Norvell told reporters in Tallahassee on Thursday that today's practice would be mostly situational, with a heavy emphasis on the red zone on third down. Norvell opened his statement by giving specifics for the day's proceedings. He said the team went “roughly 110-120 plays” with some special-teams work at the beginning of practice. After, he highlighted players who stepped up during the scrimmage. “I thought Sam Singleton had a couple of big plays, and Roydell has gotten back in the swing, Jaylin Lucas had a TD run. Defensively, we were able to create a couple of takeaways. Earl had an INT, and Ethan Pritchard had a pick-six.” Norvell also touched on the quarterback room and the moxie from Tommy Castellanos, Brock Glenn, and true freshman Kevin Sperry, who all receive substantial reps. “QBs, I'll have a chance to go back and watch. We mixed the three pretty good, Tommy, Brock, and Kevin. For the first scrimmage, I was really impressed with what I saw from Kevin.” Norvell said he watched the scrimmage from the middle of the field, letting his coordinators run the sidelines and call all the plays. He seemed content with how the day went, and reading between the lines, the defense took the upper hand, although it is almost impossible to tell. Gus Malzahn took the podium next and, in his head coaching style, provided an opening statement of the day and his side of the ball through six spring practices. “60 runs, 40 passes, by design. All three QBs played, pretty much equal reps. I learned a lot about our guys individually. It was good to see them respond to success and adversity. Overall, I like our guys' attitude.” Malzahn stated that the first part of practice is heavy installation with some more specifics coming later in camp. He mentioned they rotate constantly at all positions, but Luke Petitbon “is off to a great start.” The former UCF head coach singled out QB Kevin Sperry for his work throughout March practice. “Kevin has got a skill set. He can really run. He's growing, the moment has never been too big for him, which is unusual for a true freshman. You have to have QBs that are desperate to be all they can be, and I think all three of them are.” FSU's first-year defensive coordinator, Tony White, rounded out the day and focused on the group's mentality more than anything. He repeatedly reiterated that he only cares about what the product on the field looks like over physical measurables and that responding after giving up a play matters more to him than allowing the massive gain. “We're trying to create a mindset where you give up a play, ‘so what?' Play football.” “We gave up a big play, and Elijah (Herring) chases a guy down 30 or 40 yards, and gets him down at the ten. On the very next play, we get an interception. So, we've had a lot of teaching moments.” Two returners continue to flash on the field, DB Earl Little Jr., and DT Darrell Jackson Jr., and White touched on two moments today where they rose to the occasion. “D-Jax can literally be the top defensive lineman in the country. He had a great play today. In the red zone period last practice, he missed a call today. Today, I saw him make the corrections and create a tackle for -4 or -5. I said that's it right there.” “Earl has had some of the biggest hits and the best plays. Earl is him. He is truly him back there. It is fun to watch him play.” All coaches mentioned that rewatching the film would be critical to creating a firm takeaway on the outing, but being around their players in the game setting taught them more about their characters than they knew before today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida State football held its fifth practice of the spring on Thursday, the Seminoles now three days into its acclimation back into physicality. Today's practice saw Florida State continue to push situational football, emphasizing the ability to continue to do the little things right no matter the circumstance — an elevated challenge given the new offensive and defensive schemes the squad is attempting to master. “Letting guys see different areas of the field, understanding different thoughts, concepts, couple new schemes that we put in — I thought guys handled it well for the first day of introducing that,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “I thought there was some good plays that showed up — the quarterbacks had a good day — but a couple missed opportunities.” “We've thrown a lot at these guys in the first five practices. Seeing them continue to grow in confidence and what hey're being asked to do —play faster, line up quicker, make sure they're understanding assignments and utilizing the techniques that are designed to put them in the best position.” Norvell offered compliments to Omar Graham Jr. as well as Amaree Williams, who snagged an interception as he continues to get work in at defensive end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind closed doors, Florida State football beefed up as the Seminoles put on the pads for the first time in spring after being in helmets the last two days. Take this with a grain of salt, but multiple players put on weight and look more physical from seeing them walk in, including DL Darrell Jackson Jr., RB Kam Davis, and DB Earl Little Jr. Head coach Mike Norvell confirmed how vital seeing physicality is, calling it “one of the most important elements” and something the staff “wants to instill in all positions.” “We had some explosive plays on both sides, defense was able to punch a couple of balls outs, which I like to see. Offensively, I thought we did a good job, some big runs, some vertical shots. I thought it was back-and-forth.” Norvell also mentioned this weekend being Legacy Weekend at Florida State, a massive recruiting moment for the staff but a chance to honor those who left their mark in Tallahassee. Alex Mastromanno and Ryan Fitzgerald will receive their All-American bricks this afternoon, and Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, and Jordan Travis, among others, are in town. “I was really pleased with this being our legacy weekend, we had 12 NFL guys back this weekend. It was great to see them, be present, and have them back...I'm just grateful for that example and how they represent Florida State.” The quarterbacks also spoke to the press for the first time this spring, with Tommy Castellanos and Brock Glenn. The signal callers touched on how vital spring football is and the bonds created on and off the field. Castellanos and Glenn are taking the opportunity to lead a team devoid of them from a season ago but are pushing each other through the first few days of spring. Just by hearing their interviews, they understand the maturity needed for the quarterback position, saying all the right things. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh off a win at Alabama over the Crimson Tide, the Florida State softball team travels to Duke for an early big series in the race for the ACC championship. In this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast, Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin look ahead to the contests with Duke as well as NC State while looking back at the last two weeks of softball, dating back to the games in Jacksonville. That includes the matchups with Jacksonville, North Florida, Oregon State, Oregon, Portland State, Pitt and Alabama. Gwyn took the trip to Eugene and Portland, spending time with the team through their travels to Nike and beyond. We'll recap the games and discuss her time around the team over that long weekend. Plus, the Noles earned a much-needed big win over a ranked opponent on the road as they rallied to come from behind and knock off Alabama in Tuscaloosa — a win that can give FSU a confidence boost they can use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida State continued its spring camp journey on Thursday, hitting the field for the second of 15 practices aimed at laying the foundation for this year's edition of FSU football. It was another helmets-only day for the Seminoles as acclimation to on-field action continued, offering an opportunity for the squad to refine the finer details ahead of the first padded practice of the spring on Saturday. “[It was a] great opportunity to clean up on some of the finer details of what we put in yesterday. You had a little bit of new installation, but really with a lot of new faces, also some new terminology, new alignments, different things that we're looking at on both sides of the ball,” head coach Mike Norvell said Thursday evening. “Day one, it's about: ‘Can you get communication? Can you get aligned?' You go back and watch the film, the communication was good, but we're off on some of the alignments. You want to see guys be able to take the coaching, be able to apply it, and be better today, and I thought that was the case.” Defensive linemen Darrell Jackson Jr. and James Williams, who also spoke with the media following practice, earned praise from Norvell for the way they've carried themselves through the early days of spring. “You feel their ownership. ... Those are two guys that you challenge in the room because they both do have experience and high ceilings. [Jackson Jr.] made the choice to come back and I told him, ‘You better not even think about coming back unless you plan on being a top 10 pick,' that's the expectation now.” Norvell also complimented receivers Jalen Brown and Hykeem Williams, saying they have risen to the occasion after being challenged this offseason. “[They're] two guys that made the choice that they want to fight for it. And I'm grateful for that and I'm trying to push them on a play-to-play basis for them to continue to elevate to what I believe that they can be. I've seen both of them in the first two days make plays that get me excited.” Defensively, Norvell discussed what he's seen early from Earl Little, Ashlynd Barker, Max Redmond and the unit as a whole, saying, “Obviously not a whole lot of contact ... but you felt the burst, you felt the guys taking better angles to the ball. Excited about Saturday being the first padded day to start to showcase some of the physicality that these guys have been working to develop.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida State football returned to the practice field for the first time in 2025 on Wednesday, kicking off spring camp and the process of acclimating the team — which includes 32 newcomers — to a new offensive and defensive scheme. “I thought the guys really did a nice job of understanding the structure of what we want practice to look like,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “Great speed, energy, being able to move around from place to place. “I thought the coaches did a good job preparing the players and what to expect. And obviously new installation. We've tried to maximize the walk-through time, the meeting time that we've had leading up to this. And I thought the guys did a good job for that to translate out to the field.” With practice closed to the media, the program has opted to share clips from the day with the media: 2025 FSU football spring notes - Florida State enters spring practice with 32 newcomers, including 19 transfers and 13 true freshmen.- Of the 19 transfers, 16 come from Division I programs.- Included in the transfer group is quarterback Tommy Castellanos, wide receivers Duce Robinson and Squirrel White, and linebackers Elijah Herring, Stefon Thompson, and Caleb LaVallee.- Four transfer offensive linemen — Gunnar Hansen from Vanderbilt, Adrian Medley from UCF, Luke Petitbon from Wake Forest, and Micah Pettus from Ole Miss — have combined to play in 131 career games with 105 starts.- In total, FSU added 15 newcomers on the offensive and defensive lines.- Florida State's 16 Division I transfers have appeared in 489 games with 244 starts prior to their time at FSU, bringing:— 297 completions for 3,689 yards and 33 passing touchdowns— 1,438 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns— 249 receptions for 3,361 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns— 573 tackles, 69.5 tackles for loss for 345 yards— 39.0 sacks for 269 yards— 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, nine forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries— 11 punt returns for 155 yards to Tallahassee- FSU's transfer class was ranked 5th nationally and 1st in the ACC by 247Sports.- 247Sports ranked Florida State's overall class (signees and transfers) 2nd in the conference.- Florida State hired six new assistant coaches this offseason, including offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White, along with new position coaches: OL coach Herb Hand, passing game coordinator and WR coach Tim Harris Jr., DL coach Terrance Knighton, and safeties coach Evan Cooper.- Malzahn (head coach) and Hand (OL) were both at UCF from 2021-24 and produced a top-10 rushing offense and top-20 total offense each of their last three years together; UCF had the nation's 3rd-highest cumulative rushing total from 2021-24 behind only Air Force and Army.- Malzahn's offenses have averaged 447.7 yards per game in his 19 seasons as an offensive coordinator or head coach.- White has produced a top-25 defense each of the last four seasons at two different programs (Syracuse and Nebraska); in the last two seasons (24 games), his defense held opponents to 20 points or fewer 15 times.- His 2024 defense was the first in the country since 2021 to not allow a rushing touchdown at home.- At Tulsa in 2007 — the first year Mike Norvell, Malzahn, and Hand were on the same coaching staff — they produced the only season in NCAA history with a 5,000-yard passer, three 1,000-yard receivers, and a 1,000-yard rusher.- Norvell has coached 114 all-conference players and 14 All-Americans and ranks 4th among active head coaches with four conference championship game appearances.- Castellanos, who spent his freshman season at UCF under Malzahn, comes to Florida State after accounting for 4,921 yards of total offense in 21 games played during the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Boston College. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two days out from the first Florida State football practice of the spring, head coach Mike Norvell took to the podium to offer some initial insight into this year's team. The biggest news came in the form of confirmation that the Seminoles would be without three defenders this spring — defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins as well as safeties Conrad Hussey and Shyheim Brown. Jenkins, who confirmed his unavailability earlier this month, is expected to miss the entirety of camp while Brown and Hussey have a “chance” to participate in the final practices of spring. “[Outside of them] we have some guys that might be limited just probably that first week,” he said. “We'll see how it goes. Guys coming off-season, maybe off-season injuries, or working themselves back in will have some of them limited, but I'm excited about where we are from a health standpoint and the work guys have put in preparing for what's ahead for spring ball.” The team has spent the early part of 2025 participating in Florida State's offseason conditioning program, Tour of Duty, as it lays the building blocks for the season. “Really, the on-the-field aspect of it with our Tour of Duty was something I was proud of. It was a challenging workload that we put in front of our guys. I thought they really took a lot of ownership in the work that was being done, but also just the accountability that was necessary to try to hit the standard of what we're looking to see on a daily basis. I think it's a group that is filled with great personalities: guys that are outgoing, engaging, supportive, and challenging. I've seen players taking some ownership in that realm. It's just something that is an absolute necessity, something that you need to see within a team. It's something that I've been encouraged with through these first two months. I mean, you can talk about a lot of things, but you actually have to go do it. As we get ready for spring practice, we've got 15 days to really continue to forge and develop the identity of what this team's going to be.” Norvell also spoke on what he's seen from new quarterback Tommy Castellanos, how new coaches have fit into what FSU is looking to put together, approaches to recruiting and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the final time in his Florida State career, Leonard Hamilton is set to take the court in the Donald L. Tucker Center as the head coach of the Seminoles. As he prepares to coach his final home game this Saturday at 4 p.m. against SMU, Matt Minnick and Michael Rogner take the time on the latest episode of Gospel of Ham to look back and appropriately commemorate the legendary coach's transformative tenure. From iconic moments like the 2012 ACC Tournament to crafting their all-time “finishing five” lineups while spotlighting underappreciated, the duo reflect on what Hamilton built at Florida State. It's not all just nostalgia, as the second half of the episode takes a look ahead to the future as well. Discussion includes what the recent settlement between FSU and the ACC could mean for Florida State basketball, debating coaching candidates like Luke Loucks and Sam Cassell and more. 2024-2025 Reflection, Final Game Preview [01:42 - 06:58] Leonard Hamilton's FSU Legacy [06:58 - 29:56] Florida State Basketball's All-Time Finishing Five [07:48 - 13:52] Memorable FSU Basketball Teams & Moments [13:52 - 21:16] Underrated Seminoles Basketball Players [21:16 - 29:56] Post-Hamilton Era [30:20 - 51:36] ACC Settlement Discussion, Revenue Implications [30:20 - 33:12] Potential New Coaches and Recruiting Challenges [36:45 - 51:36] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida State Seminoles softball team has largely been taking care of business when they step inside the lines this season. Four weeks into the year, the Noles are 16-3 with 12 run-rule victories — 10 in their last 14 games. In that stretch, many of those run rules have come against mid-major competition, but that does include dominant performances against Missouri and Ohio State. Sandwiched in the middle is a pair of losses to Texas A&M in a doubleheader to close out the JoAnne Graf Classic. So what do we know about Team 42 as we start March? On this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast, Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin break down the year to this point, what's worked, who's impressed and what areas are still unknowns. Plus, we look ahead to the weekend in Oregon against the Ducks, Beavers and Portland State plus the start of conference play and why Gwyn believes there should be a three-way tie for the No. 1 spot in the polls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida State softball team was back in action this weekend as Team 42 traveled to Mexico for the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge. FSU's opening slate featured five games, highlighted by two highly anticipated matchups against top-five Oklahoma State—billed as the biggest showdown in college softball over the weekend. When the dust settled, the Seminoles finished with a strong 4-1 record, sweeping Northern Colorado and LA Tech while splitting their series with the Cowboys. So, what did we learn from the first five games of 2025? Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin break it all down, including: Puerto Vallarta takeaways – key highlights and lingering concerns Work in progress – areas where FSU still needs to improve Offensive standouts – who made an impact at the plate and how that could shape the lineup moving forward Pitching depth – how the staff powered through the final four games Defensive question marks – what adjustments could help solidify FSU's fielding Plus, we look ahead to Clearwater, FSU's first home weekend in Tallahassee, and other notable news from around college softball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 Florida State softball season is nearly here, and with the return to the field comes the return of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast. Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin will get you ready for the year ahead, taking you to and through Team 42's postseason run. In our first episode of the new year, Brian and Gwyn focus on the Florida State roster. What are the strengths? What are the questions that need to be answered? And how can the incoming freshman and transfer class make an impact for a team looking to get back to OKC? The podcast discusses: The best left side of the infield in college softball - Jaysoni Beachum & Isa Torres What to expect from Amaya Ross as full-time first base Who takes the mantle at second base? How can Michaela Edenfield cap off an outstanding FSU career? Can anyone push the incumbents for starts in the outfield? What does FSU need from their new faces to get consistency in the circle for 2025? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breaking down Penn State vs. Notre Dame, Texas vs. Ohio State with picks and DFS lineup tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first-ever 12-team college football playoff is here -- and Sharpen the Point is here to break down the matchups like nobody else, including tips and picks for putting together a DFS lineup for the action. First round (Dec. 20-21) Friday, Dec. 20: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State | 12 p.m. | TNT/MAX Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas | 4 p.m. | TNT/MAX Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transfer portal giveth, the transfer portal taketh away. With the winter window opening last week, we've seen a flurry of movement for Florida State football in the transfer portal. At the moment, it's mainly been departures — including a major surprise in quarterback Luke Kromenhoek — but the Seminoles also hit the portal for the second straight year to bring in a passer, this time former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos. In this episode of the Florida State of Recruiting, Tomahawk Nation's Three Stars (Tim Alumbaugh, Josh Pick and NoleThruandThru) break down FSU's quarterback changes as well as who Florida State needs to be targeting in the trenches and across the board in order to fulfill Mike Norvell's promise of an immediate turnaround. Offensive player additions Thomas Castellanos (Boston College Eagles) Markeston Douglas (Arizona State Sun Devils) Offensive player subtractions QB Luke Kromenhoek WR Deuce Spann WR Destyn Hill WR Darion Willliamson OL Julian Armella TE Brian Courtney TE Jackson West TE Jerrale Powers Defensive player additions Defensive player subtractions DL Grady Kelly DE Dante Anderson DE Byron Turner DE Lamont Green Jr. DE Marvin Jones Jr. DL Tomiwa Durojaiye LB DeMarco Ward DB Omarion Cooper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a nightmare season unfolded for Florida State, the Seminoles saw their top 10 recruiting class fall apart. Heading into the start of the Early Signing Period with the 53rd-ranked class in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, FSU rallied for a strong finish that featured several major flips to move to No. 20. While it doesn't make up fully for the season that just went down in Tallahassee nor the players lost throughout it, it was an unprecedented finish that felt like the first breath of positivity for the program in months. Fuzzy feelings aside, just how impactful was the finish for Mike Norvell and his staff as they look to right the ship in Tallahassee? What is there to make of the players that made up #Tribe25? The Three Stars — Tim Alumbaugh, Josh Pick and NoleThruandThru — break it down in the latest episode of the Florida State of Recruiting podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FRIDAY: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+3.5) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks, 7 p.m. ET, CBSSN I'm just guessing here. Brian's Pick: Jacksonville State -3.5 Jordan's Pick: JSU -3.5 FRIDAY: No. 20 UNLV Rebels (+4.5) at No. 10 Boise State Broncos, 8 p.m. ET, FOX Boise seems to be slowing down. Ashton Jeanty is Heisman-worthy but banged up. UNLV could steal this CFP bid with a win. Brian's Pick: UNLV +4.5 Jordan's Pick: BSU -4.5 FRIDAY: Tulane Green Wave (-4.5) at No. 24 Army Black Knights, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC Tulane blew their CFP chances last week but should rebound here as their defense limits Army's ground game. Brian's Pick: Tulane -4.5 Jordan's Pick: Tulane -4.5 No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones (+2.5) vs. No. 15 Arizona State Sun Devils (Arlington, TX), Noon ET, ABC Iowa State is set to circle back into CFP contention. Arizona State missing Jordyn Tyson strengthens ISU's chances. Brian's Pick: Iowa State +2.5 Jordan's Pick: ASU -2.5 Ohio Bobcats (+3.5) vs. Miami (OH) Redhawks (Detroit, MI), Noon ET, ESPN Guessing again. Brian's Pick: Ohio +3.5 Jordan's Pick: Miami (OH) -3.5 No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (+2.5) vs. No. 2 Texas Longhorns (Atlanta, GA), 4:00 p.m. ET, ABC Texas has improved their run game and trenches, but it's hard to doubt Georgia in Atlanta. Brian's Pick: Georgia +2.5 Jordan's Pick: Texas -2.5 Marshall Thundering Herd (+5.5) at Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Louisiana should win at home despite coaching distractions. Brian's Pick: Louisiana -5.5 Jordan's Pick: UL -5.5 No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions (+3.5) at No. 1 Oregon Ducks (Indianapolis, IN), 8:00 p.m. ET, CBS Oregon is the best team but could be vulnerable. I'm taking Penn State for the upset. Brian's Pick: Penn State +3.5 Jordan's Pick: Oregon -3.5 No. 17 Clemson Tigers (+2.5) at No. 8 SMU Mustangs (Charlotte, NC), 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC Clemson could pull off an upset after gaining experience from last week's matchup. Brian's Pick: Clemson +2.5 Jordan's Pick: SMU -2.5 DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks Record Year to Date: 24 Wins 28 Ties 31 Losses QuarterbackCade Klubnik, Clemson ($9,000) – Klubnik's dual-threat ability makes him a strong play against SMU's defense, which has struggled against top-tier QBs like Shough and Hoover. Rocco Becht, Iowa State ($7,600) – Becht is reliable as Iowa State continues to rely on the pass. Pair him with Jayden Higgins or Jaylin Noel for upside. Running BackBill Davis, ULL ($4,900) – The freshman has been productive, finding the end zone consistently. He's a great value against Marshall's porous run defense. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State ($10,300) – Skattebo's workload and versatility make him a must-play, especially with Tyson out. Iowa State's run defense struggles against explosive runners. Wide ReceiverGunnar Helm, Texas ($4,000) – Helm has delivered in big games, posting solid lines against top opponents. He's a steal at this price. Bryant Wesco Jr, Clemson ($3,400) – Wesco's role is growing, and he's primed for a breakout. His downfield ability and SMU's pass defense set him up for a strong outing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FRIDAY: Oregon State Beavers (+19.5) at No. 11 Boise State Broncos, Noon ET, FOX Oregon State impressed me last week—not great, but better than expected. Boise relies on Ashton Jeanty, and this is his Heisman moment. The Broncos have slowed, and the Beavers need this for bowl eligibility. Pick: Oregon State +19.5 FRIDAY: Oklahoma State Cowboys (+16.5) at No. 25 Colorado Buffaloes, Noon ET, ABC Travis Hunter's Heisman case feels secure unless disaster strikes. Oklahoma State's defense is porous, and Hunter should dominate. Pick: Colorado -16.5 FRIDAY: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+19.5) at No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC Georgia Tech's keepaway approach could give them life, especially if Carson Beck commits an early mistake. Pick: Georgia Tech +19.5 No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks (+2.5) at No. 12 Clemson Tigers, Noon ET, ESPN South Carolina is playoff-worthy. Their defensive line and offense are formidable enough to secure a road win. Pick: South Carolina +2.5 Michigan Wolverines (+20.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX Ohio State's offensive line issues could finally catch up, and Michigan's defensive front may exploit them. Pick: Michigan +20.5 No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers (-11.5) at Vanderbilt Commodores, Noon ET, ABC Nico's success has come against weak teams. Vanderbilt won't win but should keep it closer than expected. Pick: Vanderbilt +11.5 No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-7.5) at USC Trojans, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Notre Dame's offense is clicking, and their defense will overwhelm USC. The Irish are CFP-ready. Pick: Notre Dame -7.5 No. 6 Miami Hurricanes (-10.5) at Syracuse Orange, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN This feels like a trap game for Miami. Syracuse has enough firepower to pull off the upset in a shootout. Pick: Syracuse +10.5 Auburn Tigers (+11.5) at No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC Auburn's reliance on Cam Coleman and Jarquez Hunter is clicking. They can exploit Alabama's vulnerabilities. Pick: Auburn +11.5 No. 16 Arizona State (-9.5) at Arizona Wildcats, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX Arizona State has been dominant, but Arizona can challenge them in this rivalry. Pick: Arizona +9.5 Florida Gators (-15.5) at Florida State Seminoles, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2 Florida has been the team of the moment and should carry their momentum to cover here. Pick: Florida -15.5 Washington Huskies (+18.5) at No. 1 Oregon Ducks, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Oregon is better in every aspect and should win comfortably at home. Pick: Oregon -18.5 No. 3 Texas Longhorns (-5.5) at No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC This rivalry means everything. A&M's defense and home field give them an edge in a low-scoring battle. Pick: Texas A&M +5.5 No. 24 Kansas State Wildcats (+2.5) at No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones, 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX Iowa State seems destined to sneak into the Big 12 title. They should handle Kansas State at home. Pick: Iowa State -2.5 Nevada Wolf Pack (+17.5) at No. 22 UNLV Rebels, 8:00 p.m. ET, CBSSN Nevada has no chance against UNLV's dominant offense at home. Pick: UNLV -17.5 DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks Record Year to Date: 21 Wins 28 Ties 28 Losses QuarterbackKevin Jennings, SMU ($7,000) – Jennings has been consistent, with near-300-yard games and multiple TDs. SMU will lean on him against Cal's defense. Brady Cook, Missouri ($4,900) – Cook's low price is a steal on senior day. Expect fireworks with Luther Burden's final home game. Running BackCam Skattebo, Arizona State ($10,100) – Skattebo's workload and versatility make him a must-play against Arizona's weak defense. Jahiem White, West Virginia ($4,300) – White offers consistent production and should excel against Texas Tech's struggling run defense. Wide ReceiverOronde Gadsden II, Syracuse ($5,200) – In a potential shootout with Miami, Gadsden is Syracuse's best chance to stay competitive. Ashtyn Hawkins, Baylor ($3,600) – Hawkins offers value against Kansas's poor slot coverage in a high-scoring game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers (+12.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX I'm doing a 180 on Indiana. I've doubted them before, but their perfect season has me more nervous about how they'll perform as favorites rather than underdogs. Still, they have enough fight to stay within a dozen points. Pick: Indiana +12.5 No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels (-10.5) at Florida Gators, Noon ET, ABC The Gators capitalized on LSU mistakes last week, but DJ Lagway's health and decision-making remain questionable. Ole Miss, with their consistent execution, should handle Florida comfortably. Pick: Ole Miss -10.5 No. 13 SMU Mustangs (-9.5) at Virginia Cavaliers, Noon ET, ESPN2 Virginia's push for bowl eligibility adds intrigue, but SMU has consistently won by multiple scores this season. They're a playoff dark horse and should continue their dominance here. Pick: SMU -9.5 No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (-12.5) at Minnesota Golden Gophers, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Penn State is solid but not spectacular, and this matchup feels low-scoring. Minnesota's defense should help them cover this sizable spread. Pick: Minnesota +12.5 No. 14 BYU Cougars (+3.5) at No. 21 Arizona State Sun Devils, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN BYU's luck ran out last week, while Arizona State controls its Big 12 fate. With home-field advantage and a rising trajectory, the Sun Devils should prevail. Pick: Arizona State -3.5 No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes (-3.5) at Kansas Jayhawks, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX Kansas delivered last week, and with a healthy Jalon Daniels, they can score with anyone. Expect another upset bid against Colorado. Pick: Kansas +3.5 No. 19 Army Black Knights (+14.5) vs. No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Yankee Stadium), 7:00 p.m. ET, NBC Notre Dame has been dominant, but Army's top-ranked scoring defense should make this a low-scoring, closer-than-expected contest. Pick: Army +14.5 No. 12 Boise State Broncos (-23.5) at Wyoming Cowboys, 7:00 p.m. ET, CBSSN Boise State is rolling, led by Jeanty's dominance. Wyoming isn't built to keep up with a top-tier team like this. Pick: Boise State -23.5 No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (-14.5) at Oklahoma Sooners, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC Oklahoma's postseason hopes depend on an upset. However, Alabama and Jalen Milroe present too much firepower for the Sooners to handle this week. Pick: Alabama -14.5 No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies (-2.5) at Auburn Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN This line is puzzling, but Auburn at home in a potential lookahead spot for Texas A&M makes them worth the pick. Pick: Auburn +2.5 DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 25 Ties 21 Losses Quarterback Riley Leonard, Notre Dame ($9,500) – Leonard is a dual-threat QB with a high floor and ceiling against Virginia's porous pass defense. He's a great anchor for lineups with rushing TD upside. Cade Klubnik, Clemson ($8,600) – Klubnik has rebounded nicely, with three TDs against Virginia Tech. Facing Pitt's struggling secondary, he's a safe pick with rushing upside. Running Back Isaac Brown, Louisville ($6,700) – Brown is mispriced for his role, averaging 24+ fantasy points. He thrives in Louisville's run-heavy scheme and is a must-play against Stanford's poor run defense. Kaytron Allen, Penn State ($4,900) – If Nick Singleton sits, Allen becomes a lock for volume against Purdue. If Singleton plays, Allen still offers value but with limited exposure. Wide Receiver Will Sheppard, Colorado ($3,600) – Sheppard benefits from Colorado's pass-heavy attack and has emerged as a value option with consistent targets and scoring potential. TJ Moore, Clemson ($3,200) – Moore's consistency and low price make him an ideal salary saver. He's shown increased involvement and could be due for a breakout game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No. 3 Texas Longhorns (-12.5) at Arkansas Razorbacks, Noon ET, ABC Texas hasn't had a dominant win yet, though their schedule hasn't challenged them much. Arkansas, coming off a bye, has been struggling but won't roll over at home. They could keep it close or even pull off an upset. Pick: Arkansas +12.5 No. 20 Clemson Tigers (-11.5) at Pitt Panthers, Noon ET, ESPN Pitt has struggled recently, but Clemson hasn't been flawless either. While logic points to Clemson, Pitt's home advantage and potential to rebound make them worth the points. Pick: Pitt +11.5 Utah Utes (+11.5) at No. 17 Colorado Buffaloes, Noon ET, FOX Colorado has improved on both sides of the ball, but Utah's gritty, close-game style could challenge them. Kyle Whittingham may have something up his sleeve for this one. Pick: Utah +11.5 Virginia Cavaliers (+23.5) at No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC Notre Dame has been dominant recently and is one of the best ATS teams under Marcus Freeman. Still, taking Virginia feels like a gamble worth trying. Pick: Virginia +23.5 Boston College Eagles (+19.5) at No. 14 SMU Mustangs, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN SMU's path to an ACC title has opened up, and with Thomas Castellanos out for Boston College, SMU should roll. Pick: SMU -19.5 No. 23 Missouri Tigers (+14.5) at No. 21 South Carolina Gamecocks, 4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network South Carolina's defense at home should handle a Missouri team that has struggled to replicate last year's success. Pick: South Carolina -14.5 No. 1 Oregon Ducks (-13.5) at Wisconsin Badgers, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBC Oregon faces a tough road test in Madison. The Badgers, fresh off a blowout loss to Iowa, could make this closer than expected. November challenges like this can define champions. Pick: Wisconsin +13.5 No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers (+9.5) at No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC Georgia has the edge, but Tennessee's uncertainty, especially with Nico's post-concussion play, makes this a tricky pick. Still, Georgia seems better positioned to cover. Pick: Georgia -9.5 UAB Blazers (+15.5) at Memphis Tigers, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2 Memphis has been inconsistent, while UAB can score. This could be closer than expected and is a more entertaining watch than the Georgia game. Pick: UAB +15.5 Kansas Jayhawks (+2.5) at No. 6 BYU Cougars, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN BYU has lived on the edge this season, but Kansas feels primed for an upset. The line suggests this could be their week. Pick: Kansas +2.5 DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 25 Ties 21 Losses Quarterback Riley Leonard, Notre Dame ($9,500) – Leonard checks every box this week: mobile QB, home favorite, and facing a weak Virginia pass defense. With 13 rushing touchdowns this season and a 35+ point team total, Leonard has slate-breaking potential. Cade Klubnik, Clemson ($8,600) – Klubnik has been consistent, with three or more TDs in six of nine games. Facing Pitt's struggling secondary, he's a reliable play, bolstered by Clemson's emerging young receivers. Running Back Isaac Brown, Louisville ($6,700) – Brown is a lock, averaging 24+ fantasy points per game since taking over six weeks ago. Louisville's run-heavy offense and a favorable matchup make him a must-play. Kaytron Allen, Penn State ($4,900) – With Nick Singleton possibly limited or out, Allen becomes a high-volume play. If Singleton sits, Allen is a lock for 20+ carries at a great value. Wide Receiver Will Sheppard, Colorado ($3,600) – Sheppard has stepped up in Colorado's pass-heavy offense, especially after Jimmy Horn's injury. With touchdowns in four of five games, he's the best value option. TJ Moore, Clemson ($3,200) – Moore has emerged as a consistent target in Clemson's offense, with two touchdowns and strong yardage in recent games. His low price and upside make him an excellent salary saver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No. 4 Miami Hurricanes (-10.5) at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Noon ET, ESPN Miami often starts slow, then flips a switch to dominate. Georgia Tech, coming off a bye, hopes to be the team to finally take down Miami. They bring physicality and home-field advantage, but Miami's offensive firepower is hard to overlook. Pick: Miami -10.5 Florida Gators (+21.5) at No. 5 Texas Longhorns, Noon ET, ABC The Gators surprised against Georgia, even after losing freshman QB DJ Lagway. With Texas on the rise, it's hard to see Florida staying within three scores. Pick: Texas -21.5 Purdue Boilermakers (+38.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX The Spoilermakers get another shot against a top team. They're struggling, but Ohio State hasn't looked like a definitive No. 2. I'll take Purdue to keep it within 35. Pick: Purdue +38.5 No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (-2.5) at No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC Georgia still wins big but not as dominantly as in past seasons. Ole Miss could upset, but history favors Georgia in big games. Pick: Georgia -2.5 Michigan Wolverines (+14.5) at No. 8 Indiana Hoosiers, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Michigan's defense holds opponents to the mid-20s, but this high-powered Indiana offense will be a challenge. I'll take Michigan to cover the 14.5. Pick: Michigan +14.5 No. 23 Clemson Tigers (-6.5) at Virginia Tech Hokies, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Clemson's bubble burst recently, and with uncertainties about VT's key players, this one depends on health. Pick: Virginia Tech +6.5 No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes (-3.5) at Texas Tech Red Raiders, 4:00 p.m. ET, FOX Texas Tech delivered last week, and I'll stick with them in what promises to be a high-scoring “Fantasy Carnival.” Pick: Texas Tech +3.5 Florida State Seminoles (+26.5) at No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC No need to overthink this one. Pick: Notre Dame +26.5 No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (-2.5) at No. 15 LSU Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC As an LSU grad, I've been torn. Jalen Milroe's playmaking favors Alabama, but LSU's night home-field magic pulls me the other way. I'll hedge emotionally. Pick: LSU +2.5 No. 9 BYU Cougars (-4.5) at Utah Utes, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN Utah's season hasn't gone well, but this rivalry game in Salt Lake City gives them the edge. Pick: Utah +4.5 DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 22 Ties 18 Losses Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado ($8,900) – Texas Tech's porous pass defense (280+ yards allowed per game) offers a great setup for Sanders, who should easily hit 300 yards and 3 TDs. Stack him with his pass catchers for high upside. Thomas Castellanos, Boston College ($6,600) – With his rushing attempts increasing, Castellanos brings upside. Syracuse's defense struggles, making Castellanos a solid dual-threat pick. Running Back Quintrevion Wisner, Texas ($5,000) – Wisner's workload in Texas's high-scoring offense is undervalued. Florida's banged-up defense should give him opportunities to score. Kanye Udoh, Army ($5,900) – Udoh's performance hinges on QB Daily's status. If Daily sits, Udoh becomes a must-play against North Texas's weak run defense. Wide Receiver LaJohntay Wester, Colorado ($5,200) – Wester is consistently undervalued and has a strong role in Colorado's offense. His red-zone presence makes him a high-floor play. Tony Johnson, Cincinnati ($3,600) – Johnson's recent performances make him a value option against a pass-funnel West Virginia defense, with consistent targets from Sorsby. 4o Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (-3.5) at No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, Noon ET, FOX Ohio State being favored here is surprising; I expected it closer to a pick-em. Both teams are contenders but feel one step from disappointment. In a close matchup like this, taking the home team with points seems smart. Pick: Penn State +3.5 Duke Blue Devils (+20.5) at No. 5 Miami Hurricanes, Noon ET, ABC A big spread, but Duke is still Duke. Coach Manny Diaz is motivated to win, but Miami's talent gap is clear. I'll take Duke plus 20 points. Pick: Duke +20.5 No. 1 Oregon Ducks (-15.5) at Michigan Wolverines, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Michigan's struggles are evident, and Oregon looks title-bound. While Michigan's defense is solid, Oregon's firepower on both sides likely proves too much. Pick: Oregon -15.5 Florida Gators (+16.5) vs. No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC Florida has turned things around after a rough start and could still reach bowl eligibility. Freshman QB DJ Lagway offers high potential, but Georgia's strength will likely overpower them. Pick: Georgia -16.5 Texas Tech Red Raiders (+14.5) at No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Could this be the year Matt Campbell makes a CFP push? Despite Iowa State's Big 12 co-favorite status, I'm skeptical of their Cinderella story and will take Texas Tech with the points. Pick: Texas Tech +14.5 No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers (-7.5) at Michigan State Spartans, 3:30 p.m. ET, Peacock Indiana is optimistic about QB Kurtis Rourke's return and will try to keep their momentum going. I think they'll pull off a win over Michigan State. Pick: Michigan State +7.5 North Carolina Tar Heels (-2.5) at Florida State Seminoles, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACCN Here's the game for those still following. Pick: Florida State +2.5 No. 10 Texas A&M Aggies (-2.5) at South Carolina Gamecocks, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC Texas A&M's playoff path looks clear, but South Carolina's unpredictability could pose a challenge. After a rough start, A&M rallied, but South Carolina's home advantage may keep it close. Pick: South Carolina +2.5 Louisville Cardinals (+10.5) at No. 11 Clemson Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Clemson feels vulnerable, and while Louisville may not hand them a loss, they could expose some weaknesses. Pick: Louisville +10.5 No. 18 Pitt Panthers (+7.5) at SMU Mustangs, 8:00 p.m. ET, ACCN Sticking with Pitt, even without recent game experience. Pick: Pitt +7.5 DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks Record Year to Date: 18 Wins 20 Ties 16 Losses Quarterback Rocco Becht, Iowa State ($6,500) – Becht is an under-the-radar play, leading Iowa State to a top-10 rank. Though they focus on the run, Becht's rushing and passing skills make him a strong pick against Texas Tech's weak defense, which allows almost 34 points per game. Bryson Daily, Army ($9,200) – Service academy QBs like Daily have high ceilings. Facing Air Force, who struggles against the run, Daily is set for a big game with potential help from Kanye Udoh. Running Back Trevor Etienne, Georgia ($6,500) – Etienne's recent performance makes him a top pick in Georgia's depleted backfield. With Florida's weak run defense, Etienne should see increased carries as Georgia likely pulls away. Mario Anderson, Memphis ($7,800) – Anderson thrives in Memphis's high-paced offense and faces a UTSA defense that's struggled against competent run teams. There's some risk of Memphis relying on the pass, but Anderson's volume makes him valuable. Wide Receiver Tez Johnson, Oregon ($7,700) – Johnson's high target count and Oregon's offensive strength make him a strong play. Michigan's secondary struggles, and Johnson's consistent performances offer a solid floor and ceiling. Chris Carpenter, UTSA ($3,700) – With WR1 McCuin out, Carpenter has been heavily targeted and is a great value in this high-scoring game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special DFS-only episode of Sharpen the Point with your host, Chris Tyndall. flying solo today. No betting insights this time—Chris is focusing on what he knows best: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy and player picks. We've been scoring big tournament wins. Over the last two weeks, he's been 20-maxing tournaments on DK, with 15 and 14 entries cashing—a high yield right now. Player pools have been tight and crisp. We're going to break down every game on the Week 9 college football main slate and highlight the best plays. Record Year to Date: 15 Wins, 18 Ties, 15 Losses Record is based on a player's value using points per dollar. A win is more than 4 times, a tie is 3-4 times, and a loss below 3 times. Example: Oronde Gadsden costs $3,500 and scores 26.8 points for a 7.66 value rating and a win. Quarterback Josh Hoover, TCU ($8,500) – With two high-scoring games in Tulane/North Texas and Texas Tech/TCU, focusing on these matchups is crucial. Each team is expected to score over thirty, setting the stage for Hoover, who leads a TCU offense struggling on the ground and therefore passing more than 60% of the time—a top-ten rate nationally. Texas Tech's pass defense remains vulnerable, giving up nearly 270 yards per game, as evidenced by last week's 274/5 performance against Sawyer Robertson. Hoover, combined with Savion Williams and Tahj Brooks, offers a great lineup core. Will Howard, Ohio State ($7,900) – Howard's last outing, a close road game against Oregon, showcased his playmaking. While Ohio State's title hopes are still alive, the team's path forward has narrowed. After the bye, an explosive performance is expected against a Nebraska team coming off a rough outing against Indiana. Ohio State may emphasize the pass here, especially if they want to minimize carries for Quinshon Judkins, who recently underwent hand surgery, and increase Trey'Veon Henderson's workload. Running Back Makhi Hughes, Tulane ($7,400) – Hughes was a no-brainer pick due to his role and the ideal matchup. Tulane's run-heavy offense (about two-thirds of plays) features Hughes as the main back, a trend head coach Jon Sumrall brought over from Troy. With North Texas's strong offense, Tulane's best strategy is ball control, leaning on Hughes to exploit a defense that gives up 175 rushing yards per game. Hughes has hit multiple touchdowns in three straight games, and he's a strong pick to repeat that with 100+ yards and touchdowns. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas ($4,800) – The Texas backfield has seen turnover, with CJ Baxter initially leading before injury, followed by Jaydon Blue, who fumbled his way down the depth chart. Wisner has now taken the lead, outperforming Blue in touches by 14 over the last two games. Vanderbilt's run defense has allowed backs to reach big numbers, with Nate Noel nearly hitting 200 yards. Texas should deliver scoring opportunities for Wisner, making him a great value in a Sarkisian-led offense. Wide Receiver Daniel Jackson, Minnesota ($4,500) – Wide receivers abound in this slate, making the right combo crucial for payouts. Jackson, a star last season for Minnesota with four 100+ yard games and eight touchdowns, continues to see nearly nine targets per game. Facing a Maryland defense ranked near last in passing yards allowed (288 per game), Jackson has a prime opportunity to break out and deliver a high-impact performance. DT Sheffield, North Texas ($7,000) – Sheffield caps the slate as a consistent performer in a North Texas offense that's among the fastest in the country, passing 60% of the time. Averaging 7 catches, 94 yards, and 1.5 touchdowns per game, Sheffield is priced attractively for his role. In cash games, Sheffield feels essential, but for tournaments, Tulane's ability to control the clock could keep Sheffield off the field, opening leverage options like Josh Kelly, Tez Johnson, or Ohio State's playmakers. Sign up to compete against me on DraftKings using my URL below: DraftKings Sign-Up Link Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each year, there are two games circled on the Florida State football schedule, both intrastate rivalries that have established themselves as important parts of college football's tapestry. While FSU-UF had its heyday during its fierce battles between Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier, the series between Florida State and the Miami Hurricanes has maintained its edge and prestige even when one team falters and the national stakes of the matchup fall to the wayside. Seven of the last ten matchups (18 of the last 25!) have been decided by one score, with the series sitting at 35-33 in Miami's favor. The history and importance of this game isn't lost on either side, especially as the memory of Florida State's 2022 win in Hard Rock Stadium is still fresh in Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal's mind. In his first year leading the program, he saw FSU put together a 45-3 win, the largest road victory in the history of the two schools. After pushing the Seminoles to the edge last year in an upset bid, making a statement is going to be on the forefront of his and Miami's mind. With No. 6 Miami boasting a 7-0 (3-0 ACC) record and a Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Cam Ward, it would be a tall task for Florida State in a normal year — in 2024, with FSU fielding one of the country's worst offenses as the defense still tries to acclimate, it'll be a major challenge avoiding a repeat of 2020's matchup, when Miami scored the most points in series history en route to a 42-point win of its own (52-10). What does Miami bring to the table outside of quarterback? On this week's Line of Scrimmage, we're joined by our friend Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel to talk about the Hurricanes run this year, what they're fielding on each side of the ball and how he thinks the game will go on Saturday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Florida State Seminoles are just weeks away from tipping off their 2024-25 basketball season, looking to continue an upward trajectory after a major year-to-year jump from 2022-2023 (205th to 79th in KenPom). Roster turnover and a tough ACC schedule will make that even more of a challenge heading into the 22nd year of head coach Leonard Hamilton's tenure — the final of his current contract. We've already broken down the roster in full article form (available here, in case you missed it) but for those of you finding for a new episode of the Gospel of Ham Florida State basketball podcast, we've got a fresh one on deck breaking down the players on this year's squad, the schedule that awaits them and more: 1:45 - Opening discussion on Tony Bennett retiring and the NIL/Portal landscape  I feel like if you've been paying attention to the world of college basketball for the last two, three, four years, it wasn't like this is coming out of nowhere. And quite honestly, basketball is often at the forefront of some of this before football. I wouldn't be shocked if some of this starts to happen in football too. He didn't love the system. I can't blame him. I am in favor of players getting paid, I'm in favor of players having the ability to move around, but there's gotta be some rules to it that kind of make sense.It makes me wonder if sometimes, not we, you and me, but we, the general public, underestimate Leonard Hamilton's pure competitive fire and passion for the game of basketball, because the entire landscape is so different from when he first started coaching. 15:00 - 2024-25 Roster For the first time since the year before the Scottie Barnes year, I think the coaching staff finally decided, okay, if we're going to run this defense and stuff, the system that we want to run, we need to have some players. that just 1 through 12 fit the system.The high-end talent of, of multiple lottery picks — FSU doesn't have that. They might have four G League players on this roster. But what they do have is, I really don't know that there's a big difference between the fourth-best player and the ninth-best player.And they're all about 6-foot-7. They're all fairly, at least on film laterally quick. And if you think to yourself that, well, if Jamir gets you 20 a game, I really don't care if anyone else averages more than 10 or 11, because you're gonna create a lot of steals. You're going to have a lot of lobs and you're going to create a lot of just like kind of chaos out there with a bunch of 6-7 guys.And maybe, maybe that can work 19:10 - The Jamir Watkins Offense I would love to see this just be like Jamir's team. Just give him the ball, get out of the way. Watkins had 28.2% usage rate last year — that means that the possession either ended with Jameer shooting, rebounding, or turning it over.Toney Douglas, in 2009, was 27.6. So actually, last year, Jamir was already At the same usage rate as Toney Douglas. I mean, how, how high can you ratchet it up?  31:00 - So about the defense... What is Ham gonna do with the defense? 10 new faces out there — you know this defense that takes two or three years to really understand. 42:00 - The Schedule If they're not 3-0 heading into the Florida game, we're already going to have some red flags raised.... get through Florida, say three and one, then who knows? The rest of the rest of the out of conference schedule is not that tough.20 ACC games — is it a top three league this year? Who's gonna win it?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2024, Duke has defied most expectations after losing head coach Mike Elko to the Texas A&M Aggies, off to a strong 5-1 start under new head coach Manny Diaz — a familiar face to the Seminoles who has managed to keep the Blue Devils rolling up until suffering their first loss of the season to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. While Duke wasn't given much credit for its 5-0 start, failing to crack the Top 25, the team still has a chance to snap the program's always-beaten streak against Florida State. Diaz has brought his signature defensive aggressiveness, with Duke's defense recording 18 sacks, 13 of which come from a deep defensive line led by Vincent Anthony Jr. and defensive tackles Aaron Hall and Kendy Charles. At quarterback, Texas transfer Maalik Murphy has logged thrown for multiple touchdowns in five of six games, while Star Thomas, a transfer from New Mexico State, has emerged as the lead back in a room capable of putting up yards against an FSU defense still trying to find consistency. This week on the Line of Scrimmage podcast, we connected with Donald Wine from the Duke Basketball Roundup to get the inside scoop on the Blue Devils, including: How Manny Diaz has kept things rolling so far in his first year at Duke An inside look at Murphy's game How Thomas rose up as the Blue Devil's lead back What to expect from Duke's offensive line against Florida State's defensive front The impact of Duke's three-headed linebacker attack featuring Alex Howard, Tre Freeman, and Ozzie Nicholas ...and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October is here, and for the fifth time in the last seven years, Florida State's season is basically over. What does that mean for us? It's time to hate, hate, hate and roll in some schadenfreude as the rest of the year unfolds. We've got plenty of opportunities on deck this week, mainly UCF-Florida. It's a battle of the smarmy vs. the insecure, with either the Gators about to have to endure the latest painful point in Billy Napier's tenure or the Knights getting the “you're not quite a Power program” treatment. I mentioned on this week's podcast that it's like watching two cousins fight in embarrassing fashion at Thanksgiving while you're sloshed due to the fact you're in crippling debt and everybody knows it, and I stand by that. As for Miami, the Hurricanes managed to avoid a collapse at home against Virginia Tech last week, getting lucky that the non-catch that was called a catch on the field was reversed to being a non-catch even though rules dictate that it should have been a catch (which again, it was not). Cal has lost a bit of faith on my end in its ability to pull off the upset given the fact the Golden Bears have done something nobody else has done this season (lose to Florida State) but Berkley is about to be bopping for the program's first-ever College Gameday matchup. Are we going to see Cam Ward do another sorta-Jekyll-mainly-Hyde performance that has Miami on the ropes in a late-night matchup? That's what Cal (and of course, the haters) will be hoping for. There aren't too many stakes-heavy matchups on this week's slate, but boy howdy, are they appealing on paper. We've got 10 pinpointed for you this week — and yes, a confirmed 10 for you faithful degen since somebody who is unable to count and only had nine games last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To say the least, the first month of the 2024 season was rough for the Florida State Seminoles (1-4, 1-3 ACC). And now, to start off October, FSU will face off against its first ranked opponent of the season — the No. 15 Clemson Tigers (4-1, 2-0 ACC). After a disappointing showing vs. the Georgia Bulldogs to open the year, Clemson has bounced back to put its season on track and enters into the matchup vs. the Seminoles as 14.5-point favorites (per FanDuel). The offense is anchored by junior quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has shown significant growth this season, and is supported by a powerful rushing attack led by Phil Mafah, averaging 8 yards per carry. On defense, Clemson's front seven is as dangerous as ever, led by defensive end TJ Parker, who already has three sacks this season. The linebacker duo of Wade Woodaz and Barrett Carter brings experience and athleticism, while the secondary, led by safety RJ Mickens, has only allowed five touchdowns all season. What will the Tigers be bringing to the table when they make the trek to Tallahassee? On this episode of the Line of Scrimmage podcast, we're joined by Matt Goldin of our SB Nation sister site Shakin' the Southland to get the breakdown on Clemson, including: Clemson's transfer portal approach Klubnik's growth this season Tigers rushing attack Clemson's receiver group Why the Tigers' linebackers have excelled How the secondary has fared Game prediction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we enter week five of the 2024 college football season, we're finally into “multiple games with plenty of storylines” territory, and boy does it feel good to live in the era of the four-box YouTube TV setup. First, the game of the week: Georgia, shunted from its perch atop the AP rankings, has finally gotten the “they don't believe in us!!!” motivation that Kirby Smart has previously had to pull out of thin air in an effort to keep them invested. Alabama has had the Bulldogs number in year's past, but Nick Saban ain't walking through that door — Jalen Milroe, however, is. The Crimson Tide haven't looked anywhere near what people perceive Alabama to be (though, last year, that didn't stop the committee from....I'm sorry, I'm sorry), and Georgia is much more capable of taking advantage of opportunities than Wisconsin and USF. Then, we've got FSU, with an albatross of an offense dangling around its neck as the defense tries to claw its way from the depths. There's a chance that they can shake things off and find some production for the first time this season, but combine the lack of evidence this offense is capable with the soft factor angle of SMU coming to the table eager to prove it deserves its spot in a power conference after being specifically targeted in lawsuits showing why the ACC can't be taken seriously, and it's hard to see things going pretty there. In Louisville and Notre Dame, it's a chance for Marcus Freeman to shake off the perception that Notre Dame isn't built to contend under his leadership while Jeff Brohm is looking to build off an impressive win against Georgia Tech and elevate Louisville to actual threat from potential. The same goes for Penn State, who has a chance to prove itself a legitimate contender in the Big 10 while facing off against an Illinois team riding the high of last week's Nebraska win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida State (1-3, 1-2 ACC) will once again serve as an opponent's first-ever ACC matchup, this time doing so on the road vs. the SMU Mustangs. SMU (3-1) heads into the game having bounced back from a close loss to No. 22 BYU with a dominant 66-42 win over the TCU Horned Frogs. The Mustangs, who ponied up plenty of cash to be able to prove themselves as worthy of power conference status, will be looking to make a statement in a primetime matchup (8 p.m. ET, ACC Network). In this week's episode of the Line of Scrimmage, we speak with Dean Ralsky of On the Pony Express, an On3 SMU site. to get all the details on what SMU brings to the table, including: How Lashlee's offensive system has evolved in his third year as head coach The confidence level in quarterback Kevin Jennings after his breakout game against TCU Brashard Smith's impact as a converted running back and his explosive start to the season The strengths and potential weaknesses of SMU's revamped offensive line A veteran-laden defensive line and how Elijah Roberts has led the charge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (+8.5) at No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers — Friday, 8 p.m., FOX Illinois has a nice upset over Kansas and plays great defense. Nebraska's big win was a blowout of Colorado, but freshman QB Dylan Raiola has had it too easy so far. I expect a grind-it-out Big Ten game. I'll take Illinois and the points. Brian's Pick: Illinois +8.5 Florida Gators (-6.5) at Mississippi State Bulldogs — Noon, ESPN This has to be Billy Napier's first win of the season, or he's in real trouble. Mississippi State is dreadful, and they were quickly dominated by Toledo last week. If Florida doesn't win this, it's over for Napier. Brian's Pick: Florida -6.5 NC State Wolf Pack (+20.5) at No. 21 Clemson Tigers — Noon, ABC With Grayson McCall out for NC State and true freshman CJ Bailey starting at Clemson, it's a tough spot for the Wolf Pack. I don't want to bet on a true freshman in this environment. Brian's Pick: Clemson -20.5 No. 11 USC Trojans (-5.5) at No. 18 Michigan Wolverines — 3:30 p.m., CBS Michigan being a 5.5-point underdog at home shows the lack of confidence in the defending champs. I've been down on Michigan, but this line feels bigger than expected. I think Michigan could pull off a surprise win. Brian's Pick: Michigan +5.5 UCLA Bruins (+24.5) at No. 16 LSU Tigers — 3:30 p.m., ABC UCLA has struggled to score, even against Hawaii. LSU has shown some vulnerabilities, but at home, in the Louisiana heat, they'll be too much for UCLA to handle. Brian's Pick: LSU -24.5 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+10.5) at No. 19 Louisville Cardinals — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2 Louisville has had an easy schedule so far, but I'm not sold on them. Georgia Tech's physical run game should keep this one close. Brian's Pick: Georgia Tech +10.5 No. 12 Utah Utes (+1.5) at No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys — 4:00 p.m., FOX The big question is Cam Rising's health. If he's not 100%, I'll take Oklahoma State and their ground game at home. Brian's Pick: Oklahoma State -1.5 No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (-16.5) at USF Bulls — 7:00 p.m., ESPN USF nearly upset Alabama a couple of weeks ago, and while they might make this interesting, their passing attack isn't enough to overcome Miami. Brian's Pick: Miami -16.5 Cal Golden Bears (+2.5) at Florida State Seminoles — 7:00 p.m., ESPN2 Cal's defense, especially the linebackers, has been tough. Florida State continues to struggle to find offensive rhythm, and I'll take Cal as the more consistent team. Brian's Pick: Cal +2.5 No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (-7.5) at No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners — 7:30 p.m., ABC This is the game of the day. Tennessee's offense has been unstoppable with Nico at QB, but the key will be how their defense can get the ball back in good positions. If they do that, Tennessee wins. Brian's Pick: Tennessee -7.5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Florida State continues to navigate its early-season struggles, Cal (3-0) comes to Tallahassee, riding its best start since 2019 under head coach Justin Wilcox. For Florida State, this game represents a critical opportunity to find momentum after an underwhelming start, while Cal will look to prove itself as a legitimate contender in its new conference home. What should FSU fans expect from Cal when the Golden Bears make their first trip to Tallahassee? As part of our Line of Scrimmage series, we connected with Nick Kranz from Write for California to get the inside scoop on the Bears, including: How has Justin Wilcox utilized the transfer portal to build Cal's most complete team yet? What's been the key to quarterback Fernando Mendoza's growth in Year 2? Can Cal's trio of running backs, led by Jaydn Ott, continue to carry the offense? Will Cal's offensive line hold up against a hungry Florida State defensive front? How has Teddy Buchanan emerged as the leader of a stout Cal linebacker corps? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Memphis Tigers (+6.5) at Florida State Seminoles — Noon, ESPN   Brian: I've had this one marked as a potential upset since the preseason. Memphis has been a contender for the Group of 5 playoff spot, and Florida State hasn't impressed me enough to change my mind. I need to see more from FSU to believe in them.   Brian's Pick: Memphis +6.5   Jordan's Pick: Memphis +6.5   No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (-15.5) at Wisconsin Badgers — Noon, FOX   Brian: This spread is bigger than I expected. Last week's close call with USF might scare some off Alabama, but USF troubled them last year, too. I think Alabama dominates because Wisconsin won't contain Jalen Milroe.   Brian's Pick: Alabama -15.5   Jordan's Pick: Alabama -15.5   No. 16 LSU Tigers (-7.5) at South Carolina Gamecocks — Noon, ABC   Brian: I'm surprised this game is hosting College Gameday. South Carolina shocked Kentucky, but I wasn't high on the Wildcats to begin with. South Carolina has a strong pass rush, but LSU is more talented, and I like betting on talent.   Brian's Pick: LSU -7.5   Jordan's Pick: LSU -7.5   No. 24 Boston College Eagles (+17.5) at No. 6 Missouri Tigers — Noon, SEC Network   Brian: I didn't expect BC to be ranked this season, but here we are. Missouri can score, but BC showed they can hang with top teams, and Bill O'Brien has proven he can coach. BC keeps this close.   Brian's Pick: Boston College +17.5   Jordan's Pick: Boston College +17.5   No. 9 Oregon Ducks (-16.5) at Oregon State Beavers — 3:30 p.m., FOX   Jordan: I trusted Dan Lanning to figure things out last week, but I'm doubling down on Oregon here. The talent gap will show in this rivalry game.   Jordan's Pick: Oregon -16.5   Brian's Pick: Oregon -16.5   Tulane Green Wave (+13.5) at No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners — 3:30 p.m., ESPN   Jordan: OU looked shaky, and Tulane performed well last week. With Tennessee coming up next for Oklahoma, this could be a trap game, but I'm taking the Sooners.   Jordan's Pick: Oklahoma -13.5   Brian: Tulane impressed me last week, and Oklahoma struggled with Houston. I think Tulane keeps it close.   Brian's Pick: Tulane +13.5   Texas A&M Aggies (-4.5) at Florida Gators — 3:30 p.m., ABC   Jordan: Florida's QB situation could cause confusion, while Texas A&M is better on both lines. I'm taking the Aggies.   Jordan's Pick: Texas A&M -4.5   Brian's Pick: Texas A&M -4.5   West Virginia Mountaineers (-3.5) at Pitt Panthers — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2   Brian: Dez Reid has transformed Pitt's offense, and I expect them to keep rising.   Brian's Pick: Pitt +3.5   Jordan's Pick: Pitt +3.5   Washington State Cougars (+5.5) at Washington Huskies — 3:30 p.m., Peacock   Jordan: WSU's offense is clicking, and UW hasn't been tested. The Cougars could pull off an upset.   Jordan's Pick: Washington State +5.5   Brian's Pick: Washington State +5.5   Colorado Buffaloes (-7.5) at Colorado State Rams — 7:30 p.m., CBS   Jordan: Colorado is a mess, and losing Shilo hurts. I'm taking CSU with Fort Collins fired up.   Jordan's Pick: Colorado State +7.5   Brian's Pick: Colorado State +7.5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024 hasn't shaken out the way most anticipated it would for Florida State football, with the Seminoles still searching for their first win of the year after an 0-2 start. After a bye week, the team that stands in the Seminoles' way of turning their season around is head coach Mike Norvell's former squad — the Memphis Tigers (2-0). For Florida State, this game is about salvaging momentum before the season slips away, while Memphis will look to continue its strong start, earn a program-defining win and further establish itself as a contender in the AAC this season. What will Memphis bring to the table when it makes the trip to Tallahassee? As part of our Line of Scrimmage series, we connected with Steve Helwick of Underdog Dynasty to get the inside scoop on the Tigers, including: How has Ryan Silverfield shaped Memphis in his own way? What makes Seth Henigan a dangerous quarterback? Why FSU shouldn't overlook Memphis's WR/TE group Memphis's experienced O-line's outlook in trenches against FSU Who has emerged as the leader in Memphis's secondary? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices