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Florida State at The Voice of College Football

Florida State at The Voice of College Football

By: The Voice of College Football Network
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Welcome to Florida State at The Voice of College Football Network, your home for In-depth discussion, debate, & analysis on all things Florida State. We have you covered from offseason all the way to game day. Join us as we embark on another season!Go Noles!For business inquiries please contact: Markrogerstv@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.The Voice of College Football Network Football Politics & Government
Episodes
  • SPRING UPDATE / Florida State Seminoles LIVE 324

    SPRING UPDATE / Florida State Seminoles LIVE 324
    Apr 16 2026
    Episode Overview Tone and Context: Candid, realistic assessment of FSU football. The program is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons (2-10 in 2024, 5-7 in 2025). The vibe around Tallahassee is described as low, with high expectations for a historic program clashing against recent reality. No spring game was held (consistent with recent trends); the team used three internal scrimmages instead.Key Theme: This is a "prove-it" year for head coach Mike Norvell. Heavy reliance on the transfer portal in recent years hasn't yielded sustained success, and in-state recruiting has lagged behind rivals like Miami and Florida. The conversation balances frustration with guarded optimism around talent pockets (especially at wide receiver) and the need for better execution, cohesion, and fundamentals. Historical Context and What Went Wrong (2023–2025) Norvell's Challenges: Not a strong high school recruiter, especially in Florida. Many starters in recent years were portal additions, not "homegrown" or even in-state players.2023 success (13-1) gave way to struggles. The portal "gave and took away"—athletes from bigger programs often didn't gel or perform at FSU (e.g., Malik Benson barely played but thrived at Oregon).2024 and 2025 offenses were inconsistent despite additions like Gus Malzahn's influence. Wide receiver room in 2024 was called one of the worst seen in terms of blocking and route-running.Quarterback Issues: DJ Uiagalelei didn't work out. Tommy Castellanos flashed early (notably in the 2025 Alabama upset win, where he showed mobility and the defense flew around), but turnovers plagued him (e.g., crucial picks vs. Virginia and Miami). He pushed out of Boston College and had success on the ground but lacked consistency throwing.Close calls that snowballed: Dropped game-winning TD by Deuce Robinson vs. Virginia; near-misses vs. Stanford; walk-off loss to Georgia Tech in 2024. These "bounces" contributed to lost confidence and poor locker room vibes late in seasons.Defense (under Tony White) started strong in 2025 but collapsed, allowing points in bunches. End-of-season blowout loss to Florida highlighted disarray. Program Position: FSU is in a tough spot relative to its history and expectations—not the absolute worst team, but the gap between pedigree and performance feels stark. In-state talent often heads to Miami or Florida; UCF is arguably in a better spot. Quarterback Situation for 2026 No starter named after spring (battle likely extends into fall/preseason).Ashton Daniels (transfer from Stanford/Auburn): Veteran with dual-threat ability, similar build/style to Castellanos but with a stronger arm. Showed flashes (good games vs. Alabama and Vanderbilt in limited Auburn starts). Has looked solid in spring reps; experience gives him an edge, especially with Norvell coaching for his job.Kevin Sperry (redshirt freshman): Good arm, showed potential in limited 2025 action (e.g., vs. Charleston Southern, brief Stanford relief). Has had turnover issues in scrimmages but brings youth and upside.Malachi Marshall (JUCO transfer from Iowa Western, arriving summer): National champion, NGCAA D-I Offensive Player of the Year (33 TDs, 8 INTs, 63% completion). Pocket passer with impressive arm talent and some mobility; lighter frame (~<200 lbs). Norvell highlighted him as a name to watch. Could shake up the competition; Cole suggests FSU may need to move away from pure dual-threat QBs after recent experiments.Overall: Room needs a strong running game and improved O-line play. Norvell hasn't named a starter, creating intrigue. Daniels seems the safe "prove-it" choice short-term, but Sperry/Marshall could push. Key Position Groups and Spring Takeaways Wide Receivers (Biggest Positive): Strongest/most intriguing group. Deuce Robinson (transfer, ex-USC tight end converted to WR) is a standout—reminds of Keon Coleman; big-play threat, "top 5 receiver in college football" potential. Limited in spring but reliable. Micahi Danzy also returns as a veteran option. True freshmen impressing: Jasen Lopez (dual-threat athlete, also played basketball), Devin Carter (from Atlanta), and EJ White. Norvell praised Lopez and Carter heavily; they're quick, slot-type players who could see early reps. Norvell said they'd "have to regress" not to play in fall. Opportunity for smaller, quicker WRs out of the backfield/slot to create mismatches (pro-style influence noted).Jayvan Boggs was out for spring. Defensive Line / Front Seven: Critical for Tony White's 3-3-5 scheme. Need interior pressure (lacked last year). Anchors: Desire twins (Mandrell and Darryll)—high upside, back after portal flirtation.Deamontae McCray and Demonte Diggs (sack in 2025 Alabama game before injury) drawing praise.Linebackers: Caleb Lavelle and Blake Nicholson impressing Norvell (speed, coverage, pressure ability). Secondary: Some experience returning (Ashton Barker moving to more of an Earl Little-type anchor role; KJ Kirkland). Barker praised as a ...
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    32 mins
  • FSU Football Predictions for 2026 / Florida State Primetime LIVE 11

    FSU Football Predictions for 2026 / Florida State Primetime LIVE 11
    Apr 15 2026
    Episode Overview Host: Jacob SmithEpisode: 11Format: Solo show (quick tech hiccup at the start)Main Topic: 2026 FSU football schedule breakdown and win/loss predictionsTone: Honest, realistic, and fan-frustrated after recent 2-10 and 5-7 seasons. Jacob notes the schedule is tough with "no real breaks" except a few soft non-conference games. He emphasizes uncertainty for FSU fans but highlights spring progress and defensive praise from Tony White.Key Theme: Will FSU reach bowl eligibility (6+ wins), or is another sub-.500 season likely? Early optimism for 7 wins has been tempered. 2026 FSU Football Schedule & Jacob's Predictions Jacob walks through the schedule game-by-game, referencing recent opponent performances (mostly 2025 results). He calls the slate unforgiving outside of a couple of FCS/Group of 5 games. Confirmed 2026 Schedule (based on the episode and official details): Aug 29: vs New Mexico State (Home) — Win (confident; NMSU went 4-8 in 2025 with wins over weak FCS/G5 teams like Bryant, Tulsa, Sam Houston, UTEP; blown out by Tennessee).Sep 7: vs SMU (Home) — Loss (SMU was strong in 2025: 9-4 overall, 6-2 in ACC, playoff contender vibe in prior years; lots of winnable games on their slate).Sep 19: at Alabama (Away, Bryant-Denny) — Loss (Alabama has a gauntlet but remains an "institution"; no shot at Bryant-Denny).Sep 26: vs Central Arkansas (Home, FCS) — Win (decisive; not expecting a Jacksonville State-style scare).Oct 3: vs Virginia (Home) — Loss (Virginia was strong in 2025, reached ACC title game, won Gator Bowl; good non-con schedule in 2026).Oct 9: at Louisville (Away) — Loss (Louisville had an easy 2025 non-con but went 8-4 or 9-4; tough road game).Oct 17: at Miami (Away) — Loss (Miami has owned recent matchups; easy 2026 non-con for them).Oct 31: vs Clemson (Home) — Loss (Clemson had a down 2025 but still "owns" FSU historically; rebound expected).Nov 7: at Boston College (Away) — Win (BC projected as very weak, possibly 1-11 or 0-12).Nov 13: at Pitt (Away) — Loss (Pitt was competitive in 2025; road game in Pittsburgh swings it).Nov 21: vs NC State (Home) — Win (flip from earlier prediction; NC State seen as middle-of-the-road).Nov 28: vs Florida (Home, rivalry) — Loss (Florida had a rough 2025 but still favored; new QBs on both sides). Final Predicted Record: 5-7 (no bowl game). Wins: New Mexico State, Central Arkansas, Boston College, NC State (+1 more possible flip).Earlier prediction was also 5-7; spring scrimmage and transfer portal activity didn't change the overall outlook much, though Pitt was flipped to a loss and NC State to a win.Jacob notes only Pitt and Florida feel like true "maybe" games that could swing the season. A 3-win floor feels possible if things go poorly, but upside exists for 6-7 if spring momentum carries over. Overall Takeaways on Football: Schedule is brutal: Power opponents like Alabama, SMU, Virginia, Louisville, Miami, Clemson with few easy ACC games.Recent history (2-10, 5-7) creates low confidence, but "hope every year" for Noles fans.Encouraging notes: Spring scrimmage progress, Tony White's high praise for defense/offense, transfer portal activity.If 5-7 happens again, "it's over" for the current era/coaching staff (humorous Kawhi Leonard "It's over" meme graphic referenced).Advice to fans: Attend the blowout home games vs. New Mexico State or Central Arkansas for fun. Other FSU Sports Segments Basketball (Positive Outlook): Luke Loucks (new head coach) is building something strong.Recent transfer: Sean Abaiv (or similar spelling; former Cincinnati player, McDonald's All-American pedigree, 4-star transfer averaging solid minutes/points).Recruiting class: Ranked ~23rd nationally (or top 9-10 composite) with multiple 4-star transfers + high school talents like Jason Lopez (3-star dual-sport phenom).Surrounded by tournament teams in the rankings; Loucks prioritizing player health/well-being (declined NIT to avoid a deflating loss and focus on development).Projection: Minimum 20 wins next season feels realistic; NIT or better ACC tournament run possible. Long-term, FSU could shift toward "basketball school" vibes under Loucks—Jacob fully supports it. Baseball (Quick Recap): Currently strong vs. Stetson (9-2 lead mentioned).Recent tough loss to Georgia Tech (17-3).Upcoming: Favorable but not automatic (Notre Dame, North Florida, Stanford road trip, USF, Pitt, Jacksonville, Clemson, Miami).Projection: Likely NCAA Regionals; Super Regionals or College World Series possible but requires going 2/3 or better in most ACC series. Coach Link Jarrett trusted to keep them competitive. Closing Jacob thanks viewers, plugs his Twitter (@jsmith_sports or similar), and ends with "Go Noles!"Light-hearted moments: Tech issues, meme references, self-deprecating "do I know ball?" question to comments.Overall vibe: Realistic pessimism on 2026 football tempered by hope in roster building and non-football sports trending up. This episode serves as a ...
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    31 mins
  • Tournament Recap + Baseball / Florida State Primetime LIVE 10

    Tournament Recap + Baseball / Florida State Primetime LIVE 10
    Apr 8 2026
    Opening & Host Intro (00:00:30 – ~00:01:20) Jacob Smith welcomes Seminoles Nation.Show presented by FanDuel.Acknowledges it's a short stream due to other commitments (possibly watching games later). Men's Basketball Tournament Recap Highlights the national championship game: Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 to win the title.Jacob notes it was a close, nerve-wracking game, especially during UConn's late push, but Michigan pulled it out for their second national championship.Personal rooting interest: Jacob cheered for Michigan partly because of his dad's past fandom (pre-sign-stealing scandal) and because Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic) played there.Congrats extended to all Wolverines fans. Florida State Baseball Deep Dive (~00:01:22 – end) Current Standing (as of the stream): Overall record: Mentioned as "and seven" (context suggests around 24-7 at the time; FSU entered the week strong).Ranked #5 nationally (D1Baseball and others).ACC standings note: Georgia Tech was the top ACC team and ranked higher nationally (#3 overall) than FSU at the time of the show. Tonight's Game (vs. Florida – in progress during stream): Top of the 5th inning, Florida leading 2-1.Jacob called Florida an unranked but historically tough "Achilles heel" rival for FSU. Upcoming Schedule Highlights: This weekend (April 9-11): Huge series at Georgia Tech (Yellow Jackets) — #5 FSU at #3 Georgia Tech. Described as one of the best matchups of the year. Games Thursday, Friday, Saturday.Jacob's prediction: FSU splits the series (like they did at Virginia, winning 2-1), but it will be closer and competitive. Possible high-scoring games early, then lower-scoring as pitching adjusts. Optimistic FSU takes at least 2 of 3.Followed by: Stetson (home), Notre Dame, North Florida, at Stanford, USF (home), Pitt (home), Jacksonville (home), at Clemson, Miami (home).Season is in the back half — roughly a month and a week left. Team Strengths & Outlook: Offense: Elite hitting core. High OPS, slugging, etc. Standout performers mentioned: Jace Estes (~1.142 OPS)Will LeVar (~1.048 OPS)Braden Dowd (~.984 OPS)Myles Bailey was out (injured), but the depth is "out of this world." Pitching: Dominant low ERA staff. Examples include John Abraham (~0.61 ERA), Jake Echols, Wes Mendes, Trey Beard (all sub- or very low ERA; some noted as ".XI" — likely sub-1.00 or low-2.00 range in context).Jacob: This team is "built for May" (postseason baseball). Strong statistical profile overall. NCAA Tournament Projection (Bracketology): FSU projected as a #1 seed (Tallahassee Regional host).Baseball America had them as the 6th-best #1 seed.Likely regional opponents: Texas State, Connecticut, Campbell.Outlook: Hosting regional is locked in; Super Regionals and College World Series appearance are realistic but will depend on matchups and travel.Path reminder: Win 3 in regional → Super Regional; win another → CWS.Jacob asked viewers: Is this team built to win in May, or will they exit early in regionals again? (He leans optimistic.) Closing & Additional Notes (~00:08:05 – end) Apology for starting a bit late.Call for viewer debate in comments.Shoutout to Florida State Esports: Focus on the Splatoon team (competitive Splatoon 3).4th playoff appearance in 5 seasons; 3rd semifinals appearance.Facing UC Santa Cruz Slugs in semifinals on Sunday, April 12.Stream likely on Twitch; Jacob planned to share the link. Final thanks to viewers. Follow Jacob on X: @jsmith_sports (or similar handle).Sign-off: "Have a wonderful rest of your day. We'll see you next week." Overall Tone & Style Casual, enthusiastic, and fan-friendly.Heavy optimism about FSU baseball's 2026 season and postseason potential.Kept short and sweet as promised.Balanced baseball analysis with personal touches (e.g., Michigan rooting interest, esports shoutout). This episode served as a quick hit on the basketball title while centering the strong start to FSU baseball and previewing the critical Georgia Tech series. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    9 mins
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