We really appreciate that! I've always told people since I started this that I'm just a guy with a laptop and a dream lol I like being an independent outlet, so we are free to say what we want. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the university, that means they won't credential us (or at least that's the reason I was told). Hopefully, that changes someday, but we do it for our community anyway! Go Noles!! - Jesse

I get what you're saying, and there were some FSU fans and even outlets that made pie in the sky promises. I believe our stance has been that FSU is desired by the other conferences if they find a way out of the ACC and would have a place to go when that eventually happens. To which I would ask, what changed? ESPN picked up an extension that they were always going to pick up unless FSU, Clemson, and other schools had already left, which was unlikely in that short amount of time. We had always said 2027 was the most likely timeline at the earliest because of the argument FSU was making in the lawsuit. (Which is still not settled) There is nothing that says they still aren't desired by those conferences and that it is still a "when" not "if" question. Why else would FSU and Clemson be asking for a settlement with ESPN to include a shortening of the GOR to the next time the SEC and Big Ten renegotiate their TV contracts if they had no place to go when that date comes? The lawsuits are still active, and the same rumors are still there. The only thing that changed was the ESPN extension. We had been saying that ESPN would want to know what they are getting before they pick it up, basically whether FSU and Clemson had found an exit path by then, and they did not, so this was expected because they didn't. What if ESPN and the schools reach a settlement tomorrow to shorten the GOR to 2030-2031? Is that not the same result just at a later date? I apologize if you are talking about what other fans have said and not us, but the point I'm trying to make is how does this prove the desire isn't there because of the time line getting pushed back? Even if it is 2036, when FSU and Clemson hit the free market, they will most likely get an offer (you even said that yourself). There's a lot of details that none of us know to be saying things like we know with 100% certainty that the other conferences weren't and aren't interested. FSU and Clemson still have to leave the ACC to find out and they haven't done that, so we don't know for sure what would happen if they had (or do at an earlier date than the 2036 GOR end date).

​@@plantthespear The only thing I think I and many people took issue with were FSU fans thinking they were exceptional. If the ACC collapsed tomorrow, it's without question that ND, UNC, FSU, Miami, Clemson, and possibly UVA would be desired by either the B1G or SEC. At the same time, UGA and Florida would also be desired by the B1G if they wanted out of the B1G. Other than ND, no team has any assurances of a landing spot from the ACC. The only teams we know the B1G approached in the past are UNC and UVA. And the only schools that recently received AAU status were ND and Miami. So this idea that the B1G was going outside of its process and protocols for FSU because of a potential ratings bump in the 2030 agreement never made sense. The B1G and SEC were just better off waiting to see who were and weren't available when it was time to renew their contracts. That's exactly what triggered the last round of realignment. The only way that there was going to be expansion prior to the next renewal is if the networks agreed to pay for it. Everyone was speculating that Fox was going to pay enough money so that Purdue and Northwestern didn't have to take less just to broadcast OSU/FSU twice every 5 years. That didn't make any sense. I think it's clear to everyone that based on the ratings and results from last season, the B1G and SEC don't need to expand anymore beyond ND. If they do, it's only as a defensive measure with teams are available at a discount (like Oregon and Washington) than a offensive strategy. If the B1G and SEC sign a scheduling agreement, then the need for more schools beyond ND further diminish.

Why would they go to the Big 12? lol We never even entertained that idea. The goal is the SEC or Big Ten. Or stay in the ACC with extra revenue opportunities.

I don't believe the Big Ten "passed" on adding Texas and Oklahoma. They had already stated intentions to join the SEC in 2021 prior to the Big Ten doing further expansion. The Big Ten then went against their own word after saying they weren't interested in expanding further and took teams from a failing Pac12 after Texas and OU were already headed to the SEC. It was a smart move don't get me wrong, but felt like a reactionary move. The Big 12 media deal was shared by ESPN and Fox at the time that Texas and OU were still in the conference, so they could have gone in either direction. With that said, I get what you're saying, but FSU would be willing to go to wherever is the best option outside of the ACC. (The AD has said so). If that means a negotiated deal with ESPN to go to the SEC, they will go. If they break free from their GOR and can go to the open market and the Big Ten has a better offer, I'm sure they would go. The Big Ten wants to plant a flag in ESPN's backyard in the massive Florida market. It also helps them achieve a national conference footprint. They already have a footprint in the Midwest. The Texas argument makes sense, but Texas and OU were a package deal for the SEC. Either way, I don't think FSU fans would be upset at landing in the SEC. We're a natural fit and already play UF every year. We just want out of the ACC and into one of the Power 2 conferences. The AAU status is not only good for the university but also adds value if we were to hit the open market and test the waters with the Big Ten. Not trying to be argumentative, and we appreciate you watching and commenting. Just wanted to provide some additional thoughts on that.

Just going off what the school said in their 2023-2027 academic plan. They added 6 new schools in 2023, the most since 1900, so they appear open to adding schools at an increased rate. Either way, the Big Ten commish has said it is not a hard requirement. If FSU keeps improving its academics and is actively pursuing status, that would probably help their case to get into the conference.

Appreciate that, and thanks for watching! It's not exactly what we were hoping for, but there's still a lot of variables to wait and see on. And yes, winning is a great place to start! Hopefully, we get back to that this year. Go Noles!!🔥🍢

Agreed. By the time this current media rights deal is over, the teams in the conference will be miles behind the Power 2. I don't think staying until 2031 at the latest if we get back to winning and earn some extra revenue would tank our program, but we have to get out as soon as possible. We absolutely cannot settle on staying until 2036.

That is true. They can push narratives as much as anyone else.

That part of the discussion is more about whether they can survive in the national college football picture if they remain in the ACC. A LOT of FSU fans were acting like staying in the ACC for a few more years would lead to the program becoming irrelevant and that we'll never win another national championship because of the revenue gap. We're trying to point out why that's not necessarily the case until we know all the details.

Thanks but just don’t get that rationale…that is catastrophizing and is projecting a false narrative.

That's kind of what we're addressing in the episode. Staying in the ACC and having to live with a potentially $50M revenue gap and fewer CFP bids certainly isn't good for FSU and Clemson, who are trying to compete with the SEC and Big Ten. Those reasons are why FSU filed the lawsuit in the first place. We address that staying in the ACC for a few extra years is not ideal, but the thought that FSU will become irrelevant because of it is kinda crazy.

Thanks for the dialogue.

Appreciate you commenting! I hate doing these types of episodes. I just want to talk about football 😅 But, it's a big and important topic in relation to FSU's future, so we had to address it.

Appreciate that!! 🙏

Appreciate you!! 🙏 Thank you so much for your continued support 🤝

Appreciate that, and thanks for tuning in!! 🙏 I hope they do surprise us... just in a good way this time 😅 I agree it's not where we want to be, but hopefully, it's a step in the right direction and builds momentum for the future. You never, though. I also agree about the potential being there. I like the new staff and portal additions. I don't think this staff will put up with the lack of effort we saw last year. Here's to hoping for the best! Go Noles!! 🔥🍢

I totally understand all of those outlooks. It's hard to be confident in this team after last season until we see the improvement. If we beat Bama, I agree that we probably end up somewhere around 9-3 / 10-2. If we lose a close one and look competitive, doing it 8-4 or better is certainly on the table. If we get smoked, uh oh. We also have to stay healthy at a few positions, namely QB and OL. I don't love the depth there. I could also see a disaster scenario where we go 6-6 or worse, with a few bad breaks. However, I do expect us to be significantly improved this year. I don't think we lose to VT at home, but I worry about NCST on a Friday night right before UF. Not knowing anything about how the team looks yet, I'm in the 7-5 / 9-3 range with my most likely losses to Bama, Clemson, NCST, and UF. I just hope they surprise us... in a good way 😅

@ what I want to know is how is Clemson getting to burn the candle on both sides? We do the dirty work, they jump in late and will benefit. Plus they are not getting the repercussions from the ACC side (I.e. not getting screwed with scheduling and slandering at every turn)

Appreciate that!! 🙏 Thank you for watching 🫡 Go Noles!! 🔥🍢

I agree there. We never want to lose, but that's why we said it doesn't wreck your season being an OOC game. It's more of a perception and confidence issue for a program that needs something positive in both of those areas. Clemson also dropped their final regular season game to an SEC opponent, and it didn't matter either. With that said, it does add pressure because without them winning the ACC to secure the AQ bid, they don't make the CFP. If we get blown out by Bama and lose the final game to our SEC rival like Clemson did last year, the at-large bid is probably toast. We would have to win the conference to make the playoffs. And we probably couldn't lose more than 1 ACC game, too. I'm not saying we're going to be a playoff team this year, but you get the point. Beating Bama would be huge for sneaking in as an at-large if we didn't win the ACC.

Go Noles!!🔥🍢

It was an interesting choice, but I think hiring Malzahn was more about Norvell getting someone who is proven and experienced, and he knows he can trust. He knows he has to win right now and couldn't take any chances. Personally, I thought we were going to get Brennan Marion from UNLV. But Gus is the top of Norvell's coaching tree, and they have worked together before. Although, you could argue that his best days are behind him, they still had pretty good offenses at UCF with less talent than he'll have at FSU. The mobile QB aspect should help with a struggling OL, which was our biggest problem last year, and hopefully, something that gets fixed under the new staff. You just have to know there's a certain type of QB you aren't going to get. Maybe it will end up being a good thing to have an offense that's not so dependent on a great QB, but having good QB play is just a bonus. Only time will tell, but I'm excited to see what it looks like. If we can run the ball like Malzahn has proven to do throughout his career and play good defense, I think we'll get back to being successful. One thing I do like about the Malzahn hire is he knows what it looks like to compete in the SEC and at a national championship level and can pass that onto Mike. Show him how to go compete on the trail, too.

Luke wasn’t the answer

What's up, bro! Go Noles!!🔥🍢

Definitely agree with you there. It would set off Malzahn's offense. I like any of these three, but it would be nice to have a dual-threat QB that's 6'4/6'5 200+ with a cannon like Cam.

Appreciate that!! 🙏 Our biggest problem with both Michael and I working full-time is coordinating schedules and being able to stay on top of the news cycle. Typically, we have to reheat leftovers and just add some seasoning 😅 I've also gotten used to having a co-host now, so I don't solo record much anymore. I had time to knock it out today and will try to do more of these going forward!! 🫡 I'm thinking we will end up around 8 wins with the chance to surprise to the upside as long as we stay healthy. I'm still VERY cautiously optimistic, but I am optimistic about this season. Go Noles!!🔥🍢

Appreciate that! 🫡 I think we have a good chance to land Duckworth, but I like all 3. They are a great fit for the system and dynamic players! Go Noles!! 🔥🍢

I'm just not sold on this new type offense at FSU but we will see. It's almost like making Malzahn the head coach with MN as as assoc. head coach in training. I was not against our previous offense if we had the horses to run it especially on the offensive line and QB. We need better receivers too. I think we do have the running backs to be successful. I just don't want us to become UCF because they weren't all that good last year. Them and Nebraska seem to be who we are raiding for players and coaches. Go Noles!

Same here, but that is crazy. As bad as we were last year, this is a new team that should be much better. Anything is possible, but I think we beat UVA... or at least we better.

games on thursday or friday are huge advantage for the home team

@SurferRC agreed. That's why I wish they had put they first bye week after Kent State, so we had extra time before the short week. We certainly can't overlook anyone, but at least with Kent State before UVA, they can start install early and hopefully rest the starters for most of that game. I just hate the NCST game all around. Friday night after VT and before UF. At least they will he coming off a trip to Miami, but still not ideal.

I'm in the same boat. I'm not predicting we beat them, but I wouldn't at all be surprised if we pull the upset at home.