FSU Football Requested Marching Chiefs To Stop War Chant On Third Down

September 4, 2024 Kerry Will other 0

 

An alumnus of the Marching Chiefs shared insights into the band’s challenges, highlighting the difficulties of balancing its own performances with those of the athletic teams and navigating the complexities of the stadium environment and the initiatives of the athletic department.

Football is the only American sport that originated within the university system and evolved into a significant athletic phenomenon, now viewed by billions globally. Initially developed by and for college students, college football started with modest roots, featuring small audiences, restricted playing styles (the first legal forward pass occurred 37 years after the inaugural official collegiate game in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton), low scoring, and basic safety measures.

The evolution of football’s pageantry, traditions, and playstyles has gradually shaped the sport into its current form: cheerleaders, spread formations, eagles flying around stadiums, symbolic men on horseback planting flaming spears into the turf, and of course, the marching bands. At Florida State University, the Marching Chiefs proudly assert their “world-renowned” status at the beginning of every home game with their pregame performance. They have consistently provided an exceptional entrance to home contests in Tallahassee. The War Chant, beloved by FSU fans and often loathed by opponents, is one of the most recognizable pieces of music (accompanied by fan interaction) in the ACC and perhaps the country.

Like the game of football itself, the War Chant was created by and for its own students. In the mid-1980s, the student body at FSU developed the tomahawk chop motion and vocal accompaniment, and the band eventually orchestrated a musical number that allowed fans to stay on beat. This created one of the most intimidating and recognizable traditions in college football history.

However, according to an anonymous alumni member of the Marching Chiefs, the band has been instructed not to play the War Chant on third downs during home games. Instead, a DJ plays a dubstep/house music style song to fire up the players while leaving the crowd puzzled. This decision was made by the FSU athletics department at the request of the football team.

The alumni Chief noted that this change has significantly impacted the game-day atmosphere. At the ACC Championship Game against Louisville, the Marching Chiefs were able to play the War Chant on defensive third-down sequences, which made a “huge difference” in the game. The alumni Chief also expressed frustration about the band’s limited opportunities to play, citing conflicts with in-game sponsorships and promotions. Fast food fry shuffles and convenience store advertisements often fill TV timeout breaks, limiting the band’s ability to play longer pieces like “Seminole Uprising.”

“If the team wants the third-down song, do it for them,” the alumni Chief said. “Let the team have its song on third down, but there needs to be more opportunities for [the] Chiefs outside of that.”

Florida State Athletics Director Michael Alford responded, stating that there is latitude for changes and opportunities for the Marching Chiefs to play at any time other than during sponsored elements or third downs. However, this response suggests that the school is not open to allowing the War Chant on third downs, despite public outcry.

Fan complaints online include both the War Chant’s disappearance and the constant usage of stadium music throughout home games at Doak Campbell Stadium. The issue seems to be a symptom of a larger disconnect between in-game operations, fans, and the athletic department. The Marching Chiefs’ performances have been praised by head coach Mike Norvell, who has appeared at rehearsals, given motivational speeches, and thrown footballs into the Chiefs’ section after games. Despite this, the lack of the War Chant on third downs remains a contentious issue, reflecting a broader concern about preserving traditional college football experiences.

At the time of writing, a Change.org petition was launched to “Limit DJ music and allow more Marching Chiefs performances at FSU games,” quickly gathering over 5,000 signatures within just 24 hours.

The growing frustrations surrounding this issue are undeniable, particularly due to the struggles the Seminoles are facing on the field. If the team had a 2-0 record, it’s likely that fans wouldn’t express such strong anger and disappointment. However, NoleGameday has confirmed that many of these complaints have been voiced by fans for years, regardless of the team’s performance.

That said, if the stadium DJ’s song during third downs is genuinely benefiting the team and the results reflect that, fans are primarily focused on winning. Similarly, when in-game promotions and stadium sponsorships contribute to the team’s financial success, that becomes the priority for many fans. This may explain why complaints were less vocal during the undefeated home record of the 2023 season.

When the team isn’t performing well, fans become increasingly aware of the overwhelming advertisements they encounter at a game they’ve already paid to attend, alongside a game day experience that undermines one of its cherished traditions—a tradition that, like the sport itself, was created by and for college students. In a sport increasingly driven by financial interests, there is a strong desire to return to the traditions that have defined college football for over 150 years.

Simulating Florida State vs. Boston College on EA’s College Football 25.

Florida State suffered a disappointing loss to Georgia Tech last week, falling 24-21 on a last-second field goal. How does this outcome compare to the results from EA College Football 25?

In last week’s analysis, Georgia Tech emerged victorious in 30 out of 100 simulations, with one simulation accurately predicting the 24-21 final score—kudos to Simulation 99! Simulation 82 was close with a score of 23-20, and Simulation 94 was just a point off at 24-20, earning them a mention. Most other scores, however, were quite different.

As the focus shifts to Boston College, attention turns to whether Florida State’s defensive line can improve from last week’s performance. The only adjustments made were to align with the latest depth chart, naming Conrad Hussey as the full-time starter at free safety and Kevin Knowles as the primary slot starter. Fifty simulations were conducted before the title update on Thursday morning, with another fifty following the update for added variety. The new update also included TJ Ferguson, who is listed as a co-starter at right guard on FSU’s depth chart, though he appears as the backup in the game since co-starters are not represented. Additionally, some players experienced slight rating changes.

Florida State nearly matched its previous week’s performance, securing 69 wins to Boston College’s 31, with an average score of 31-25. Boston College started strong, winning 6 of the first 10 games, including four in a row, and 9 of the first 17. However, Florida State turned the tide after that.

The latest update slightly favored Florida State, improving its record from 33-17 to 36-14. In FSU’s victories, the average score was 35-21, which changed to 34-19 in the 50 games after the update, while Boston College’s wins averaged 33-24.

DJ Uiagalelei earned 31 “Player of the Game” awards, followed by Thomas Castellanos from BC with 20. Other notable performances included Roydell Williams with 11, Ja’Khi Douglas with 10, and several others contributing lesser totals. Uiagalelei had 22 games with four or more total touchdowns, with standout performances in Simulation 40, where he rushed for three touchdowns in a 35-28 loss, and Simulation 72, where he threw five touchdowns to different receivers in a 45-27 win. He did have a few games with multiple interceptions and several where he finished with around 125 passing yards and no touchdowns.

On the other hand, Azareye’h Thomas emerged as a turnover magnet late in the simulations. After recording just four interceptions in the first 56 games, he picked off 16 passes in the final 44 simulations, including 11 in a 15-game stretch. Notably, he had two interceptions in Simulations 60, 67, and 71, and in Simulation 62, he had an interception and a scoop-and-score, the only one of its kind in these simulations.

Ja’Khi Douglas saw the most significant rating increase, moving from a 76 overall to an 81. He excelled, recording nine simulations with either three or more touchdowns or over 150 receiving yards. Florida State’s auto-generated head coach, Monty Jenkins, utilized Douglas in the run game, which proved effective. In Simulation 98, Douglas had three catches for 175 yards and two rushing touchdowns, and in Simulation 88, he had three catches for 168 yards and three touchdowns.

One of the two mystery “Player of the Game” performances occurred in Simulation 79, when DJ Uiagalelei was injured in the first quarter, leading to Brock Glenn stepping in. Although Glenn didn’t perform exceptionally, he didn’t turn the ball over, completing 11 of 20 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown in a 28-20 victory. This was enough for him to earn the POTG title, despite strong performances from Toafili and Williams.

Florida State also recorded its first shutout in these simulations, blanking Boston College 48-0 in Simulation 57, where they outgained BC 467-109. Other simulations came close, such as Simulation 36, where Boston College managed a fourth-quarter field goal in a 26-3 loss, but only the one true shutout was achieved.

On a less positive note, Thomas Castellanos did not rush for as many yards as expected, averaging around 25 yards per game, although he did have a standout performance in Simulation 56 with 384 total yards and five touchdowns, which is why he was named POTG in most of BC’s wins.

Florida State also had some poor offensive outings, losing 28-3 in Simulation 13, 24-6 in Simulation 64, and 17-9 in Simulation 84. Remarkably, they won two games without scoring any offensive touchdowns, which warrants further examination.

The first instance was in Simulation 45, where Florida State won 20-14 thanks to a perfect 4/4 performance from Ryan Fitzgerald and a punt return touchdown by Malik Benson. Patrick Payton was named POTG for his two sacks in that game.

The second instance occurred in Simulation 72, which ended with a 14-7 score. Initially, it seemed like a low-scoring, run-heavy game, but further investigation into the box score revealed more details.

Florida State coach Mike Norvell expressed deep disappointment following the team’s loss to Georgia Tech, which has now been compounded by a second consecutive defeat, this time to Boston College. Norvell acknowledged that he failed to prepare the team adequately for these setbacks, particularly in Monday’s 28-13 loss to Boston College, which dropped the defending ACC champions to 0-2.

The Seminoles’ struggles are multifaceted, with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei facing criticism for his performance. Despite having 272 passing yards and a touchdown, Uiagalelei struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities and threw an interception that significantly impacted the game. The defense also faltered, allowing 263 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Norvell emphasized the need for the team to stay united and focused despite the disappointing start to the season. He acknowledged that the program will face significant negativity but urged the team to persevere and work together to improve their performance.

The team’s early-season woes have been exacerbated by their inability to capitalize on scoring chances and their defensive vulnerabilities. As they head into their bye week, Florida State will need to find solutions quickly to turn their season around. Their next challenge will be a strong Group of Five team, Memphis, which will only add to the pressure on Norvell and the team to deliver a better performance.

FSU Football vs. Boston College Pre-Game Injury Updates.

Florida State’s home opener is rapidly approaching as the Seminoles gear up for a crucial ACC matchup against the Boston College Eagles in Tallahassee, Florida. After a disappointing performance in Ireland, FSU is returning to familiar grounds, albeit with ongoing renovations at Doak Campbell Stadium. Despite the reduced capacity during the 2024 season, Seminole fans are expected to maintain their reputation for creating a challenging environment for opposing teams. The energetic atmosphere could be just what Florida State needs to regain momentum under head coach Mike Norvell’s leadership in his fifth season.

The Florida State Seminoles have maintained an impressive streak of nine consecutive home victories, ranking as the fifth-longest such streak in the nation. However, Boston College is poised to challenge this dominance after narrowly missing an upset last year in Chestnut Hill. The Eagles are returning with a robust lineup, featuring quarterback Thomas Castellanos, running back Kye Robichaux, running back Treshaun Ward, and wide receiver Lewis Bond, all of whom pose significant threats on offense.

Ahead of the matchup, Florida State has announced that several key players will be absent. Redshirt senior offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers, redshirt sophomore linebacker Omar Graham Jr., redshirt sophomore linebacker Shawn Murphy, and sophomore wide receiver Hykeem Williams will miss the game. Williams and Murphy were also unavailable last weekend. Additionally, there are several players dealing with injuries: sophomore wide receiver Destyn Hill is out for the season after a spring injury, while true freshman defensive back Jamari Howard is recovering from an injury that could persist throughout the season. Offensive tackle Robert Scott, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, and tight end Jerrale Powers missed most of the spring due to various issues.

Coach Mike Norvell has also highlighted linebacker DJ Lundy, tight end Landen Thomas, and offensive lineman Bryson Estes as players who faced limitations during the preseason.

NoleGameday will closely monitor the availability of Florida State’s players leading up to kickoff against the Eagles. Key updates include:

Boston College’s Lineup: Co-starting left guard Logan Taylor is missing, with fifth-year senior Dwayne Allick likely to fill his spot.
-Florida State’s Injuries: Destyn Hill and Jamari Howard are supporting the team in street clothes, while Hykeem Williams is dressed out and participating in pregame warmups, indicating he’s nearing a return.
Uiagalelei’s Condition: DJ Uiagalelei is warming up with a sleeve on his right leg, which he typically wears during practices.
Offensive Line: Robert Scott is with the offensive line, likely to serve as the starting right tackle with Jaylen Early, Lucas Simmons, Andre’ Otto, and Jacob Rizy as potential backups.
Unavailable Players: Hykeem Williams, Omar Graham Jr., and Jeremiah Byers are the only three players in the two-deep who appear unavailable for the game.

FSU Football Releases Uniform Combination For Home Opener Against Boston College.

Florida State and Boston College are set to clash on Monday evening in a nationally televised game on Labor Day. This marks the second consecutive week that the Seminoles are in the spotlight, and they will be aiming to recover from their previous loss to avoid starting conference play at 0-2. Head coach Mike Norvell and his squad will need to demonstrate greater focus and consistency to overcome the Eagles.

Boston College poses a unique challenge as this will be their first game under new head coach Bill O’Brien. The Seminoles are aware that they will face threats from players like quarterback Thomas Castellanos, running back Kye Robichaux, and running back Treshaun Ward, all of whom could exploit a Florida State defense that struggled against the run last week.

As the matchup against the Eagles approaches, Florida State has revealed its uniform combination for the conference game. For the second consecutive week, the Seminoles will sport an all-garnet look, featuring gold helmets, garnet jerseys, and garnet pants. Last season, they went 3-0 in this uniform style, and historically, this is the same combination they wore in a 44-14 victory over Boston College in 2022.

Boston College also unveiled its uniforms earlier this week. The Eagles will wear all-white tops as the visiting team, complemented by gold helmets and gold pants.

Florida State and Boston College will face off in a nationally televised matchup on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN. The broadcast team will consist of play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen, analyst Louis Riddick, and sideline reporter Kris Budden.

The Seminoles, ranked No. 10 in the nation, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 24-21 loss to Georgia Tech in Week 0. They’ll host the Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, where they’ve won nine straight home games, the fifth-longest active streak in the country.

Boston College, led by new head coach Bill O’Brien, will aim to pull off the upset and spoil Florida State’s home opener. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos, running backs Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward, and a stout defense led by Donovan Ezeiruaku will be key players to watch for the Eagles.

For the Seminoles, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, wide receiver Malik Benson, running back Lawrance Toafili, cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, defensive end Patrick Payton, and linebacker DJ Lundy will be crucial to their success.

The game can be streamed live on fubo TV, which offers a free trial. Fans can also listen to the action on the Seminoles Sports Network and SiriusXM channel 82e/28.

Florida State vs. Boston College: Friday Practice Observations For The Seminoles.

Florida State held its second consecutive practice on Friday morning as the team prepares for its Labor Day matchup against Boston College. The Seminoles displayed energy and physicality once again, but they also exhibited some of the inconsistencies that affected them last week.

After practice, head coach Mike Norvell acknowledged the day’s intensity but emphasized the need for “controlled focus” during plays and their aftermath. There were too many moments of aggression and lack of control that resulted in sloppiness and failure to execute effectively on both sides of the ball.

NoleGameday was present for the entire practice session and took note of various observations from different position groups. Moving forward, practice reports will be adjusted now that Florida State has entered the 2024 season.

Ryan Fitzgerald continued his impressive performance, successfully making two kicks from 29 yards and a 48-yard attempt. Jake Weinberg missed his 48-yard attempt wide left.

OFFENSE
Luke Kromenhoek made a notable play by scrambling late in practice, running across the field and scoring a touchdown. The entire offense rushed in to celebrate, and quarterbacks coach Tony Tokarz enthusiastically tapped Kromenhoek on the helmet.

Ja’Khi Douglas made the catch of the day with a contested grab in the end zone, holding on despite a tough collision and showing emotion afterward. He excelled throughout practice, showcasing his speed and route-running, easily getting past a veteran defensive back for a touchdown in one-on-ones.

Darion Williamson had a pass slip through his fingers early but bounced back with a strong performance for the rest of the session. He caught a deep pass in one-on-ones, despite being slightly late in recognizing it, and later made a vertical catch along the sideline.

Running backs Kam Davis and Caziah Holmes stood out, with Davis powering through a veteran defender on a carry and Holmes displaying agility on a touchdown run. Holmes evaded a defensive back after reaching the second level of the defense to score.

Brian Courtney made a one-handed catch while running over the middle, managing to secure the ball after it bounced off his outside hand.

Jalen Brown executed an impressive route with a sharp cut that created separation against one of the team’s top defensive backs.

Amaree Williams made a diving catch that was ruled complete by officials, though a replay would be helpful to confirm.

Jeremiah Byers, Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, and Richie Leonard IV all performed well in pass-blocking drills against the defensive line.

DEFENSE
Shyheim Brown had a standout day among the defenders, making several impressive plays in coverage. He broke up a pass on the sideline early in practice and later fought for another incompletion in the end zone.

Patrick Payton batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage early on and teamed up with Marvin Jones Jr. for a sack, converging on the quarterback simultaneously.

Conrad Hussey delivered several big hits, taking down two true freshmen during 7-on-7 drills and playing aggressively overall. He also recorded an interception after catching a tipped pass over the middle.

Other defensive backs, including Edwin Joseph and Azareye’h Thomas, also made impactful plays, with Thomas intercepting a pass and Joseph breaking up consecutive passes.

Ja’Bril Rawls nearly intercepted a pass near the line of scrimmage after quickly reading the play and later deflected another pass.

Charles Lester II also had a pass deflection.

Daniel Lyons and Patrick Payton both achieved victories in one-on-one matchups against the offensive line.

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*