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The WIRE - FSU Hoops to open '18-'19 season vs. UF at home

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Wednesday, June 20 -- FSU Hoops to open '18-'19 season vs. UF at home

For just the third time in school history, Florida State's men's basketball team will open its season with a home game against rival Florida. It's only the sixth time in the history of the rivalry, which began during the 1951-'52 season, that the schools will square off in a season opener anywhere.

The game is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Tucker Center, and the Seminoles will be looking to defeat the Gators for a school-record fifth consecutive time. FSU is coming off of a run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Season tickets for the Seminoles' 2018-'19 season are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Florida State Ticket office at 1-888-378-6653 or by visiting Seminoles.com.

Friday, April 13 -- Report: Junior QB Francois will not face marijuana charge

After reporting Thursday afternoon that FSU quarterback Deondre Francois will face a misdemeanor marijuana charge, the Tallahassee Democrat now is reporting that the case is closed with no charges pending.

Francois was entered into a diversion program, according to the Democrat's latest story. He was not arrested and was not given a notice to appear in court.

The Democrat's first story was based on unnamed sources. The updated story included information directly from the Tallahassee Police Department.

Thursday, April 12 -- Junior QB Francois reportedly faces marijuana charge

Junior quarterback Deondre Francois, who is trying to work his way into the good graces of first-year Florida State coach Willie Taggart, is now facing a misdemeanor marijuana charge, according to a report from the Tallahassee Democrat.

The newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying that Francois was given a notice to appear in court Thursday by Tallahassee Police in regards to a charge of possession of fewer than 20 grams of marijuana.

Francois started the entire 2016 season and the season opener of 2017 before going down with a season-ending knee injury. He later skipped out on attending an FSU home game, which drew criticism from Taggart when he took over as the Seminoles' head coach.

Taggart has said that Francois not only needs to get healthy, but he also needs to earn the trust and respect of his teammates if he wants to reclaim his starting role.

Francois was not expected to play in Saturday's spring game because he still is not fully recovered from his torn patellar tendon. Sophomore James Blackman and redshirt freshman Bailey Hockman are expected to split alal the reps.

In a statement Thursday night, Taggart said the school is handling Francois' latest situation "internally."

Saturday, March 3 -- Mendoza delivers walkoff hit; FSU clinches series win

The No. 5 Florida State baseball team extended its season-opening win streak to 10 games, beating UNC-Asheville 4-3 Saturday evening in front of 4,717 fans at Dick Howser Stadium. Third baseman Drew Mendoza set a career high with four hits, the last of which was a walk-off single in the ninth inning against Asheville (2-7) reliever Nick Boyles.

“It was a big win for us because it could have been a big loss,” head coach Mike Martin said. “I’m very proud of so much. No errors on either side, which made for an excellent ball game. That was a good game to watch.”

Mendoza finished 4-for-5 in the game with three RBI. Over the first two games of the series, Mendoza is hitting 7-for-9 with two doubles and five RBI and is now hitting a team high .465.

Conor Grady (2-0) earned his second win after pitching out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the top of the ninth inning. With the score tied 3-3, Grady entered in relief of Clayton Kwiatkowski with runners on the corners. Chris Troost singled on a bunt to third base before Grady struck out two hitters and forced an inning-ending groundout.

“(Grady) was amazing,” starting pitcher Drew Parrish said. “He showed a lot of composure out there and he did his job. I’m happy for him. That’s a tough situation to work out of. Not many people can do that.”

Ethan Tressler (0-1) walked Rhett Aplin and Cal Raleigh before Mendoza’s single against Boyles. Mendoza also had a walk-off single last Saturday against Troy. Parrish pitched 5.2 innings, allowing just one hit and three walks while striking out nine.

Friday, March 2 -- Raleigh leads FSU Baseball past UNC-Asheville, 9-2  

Junior catcher Cal Raleigh tied career-highs with three hits and four RBIs in No. 5 Florida State’s 9-2 win over UNC Asheville Friday evening. In front of a crowd of 4,419, the Seminoles extended its season-opening win streak to nine games, while the Bulldogs fell to 2-6.

Raleigh tied the game in the first inning with a triple off the top of the outfield wall in right-centerfield, added a single in the fifth inning and had a three-run double that doubled FSU’s lead to 8-2 in the sixth inning. The triple was the third of Raleigh’s career.

“We saw something in Cal about three days ago,” FSU coach Mike Martin said. “Not so much in the game with Jacksonville, but he seemed to be seeing the ball better, feeling better about the way he was swinging the bat. That look of, ‘I’m comfortable. Let’s play baseball.’ It was really encouraging.”

“I’ve been working on things, approach at the plate,” Raleigh said after the game. “Little mechanical things that started clicking and hopefully it keeps working.”

Junior pitcher Cole Sands (3-0) allowed a run in his first and last innings, going five innings and striking out eight Bulldog hitters. After allowing a walk and an RBI double to open the game, Sands retired the next six hitters. FSU took the lead in the bottom of the first on Raleigh’s RBI triple and the first of Mendoza’s two RBI doubles.

Junior relief pitcher Cobi Johnson threw the sixth and seventh innings, recording all six outs via strikeout. On the season, Johnson has 16 strikeouts in six innings pitched.

Wednesday, Jan. 10 -- Jacques Patrick returning for his senior season

Junior tailback Jacques Patrick announced via Twitter on Wednesday night that he will be returning to Florida State for his senior season. Last season, he rushed for 748 yads and seven touchdowns.

Within the past week, wide receiver Auden Tate, cornerback Tarvarus McFadden and defensive end Jalen Wilkerson all announced they were leaving Florida State to pursue a pro football career.

Wednesday, Jan. 6 -- WR Tate, CB McFadden declare for Draft

The Florida State football team is losing two more juniors to the NFL Draft. Three days after TE Ryan Izzo announced he was leaving early, junior wide receiver Auden Tate and junior cornerback Tarvarus McFadden both confirmed Saturday they are leaving early for the NFL Draft.

Tate finished the 2017 season tied with fellow junior Nyqwan Murray for the team lead with 40 receptions. He also led the team with 10 touchdown grabs. McFadden is a two-year starter at cornerback.

Here is McFadden's statement, which was released by FSU:

“Since I was 5 years old playing in the NFL has been a dream of mine. I’ve learned in this game there will be some good days and bad days. Adversity is something that I have faced all my life and it is something that made me into the man I am today. Every day I am learning and getting better as an individual and an athlete.

I would like to thank American Heritage School and all the coaches and teachers for challenging me by building my confidence and preparing me for college. A special thanks to my parents for sacrificing so much for me, my brother and my little sister. Words can’t describe how much I love and appreciate you both. I want to send a sincere thank you to Coach Fisher and Coach Kelly for allowing me to be a Seminole. I also want to thank the football support staff and academic advisors. To my teammates, we have created bonds that will last a lifetime. Like we always say “WE ALL WE GOT, WE ALL WE NEED.” The love for my brothers is unconditional. To Nole Nation, the best fans in the world, thank you for always supporting me during my three years as a Seminole. Every lesson is a blessing and through the ups and downs I have grown up so much. I will forever bleed Garnet and Gold!!After thoroughly analyzing my options with my family, I have decided to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. This was a very difficult decision for me but part of becoming a man is making business decisions and I know this is the best situation for me and my family.”

This is the statement Tate posted on Twitter:

Wednesday, Jan. 3 -- Junior tight end Ryan Izzo declares for Draft

Junior tight end Ryan Izzo, who caught 20 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns this past season, has announced he's leaving Florida State and declaring for the NFL Draft. Here is his statement:

“After lots of thought and careful consideration, I have decided to forgo my senior season and chase my dream of playing in the NFL. I would like to thank Coach Jimbo and Coach Brewster for giving me the opportunity to be a Seminole. I would also like to thank God for all his blessings, and my family and friends for all their love and support. Lastly, thank you to Nole Nation for all of your non-stop support. We have the best fans in the country, period! Florida State gave me an amazing four years and I will forever be NoleBlooded!!!”

Seminoles reportedly add Woodie to Taggart’s staff

Longtime Willie Taggart assistant Raymond Woodie is joining Taggart’s staff at FSU immediately, according to a report from USA Today’s Dan Wolken.

Woodie, who coached outside linebackers and special teams at Oregon, worked with Taggart there, at USF and Western Kentucky.

FSU men's basketball returns to Top 20 after hot start

Powered by a 9-0 start to the 2017-18 season, the Florida State men's basketball team is back in the top 20 of both major polls.

FSU, which lost its top three scorers from a year ago, was unranked to start the season. But the Seminoles have won nine straight games to start the year, including a thrashing last week of then-No. 5 Florida in Gainesville.

Leonard Hamilton's team checks in at No. 19 in both the AP Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches' Poll.

Sunday, Dec. 3 -- FSU to play in The  Independence Bowl

Florida State will play Southern Miss in the Dec. 27 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La.. The game will broadcast by ESPN.

Monday, Nov. 13 -- FSU-UF game scheduled for noon

Florida State's annual showdown with rival Florida on Nov. 25 will be played at noon on ESPN.

Wednesday, Oct 25 -- George Campbell out for the season with core injury

Florida State's already depleted wide receiver unit got more bad news on Wednesday. Head coach Jimbo Fisher announced after practice that redshirt sophomore George Campbell will miss the rest of this season with a core muscle injury. This is the same injury that has hampered the former five-star recruit since he signed with the Seminoles in 2015. With Keith Gavin also out with an ankle injury, FSU is down to just five scholarship receivers for this weekend, and that includes two freshmen and a converted cornerback (Malique Jackson).

Full video interview with Jimbo Fisher discussing injuries

Monday, Oct. 23 -- RB Patrick 'most likely' out for season with knee injury

Junior tailback Jacques Patrick, who has been Florida State's starter all season while splitting carries with freshman Cam Akers, is "most likely" out for the season with a knee injury, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed Monday morning.

Fisher told Jeff Cameron on his weekly interview with 97.9-ESPN Tallahassee that Patrick tore cartilage in his knee.

Patrick seemed to be shaken up on FSU's last full possession after executing a cut block on a Louisville defender. He left the game one play before a fumble by freshman quarterback James Blackman led to the Cardinals' winning score.

Patrick returned to the game for FSU's final play with five seconds remaining and seemed to be running without a limp. He also attended postgame interviews and did not mention the injury.

Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher meets with the media Monday at 1 p.m. and is expected to further address the injury then.

Akers actually is FSU's leading rusher with 454 yards on 87 carries (5.2 yards per carry). Patrick has run for 434 yards on 76 carries (5.7-yard average).

Monday, Oct. 9 -- FSU's next two games scheduled for noon kickoffs

Florida State's Oct. 14 road game at Duke will be played at noon and will be televised by ESPN2. The Seminoles' Oct. 21 home game against Louisville also will be at noon. It will air on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2. The channel will be determined after this weekend.

Sunday, Oct. 1 -- Florida State drops out of Coaches' Poll

Florida State, who ranked No. 25 last week, dropped completely out of the Coaches' Poll following its 26-19 win over Wake Forest. The Seminoles also remained unranked in the AP Poll. This is the first time FSU hasn't been ranked in either major poll since 2011.

The 'Noles are technically No. 26 in the Coaches' Poll and No. 27 in the AP Poll based on "others receiving votes."

Miami (3-0), who FSU hosts this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, is ranked No. 12 in the Coaches' Poll and No. 13 in the AP Poll.

Complete Coaches' Poll / Complete AP Poll

Monday, Sept. 25 -- FSU-Miami to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET

The Oct. 7 Miami at Florida State game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast by either ABC or ESPN. The TV network will be decided nearly next week.

2017 Schedule, results and kickoff times

Thursday, Sept. 21 -- FSU's Saunders named to Good Works Team

Florida State junior tight end Mavin Saunders was one of 11 FBS players named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the organization announced Thursday morning. Saunders was honored after being named the Riley Elementary Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year for his work with the local Tallahassee school.

Saunders began volunteering with Riley Elementary for class credit, but has now worked with the students for nearly two years, fitting in time around his football and school requirements. In addition to Saunders’ work with Riley Elementary, he was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for a second time this year.

This is the second consecutive year that a Seminole has been named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Last year, center Alec Eberle earned the honor for his work with Uplifting Athletes and head coach Jimbo Fisher’s Kidz1stFund. Saunders is the sixth Seminole to earn the distinction, joining Corey Fuller (1994), Wayne Messum (1995), Sam Cowart (1996), Christian Ponder (2010) and Eberle (2016).

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes incredible stories of selflessness and community service and honors their dedication to volunteerism and enriching the lives of others.

Wednesday, July 18 - Three FSU players on all-ACC team

2017 All-ACC Preseason Football Team

Offense
WR – Deon Cain, Jr., Clemson
WR – Ahmmon Richards, So., Miami
WR – Cam Phillips, Sr., Virginia Tech
TE – Cam Serigne, Sr.-r, Wake Forest
AP – Jaylen Samuels, Sr., NC State
OT – Mitch Hyatt, Jr., Clemson
OT – Brian O’Neill, Jr.-r, Pitt
OG – Tyrone Crowder, Sr.-r, Clemson
OG – Wyatt Teller, Sr.-r, Virginia Tech
C – Alec Eberle, Jr.-r, Florida State
QB – Lamar Jackson, Jr., Louisville
RB – Mark Walton, Jr., Miami
RB – Dedrick Mills, So., Georgia Tech

Defense
DE – Harold Landry, Sr., Boston College
DE – Bradley Chubb, Sr., NC State
DT – Dexter Lawrence, So., Clemson
DT – Christian Wilkins, Jr., Clemson
LB – Micah Kiser, Sr.-r, Virginia
LB – Shaquille Quarterman, So., Miami
LB – Tremaine Edmunds, Jr., Virginia Tech
CB – Tarvarus McFadden, Jr., Florida State
CB – Jaire Alexander, Jr., Louisville
S – Derwin James, So.-r, Florida State
S – Quin Blanding, Sr., Virginia

Special Teams
PK – Michael Badgley, Jr., Miami
P – A.J. Cole III, Jr., NC State
SP – Quadree Henderson, Jr., Pitt

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