On The Bench: An FSU football podcast network

Florida State enters the second half of the 2020 campaign hoping to finish the year on a high note. It’s an easier stretch of schedule for the Seminoles, and there’s an opportunity for 3-4 wins if FSU grows in some areas.

The guys go over what we’re looking for from FSU in the final month or so of the regular season in the latest episode of On The Bench. And then we’re joined by trench expert Cole Cubelic of ESPN and SEC Network to get his insights into FSU’s growth along the offensive line.

The podcast as you know it now was originally called the Noles247 Podcast, and it started in March of 2017. Friend and colleague Bob Ferrante was with us then, and was part of a three-man show featuring Chris Nee and Brendan Sonnone, with Josh Newberg joining us on occasion to talk recruiting.

Our show has changed a lot since then. We had to alter the dynamic when Bob left the network, and pivoted to something a little...different. Newberg became a regular, bringing a comfort level on the mic along with a nonchalant attitude that fed well off Nee’s knowledge and Sonnone’s anxiety. The combination? A beautiful mess that blends the latest FSU news, scoop and analysis with three unique and odd personalities. The uniqueness is the focal point of our 300th episode as we give you a glimpse of the chaos behind the mics while recording On The Bench.

Thanks for all the support the last few years! Enjoy the shenanigans!

Florida State is midway through the first year of the Mike Norvell Era. The results have been mixed, with the most recent outing -- a 48-16 loss at Louisville -- leaving a sour taste heading into the bye week.

On The Bench dedicated this show to the listeners. We let the members of Noles247 submit questions, about the team or recruiting, and then we answered them all on the show. We cover everything from depth chart questions, to transfer portal options and tons of recruiting talk.

This episode is brought to you by the original Market Square Liquors, located off Timberlane Road near Thomasville Road and I-10.

Florida State is midway through the first year of the Mike Norvell Era. The results have been mixed, with the most recent outing -- a 48-16 loss at Louisville -- leaving a sour taste heading into the bye week.

On The Bench goes over the Louisville game one more time, but explores where FSU is at midway through the season and where the Seminoles go in order to fix things. This includes a look at how we believe FSU will go about flipping the roster (and why a recent proposal by the NCAA should help with that process), and who we view as building blocks for the future.

The Florida State Seminoles did not have the results fans expected coming off an upset win over No. 5 North Carolina. Instead they went on the road to Louisville and were embarrassed by a score of 48-16.

FSU got the scoring going on an 8-yard touchdown run by QB Jordan Travis, but that would be the last time the Seminoles would hold a lead. Louisville demolished the 'Noles in every facet of the game on Saturday.

FSU falls to 2-4 on the season, including 1-4 against Atlantic Coast Conference. The Seminoles are now 0-3 on the road this season. Head coach Mike Norvell falls to 0-1 all-time against the Cardinals. Louisville earned their first conference victory, moving to 2-4 overall and 1-4 against ACC opponents. Cardinals' head coach Scott Satterfield is now 1-1 against FSU. The Cardinals are 5-16 all-time against FSU with the victory. They are 3-6 against FSU in Louisville. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Louisville in the series.

Florida State looks to build upon its impressive win over North Carolina in a road trip up to Louisville.

The Seminoles are underdogs heading into the contest, but signs of growth are evident and we’re beginning to see some players but into the teachings of coach Mike Norvell. On The Bench previews this game and what we’re seeing from the team in terms of buy-in. Plus we brought in a former Memphis player -- wide receiver Kedarian Jones -- to lend some perspective on Norvell’s ability to build a program.

What a difference a year makes. Exactly one year ago, Florida State fell to Wake Forest in a rain-soaked game that was the straw before the straw that broke the camel’s back during the Willie Taggart Era. 

We left that game on Oct. 19 feeling uncertain of the future of the program, but certain that a change was needed...and as we reported then, likely imminent. Fast forward a full year later. FSU, while still very much so a work in progress, has hope and a clear direction under Mike Norvell. 

On The Bench gets into the reasons why we’re feeling optimistic about FSU’s growth after a 31-28 win over North Carolina in the latest episode. 

The 'Noles took down No.5 North Carolina in a thrilling primetime victory 31-28 inside Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla.

FSU stormed out to a 24-0 lead in the second quarter and a 31-7 lead at the half. They needed every bit of that to hold on as the Tar Heels (3-1, 3-1 ACC) stormed back in the second half and had the ball in the final two minutes with a chance to win.

The Seminoles would hold on for the win, Josh Newberg and Chris Nee are here for your Instant Reaction Victory Podcast!!

Florida State is a double-digit underdog for this weekend’s contest against No. 5 North Carolina. Do the Seminoles have a shot against former QB commit Sam Howell and the explosive Tar Heels?

On The Bench goes into what Howell and Co. do so well, his recruitment, and the status of FSU QB Jordan Travis (aka J-Trav) in the latest episode. Plus we provide updates on a couple transfer portal targets for the Seminoles.

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Florida State’s loss of linebacker recruit Branden Jennings stings. The Seminoles are in desperate need of upgrading the linebacker room, and Jennings was a legacy with the potential to immediately elevate the floor at the position.

On The Bench shares what this news means for FSU moving forward. Plus we circle back to the disappointing play of FSU’s defense against Notre Dame, the encouraging aspects that emerged from the road loss and more in this latest episode.