Fall sports are all wrapped up, but come this weekend, two more Florida State programs will begin their seasons.
As is customary for a Wednesday, we let you know what to watch for in the coming week in FSU sports. Without further ado, here’s what to keep an eye on:
1. FSU men’s tennis kicks things off with big weekend
After an impressive win over Penn State in an exhibition in the Bahamas, Florida State’s men’s tennis team will officially kick off the 2020 season with three home matches in two days. The Seminoles will officially kick things on Friday against Florida Atlantic. On Saturday, FSU will host both Louisiana-Lafayette and Florida A&M. Seniors Alex Knaff and Rana-Roop Singh Bhullar are among the notable returners for an FSU team that fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season.
2. FSU track and field begins indoor season
After an ACC championship and a top-10 finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships last season, the Florida State men’s track and field team will look to continue its success as it opens the season on Saturday at Clemson for the Orange and Purple Elite. The FSU women will also partake in the event after finishing second at the ACC Indoor Championships last season and 35th nationally at the NCAAs. On the men’s side, sprinter Kasaun James and hurdler Trey Cunningham are two athletes to watch. Thrower Shanice Love and sprinters Ka’Tia Seymour and Jayla Kirkland are among the top athletes for the Seminoles on the women’s side.
3. FSU hoops takes on Wake Forest
Fresh off an upset of No. 7 Louisville, Florida State will put its top-10 national ranking on the line on Wednesday night when it takes on Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. Guards M.J. Walker and Trent Forrest are coming off stellar efforts for the Seminoles in their 78-65 win at Louisville on Saturday. Those two, along with sophomore Devin Vassell, are all averaging in double-figures scoring this season. Led by Brandon Childress’ nearly 16 points per game, Wake Forest is 8-5 with an upset win at home over Xavier. FSU swept the season series last season and has won seven of the eight in the series. Wednesday’s contest begins at 7:30 p.m. EST and airs regionally on Fox Sports Networks and on ACC Network Extra.
4. FSU women return home for two
After splitting a pair of road contests, No. 11 Florida State women’s basketball will return home for contests against Georgia Tech on Thursday and North Carolina on Sunday. Forward Kiah Gillespie averages better than 16 points and 9.4 rebounds to lead the Seminoles. FSU also has an excellent tandem of guards in Nausia Woolfolk and Nicki Ekhomu. Both the Yellow Jackets and Tar Heels are 11-3 overall and 2-1 in ACC play. FSU defeated both teams on the road a season ago.
Francesca Pan scores nearly 13 points per game to lead four Georgia Tech players averaging in double-figures. North Carolina has five players averaging in double-figures, led by junior center Janelle Bailey, who averages nearly 15 points and better than 10 rebounds per game. Thursday’s contest begins at 7 p.m. EST while Sunday’s game begins at 2 p.m. EST. Both will air on ACC Network Extra.
5. FSU swimming and diving hosts Alabama
After more than a month off, Florida State’s swimming and diving teams will return to the pool on Saturday to take on Alabama. The FSU men are 4-2 this season while the women are 5-3. The FSU men are ranked No. 14 in the CSCAA Poll while the Alabama women are ranked 17th. The Alabama men and FSU women each received votes in the latest poll.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson. Like The Daily Nole on Facebook. To pitch an idea, author a post or to learn more about The Daily Nole, email Mike Ferguson at Mike@TheDailyNole.com.
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