On The Bench: An FSU football podcast network

Latest Episodes:

Two Shows, the Birthday Boy and camp lessons so far Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

We’re not sure how many more practices there will be given the state of college football, but we’ll share with you what we’ve learned about the Seminoles through three days.

Chris Nee and Brendan Sonnone go over some of the storylines and insights from camp so far, plus Nee explains his thoughts on the dark forecast for football in 2020. Brendan wants bourbon. We sing Happy Birthday to Newberg.

Even amid chaos, it’s a good time as always, On The Bench.

Instant-ish reaction to FSU’s schedule, recruiting scoop Aug 06, 2020

Show notes

Florida State’s 2020 schedule is clear now, with dates and all 11 opponents determined.

There was a mixed bag on what to like, and what not to like, for the Seminoles. But much like pizza, any football is good football. On The Bench goes over the schedule, what we like and don’t like for the ‘Noles. Plus a game of Ws and Ls, a breakdown on Newberg’s pickleball skills, recruiting scoop and more.

This podcast is brought to you by Daniel Garland of Evershore Financial Group. Dan is an FSU alum who can help you with your finances during uncertain times. Call Dan today at 321-304-4026 for a no-obligation consultation.

Camp Memories: SNL, Ring Rings and the Future Aug 02, 2020

Show notes

OTB wraps up the Camp Memories series by going over the initial highs of the Willie Taggart Era...and the swift decline.

Whether you want to call it a momentum-based approach gone awry or just smoke and mirrors, the results are the results. We look at what went right, and then what went wrong.

Then we take a quick look at how Mike Norvell operated recruiting camps at Memphis to conclude the series.

The Camp Memories series is brought to you by Daniel Garland of Evershore Financial Group. Dan is an FSU alum who can help you with your finances during uncertain times. Call Dan today at 321-304-4026 for a no-obligation consultation.

Did FSU get hosed with the new 2020 schedule? Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

The Atlantic Coast Conference released a revised 2020 schedule...and it’s not favorable for Florida State.

The Seminoles lose games against Wake Forest, Boston College and Syracuse...while adding Notre Dame and UNC among others.

On The Bench breaks out the emergency pod to go over this news, as well as update you on the departure of former five-star running back Khalan Laborn. But it’s not all gloomy news as we go over some positive updates on the recruiting trail. Plus some mac ‘n cheese talk in the latest episode of OTB.

The artist currently known as Kimo, Fat scoop and more Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

Florida State lost a commitment in offensive lineman Jake Slaughter, who flipped to Florida, but added a promising pledge along the line days later.

Kimo Makaneole of Niceville (Fla.) was offered by FSU on Sunday and committed to the ‘Noles shortly after. On The Bench goes over the commitment, why we like his upside, the pronunciation of his last name (we get it eventually, and more in a pop-up episode.

Plus Newberg drops the scoop on four-star wide receiver Destyn Pazon and two 2022 QBs. Nee discusses why he’s sweaty. Sonnone complains that he’s technically on vacation.

Camp Memories: Post-natty and the final years of the JFC Jul 26, 2020

Show notes

The Jimbo Fisher Camps recruiting camps were the place to be after Florida State won a national title in 2013.

From getting the No. 1 recruit in the country on campus -- Josh Sweat -- to hosting a quartet of blue-chip gunslingers on a single day, the JFC had its fireworks throughout the final years of the Fisher Era.

On The Bench continues its Camp Memories series by going over the good, the bad and the awkward from this time in FSU history. Hey Chris, remember when....

The BoogieMan commits to FSU, the final countdown Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

Florida State picked up a commitment from high-end three-star defender Byron Turner on Thursday.

Dubbed the “BoogieMan”, Turner was a pleasant surprise for the ‘Noles.

The crew at On The Bench explains why you should be excited about the commitment and what’s next on FSU’s defensive end board in the latest episode. Plus we dive into the top end of FSU’s roster to complete the remainder of our 40 Most Important countdown.

A Purdy interesting podcast, ft. Brad Cesmat Jul 22, 2020

Show notes

Chubba Purdy could be the quarterback of the future for Florida State.

Depending on how things shake out, he could also be the QB of the present.

Purdy, the four-star signal caller out of Arizona, was a major get for Mike Norvell shortly after he arrived at FSU. The man who broke Purdy’s commitment and has covered the blue-chip prospect -- as well his brother and Iowa State standout Brock Purdy -- is Brad Cesmat. The CEO of 360SportsAZ.com and the host of The Brad Cesmat Show, Cesmat has a wealth of knowledge on all things Purdy.

Cesmat joins On The Bench to discuss Purdy’s recruitment, his gutsy moments as a player, his competitive mindset and more. Plus Cesmat shares some insights into Norvell’s ascension as an offensive coordinator at Arizona State.

A new-ish option at OT, a lawsuit and more Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

The latest episode of On The Bench goes over a variety of topics on the recruiting trail, including Florida State’s pursuit of priority positions like offensive tackle and defensive end.

We also have Nee weigh in on scheduling options and the hire made atop Seminole Boosters INC. Plus Newberg gives us the background involving Greg Frey and his lawsuit against Florida State Athletics Association.

The land of the lists, dream schedule, and more Jul 17, 2020

Show notes

Florida State is in the mix for a couple of elite offensive linemen -- Terrence Ferguson and Amarius Mims -- who are closing in on decisions.

Newberg gives you the latest on where FSU stands for the pair of Georgia prospects in the latest episode of On The Bench. Plus Newberg and Sonnone go over the freshmen we expect to play this season, why we miss Nee this week and more.