Duke and Ohio State entered Wednesday night with unblemished records. The Blue Devils traveled to Tallahassee to face the11-5 Seminoles, while the Bucks played at Crisler Arena against 11-5 Michigan. Only one unbeaten would remain…
Florida State took down Duke in Tallahassee for the second time in five years to snap the Devils’ 25 game winning streak. The top ranked Blue Devils were defeated 66-61 at Donald Tucker Center on Wednesday for the first time this season. It was the national champ’s first setback since March 2010. FSU’s senior guard, Derwin Kitchen collected 22 points, including 17 in the second half, to carry the Seminoles to their 12th win. Chris Singleton added 18 points in the victory while Kyle Singler led Duke with 20. Duke is sure to be replaced at the top despite a strong comeback in the second half last night. The Devils struggled in the first half, missing ten 3-point attempts as the Seminoles took a 28-24 halftime lead. FSU surged to an eleven point advantage early in the second half but the Devils made it a tight game in the final minutes. Duke erased FSU’s 40-29 cushion and went on to tie the game at 42-42 with a 13-2. Singleton sunk two free throws with 33 seconds left to give the ‘Noles a five point edge. Nolan Smith’s trey cut Duke’s deficit to two with less than thirty ticks remaining but a pair of free throws and a bucket sealed the deal for the home team. Smith finished with 19 points for the number one Devils.
The Wolverines hosted rival OSU Wednesday on the day their football team announced the hiring of SDSU’s Brady Hoke. Michigan rallied from a 53-41 deficit but the Buckeyes held on to win the contest 68-64 to remain undefeated this season. Ohio State used a 12-0 second half run to put some distance between the one point halftime score. William Buford led the Bucks with 19 points and nine rebounds. David Lighty scored 12 points for the number two Buckeyes, who could be sitting pretty on the top of the college basketball world when the rankings come out this weekend. Lighty hit five free throws in the final five minutes of the game as OSU won for the 17th time this season. Darius Morgan had 18 points to carry the Wolverines, who shot over 50% from the field in a strong effort. Evan Smotrycz tied the game at 41with a shot from the arc shortly after halftime. Ohio State followed with a 12-0 run and used a barrage of defense and free throws to cling to their lead. Michigan held the Bucks without a field goal in the game’s final eight minutes. Ohio State hit 17-of-25 from the charity stripe. The Wolverines did a tremendous job containing fab freshman, Jared Sullinger. The 6’9” Sullinger has scored in double figures all but twice this season. Michigan limited him to just 12 and forced him to turn the ball over six times. Ohio State is off to the best start since 1990. That team began the season 17-0 too. The next game for the Bucks comes Saturday at Penn State. OSU looks to add to their ten game road winning streak.
Parting Points: Song for Thursday- “Hesitate” by Stone Sour
I don’t care what the Jets say off the field this week. If they don’t harass Tom Brady on Sunday, their weekly gabs really don’t matter.
Showing posts with label Florida State Seminoles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida State Seminoles. Show all posts
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Dome Dominators
Florida State defeated South Carolina 26-17 at the Georgia Dome in Friday’s Chick-Fil-A-Bowl. The Seminoles never trailed against the 19th ranked Gamecocks in winning their first bowl game under head coach, Jimbo Fisher. South Carolina committed five turnovers, despite 400 yards of offense and a late fourth quarter rally. For FSU, it was program’s first ten win season since 2003. The Seminoles won for the tenth time this year behind backup quarterback, E.J. Manuel and defensive back, Greg Reid. Reid, the sophomore cornerback, forced two fumbles and Manuel was a solid and efficient passer throughout the game. Manuel finished 11-for-15 for 84 yards and a touchdown. Running back, Chris Thompson, gained 145 yards on 25 carries. Thompson scored one of two FSU touchdowns.
Dustin Hopkins kicked a pair of first quarter field goals to give the Seminoles a 6-0 lead. Thompson’s 27 yard rushing score increased the FSU advantage to 13-0 with 1:02 remaining in the first half. Manuel set up the touchdown with a 32 yard scramble on second down. It was a turnover-filled first half for the Gamecocks. South Carolina would not go into the break without scoring on Spencer Lanning’s 40 yard field goal as time expired. Junior signal-caller for the Gamecocks, Stephen Garcia, went 6-for-8 on the nine play scoring drive as South Carolina’s offense finally got into a rhythm.
Twenty-third ranked Florida State opened the second half with another field goal. Hopkins’ 35 yarder made it 16-3 in favor of the Seminoles. Stephon Gilmore picked off an FSU pass inside the Gamecock’s 10 yard line for Manuel’s only interception of the night. The Gamecocks used a Wildcat formation to mix things up on offense. Garcia keyed the attack, capitalizing on the pick by hitting Ace Sanders with a three yard touchdown catch to cut the Seminole lead to six. Florida State answered with Hopkins fourth field goal, a 45 yard kick with nine seconds left in the third quarter.
Brian Maddox found the end zone early in the fourth quarter to trim the FSU lead to 19-17. Maddox, filling in for the injured Marcus Lattimore, rushed seven yards for the score and finished with 53 on the day. FSU struggled on third down most of the game, but during their final touchdown drive, wouldn’t settle for three. Manuel went 7-for-7 during a 63 yard drive that set up Taiwan Easterling’s seven yard touchdown on third-and-goal. The 13 play drive also knocked about six and a half minutes off the clock as time began to run out on Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. Reid deflected a fourth down Garcia pass with just over three minutes to finish off the turnover-plagued Gamecocks. The Seminoles celebrated, ringing in the New Year with a 26-17 Chick-fil-A-Bowl win.
Parting Points: Not a great way to start off 2011 for the Pitt Panthers. New hire, Mike Haywood, was charged with domestic violence. As if recruiting high school players from the Midwest wasn’t challenging enough…in the absence of a decent coach, it’s virtually impossible.
Other Friday bowl winners-Notre Dame, USF and UCF.
Dustin Hopkins kicked a pair of first quarter field goals to give the Seminoles a 6-0 lead. Thompson’s 27 yard rushing score increased the FSU advantage to 13-0 with 1:02 remaining in the first half. Manuel set up the touchdown with a 32 yard scramble on second down. It was a turnover-filled first half for the Gamecocks. South Carolina would not go into the break without scoring on Spencer Lanning’s 40 yard field goal as time expired. Junior signal-caller for the Gamecocks, Stephen Garcia, went 6-for-8 on the nine play scoring drive as South Carolina’s offense finally got into a rhythm.
Twenty-third ranked Florida State opened the second half with another field goal. Hopkins’ 35 yarder made it 16-3 in favor of the Seminoles. Stephon Gilmore picked off an FSU pass inside the Gamecock’s 10 yard line for Manuel’s only interception of the night. The Gamecocks used a Wildcat formation to mix things up on offense. Garcia keyed the attack, capitalizing on the pick by hitting Ace Sanders with a three yard touchdown catch to cut the Seminole lead to six. Florida State answered with Hopkins fourth field goal, a 45 yard kick with nine seconds left in the third quarter.
Brian Maddox found the end zone early in the fourth quarter to trim the FSU lead to 19-17. Maddox, filling in for the injured Marcus Lattimore, rushed seven yards for the score and finished with 53 on the day. FSU struggled on third down most of the game, but during their final touchdown drive, wouldn’t settle for three. Manuel went 7-for-7 during a 63 yard drive that set up Taiwan Easterling’s seven yard touchdown on third-and-goal. The 13 play drive also knocked about six and a half minutes off the clock as time began to run out on Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. Reid deflected a fourth down Garcia pass with just over three minutes to finish off the turnover-plagued Gamecocks. The Seminoles celebrated, ringing in the New Year with a 26-17 Chick-fil-A-Bowl win.
Parting Points: Not a great way to start off 2011 for the Pitt Panthers. New hire, Mike Haywood, was charged with domestic violence. As if recruiting high school players from the Midwest wasn’t challenging enough…in the absence of a decent coach, it’s virtually impossible.
Other Friday bowl winners-Notre Dame, USF and UCF.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Bobby Bowden's Bowl
This hasn’t been the best decade for Florida State football fans. Amid player scandals and preposterous performances, the mainstay of the Seminoles in the ‘00s was the head coach. Bobby Bowden will coach his final game New Year’s Day against his former team, West Virginia. The legendary Bowden transports a 21-9 record in bowl games as FSU’s head coach. The 6-6 Seminoles barely belong in this game but it will be Bowden’s farewell to football. The Mountaineers finished 9-3 in the somewhat firmly established Big East conference. WVU is favored to upend Bowden in his last appearance in Tallahassee. A sellout crowd is expected at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium to cheer Bowden for 34 memorable years with the Seminole headset. Hopefully the ‘Noles will have enough to warrant a win in the new year.
I became a fan of Florida State following their 1999 National Championship. The Seminoles knocked off Michael Vick’s Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl to wrap up a 12-0 season. The ‘Noles ended the 90’s with 109 victories, highest among any college team. It marked Bowden’s second title at FSU. His coaching greatness can be summed up in one sentence: Bowden is second all-time in wins by a Division I coach. Bowden is a winner, and has always been one of the easiest coaches to root for because of his engaging personality. He elevated FSU into the national spotlight after inheriting a four win team in 1976. Since Bowden took over, the Seminoles have only had one losing season (1976). FSU went from the Independent Conference to the elite ACC in 1992. They were undefeated in conference play the first three years in the ACC and finished in first place nine consecutive seasons. The Seminoles snagged the Orange Bowl over stoic Nebraska, by escaping on a Cornhuskers missed field goal. The Bowden-led Seminoles began the 00’s with another first place finish, but lost in the Orange Bowl. Losses started to compound each of the next two years, and in 2006, the Seminoles were fifth in the conference at year’s end. The 2008 season signaled a return to the top, although FSU was tied for the spot after a 9-4 overall record. Last year, Bowden’s team squeezed out a two point victory in the Champs Sports Bowl.
This season has been a roller coaster for the up-and-down Seminoles. They were the preseason pick to win the ACC. The 2009 ‘Noles dropped their home opener in a shootout to Miami, 38-34. They cruised to a back-to-back wins before losing three straight to ranked opponents. Florida State ended October with a pair of three point wins, only to fall to Clemson 40-24 in early November. The loss likely didn’t conjure memories of the 1988 Puntrooskie call that lifted FSU over Clemson late in the game. Two conference wins put FSU back in the ACC title hunt, but a season final crushing by Florida pitted them against the Mountaineers today. No one would be happier than FSU fans to see Bowden’s final season culminate in a Gator Bowl basking. The number 18 Mountaineers will be a challenge for the mediocre ‘Noles. Bowden is hoping to avoid the program’s first losing season since 1976. The alluring matchup features to comparable quarterbacks in FSU’s E.J. Manuel and WVU’s Jarrett Brown. Jermaine Thomas is the Seminole’s leading rusher, but pales in comparison to the fleet-footed Noel Devine for WVU. Florida State should not be overlooked and their .500 record is slightly deceiving. The Seminoles are better than advertised. The Mountaineers were 6-1 at one point during the season and have half as many losses as FSU. West Virginia has won three of their past four games, including a momentum boosting Backyard Brawl defeat of Pittsburgh. But, the Seminoles narrowly lost some hardly fought battles and won some in difficult places to play. The Seminoles have scored more points and picked up more first downs than the Mountaineers. Bowden’s offense has more than 1,000 more yards. For Bowden’s bittersweet sake, let’s hope the inconsistent Seminoles don’t conclude his career with a collapse.
The 80 year old coach seeks his 389th win. To use an antanaclasis, today is the last of the Bowden ara. If you know anything about constellations, you’ll understand this sad attempt at a pun.
Parting points: Will today be the day Ohio State rewrites the script that has plagued them in past bowls?
I became a fan of Florida State following their 1999 National Championship. The Seminoles knocked off Michael Vick’s Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl to wrap up a 12-0 season. The ‘Noles ended the 90’s with 109 victories, highest among any college team. It marked Bowden’s second title at FSU. His coaching greatness can be summed up in one sentence: Bowden is second all-time in wins by a Division I coach. Bowden is a winner, and has always been one of the easiest coaches to root for because of his engaging personality. He elevated FSU into the national spotlight after inheriting a four win team in 1976. Since Bowden took over, the Seminoles have only had one losing season (1976). FSU went from the Independent Conference to the elite ACC in 1992. They were undefeated in conference play the first three years in the ACC and finished in first place nine consecutive seasons. The Seminoles snagged the Orange Bowl over stoic Nebraska, by escaping on a Cornhuskers missed field goal. The Bowden-led Seminoles began the 00’s with another first place finish, but lost in the Orange Bowl. Losses started to compound each of the next two years, and in 2006, the Seminoles were fifth in the conference at year’s end. The 2008 season signaled a return to the top, although FSU was tied for the spot after a 9-4 overall record. Last year, Bowden’s team squeezed out a two point victory in the Champs Sports Bowl.
This season has been a roller coaster for the up-and-down Seminoles. They were the preseason pick to win the ACC. The 2009 ‘Noles dropped their home opener in a shootout to Miami, 38-34. They cruised to a back-to-back wins before losing three straight to ranked opponents. Florida State ended October with a pair of three point wins, only to fall to Clemson 40-24 in early November. The loss likely didn’t conjure memories of the 1988 Puntrooskie call that lifted FSU over Clemson late in the game. Two conference wins put FSU back in the ACC title hunt, but a season final crushing by Florida pitted them against the Mountaineers today. No one would be happier than FSU fans to see Bowden’s final season culminate in a Gator Bowl basking. The number 18 Mountaineers will be a challenge for the mediocre ‘Noles. Bowden is hoping to avoid the program’s first losing season since 1976. The alluring matchup features to comparable quarterbacks in FSU’s E.J. Manuel and WVU’s Jarrett Brown. Jermaine Thomas is the Seminole’s leading rusher, but pales in comparison to the fleet-footed Noel Devine for WVU. Florida State should not be overlooked and their .500 record is slightly deceiving. The Seminoles are better than advertised. The Mountaineers were 6-1 at one point during the season and have half as many losses as FSU. West Virginia has won three of their past four games, including a momentum boosting Backyard Brawl defeat of Pittsburgh. But, the Seminoles narrowly lost some hardly fought battles and won some in difficult places to play. The Seminoles have scored more points and picked up more first downs than the Mountaineers. Bowden’s offense has more than 1,000 more yards. For Bowden’s bittersweet sake, let’s hope the inconsistent Seminoles don’t conclude his career with a collapse.
The 80 year old coach seeks his 389th win. To use an antanaclasis, today is the last of the Bowden ara. If you know anything about constellations, you’ll understand this sad attempt at a pun.
Parting points: Will today be the day Ohio State rewrites the script that has plagued them in past bowls?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Swamp Sinks Seminoles
Legend's Last Lace-up
The SEC Championship game rematch between Florida and Alabama is set for next Saturday after the Gators’ 37-10 drubbing of in-state rivals, FSU. The Seminoles sunk in the swamp in Gator quarterback, Tim Tebow’s, home finale. Tebow accounted for five touchdown flings to complete Florida’s perfect 12-0 regular season. Florida State fell to 6-6, dropping their second contest in the last six in what could be longtime coach, Bobby Bowden’s last game. Both schools will represent the Sunshine State in NCAA bowls this winter. The Seminoles locked up a spot last week against Maryland for their 28th straight season. Urban Meyer’s Gators are poised to return to the championship game and extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 22 games at home on Saturday. Florida needs a win over the Crimson Tide for a trip to the big game.
There aren’t enough accolades to describe Florida’s senior signal caller. Tebow solidified his candidacy for another Heisman Trophy season in 2009. Yesterday, he passed for 221 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Tebow also scored a pair of touchdowns on 15 carries and 90 rushing yards. The Gators quarterback finished an efficient 17-of-21 against Bowden’s dreadful defense. The Seminoles trailed 30-0 before opting to kick a third quarter field goal. Dustin Hopkins completed FSU’s 11 play drive with a 20 yarder through the uprights as time expired in the third quarter. Hopkins missed a field goal from 41 yards earlier in the quarter. Tomahawk freshman quarterback, EJ Manuel, was picked off two times and pressured throughout the game in the 27 point loss. Meyer’s diligent defense harassed State’s offensive line and held the young passer to just 18% on third down tries. Manuel finished with 186 yards, and was additionally the team’s leading rusher in a very frustrating day for the visiting Seminoles. It was Manuel’s third start ever. He completed 19 of 31 passes, finally firing a touchdown in the final quarter. Jarmon Fortson’s acrobatic catch in the end zone provided FSU a nine yard score with six minutes remaining.
Tebow connected with Aaron Hernandez twice in Florida’s sixth straight win over FSU. Hernandez grabbed the first touchdown of the day, an 18 yard shovel pass offering from Tebow with less than seven minutes in the first quarter. The receiver hauled in another, for 37 yards, just before halftime. Caleb Sturgis booted a 37 yard field goal and Tebow surged for an 18 yard touchdown to begin the second quarter. The Gators continued to find the end zone following a 24-0 halftime advantage. Riley Cooper commenced the second half with a 39 yard Tebow toss. Cooper had three receptions for 62 yards in the game. Running back, Jeffrey Demps, raced for 106 rushing yards for the unbeaten Gators. Tebow’s one yard scramble in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter finished Florida’s scoring, giving them a more than comfortable 37-3 lead.
Top-ranked Florida was dazzling in Tebow’s farewell. The Gators racked up 545 total yards on Senior Day. Florida caught the Seminoles off guard and the Gator receivers eluded FSU defenders. It was never even a game for Bowden’s bunch. The Gators jogged untouched into the end zone, much to the delight of a sold out Swamp. The Seminoles were embarrassed in the first half. Florida outgained FSU 291-55 and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over ten minutes. The Seminole starters were pulled in the third quarter after ending their first seven possessions with five punts and a turnover. The only thing being turned over now will be another page in Florida Gators history. Tebow is a legend in Gainesville and if Meyer wins another title, a dynasty will be a guaranteed chapter in the school’s book.
Parting Points: Toss-up artist for Sunday- Toni Braxton or Jimmy Eat World?
I don’t know what’s worse: The media hounding Tiger Woods about his accident or Brian Kelly going on about his future job possibilities to the press. Or, the fact that Lawrence Frank ‘s job is not one of their concerns at all.
The SEC Championship game rematch between Florida and Alabama is set for next Saturday after the Gators’ 37-10 drubbing of in-state rivals, FSU. The Seminoles sunk in the swamp in Gator quarterback, Tim Tebow’s, home finale. Tebow accounted for five touchdown flings to complete Florida’s perfect 12-0 regular season. Florida State fell to 6-6, dropping their second contest in the last six in what could be longtime coach, Bobby Bowden’s last game. Both schools will represent the Sunshine State in NCAA bowls this winter. The Seminoles locked up a spot last week against Maryland for their 28th straight season. Urban Meyer’s Gators are poised to return to the championship game and extended the nation’s longest winning streak to 22 games at home on Saturday. Florida needs a win over the Crimson Tide for a trip to the big game.
There aren’t enough accolades to describe Florida’s senior signal caller. Tebow solidified his candidacy for another Heisman Trophy season in 2009. Yesterday, he passed for 221 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Tebow also scored a pair of touchdowns on 15 carries and 90 rushing yards. The Gators quarterback finished an efficient 17-of-21 against Bowden’s dreadful defense. The Seminoles trailed 30-0 before opting to kick a third quarter field goal. Dustin Hopkins completed FSU’s 11 play drive with a 20 yarder through the uprights as time expired in the third quarter. Hopkins missed a field goal from 41 yards earlier in the quarter. Tomahawk freshman quarterback, EJ Manuel, was picked off two times and pressured throughout the game in the 27 point loss. Meyer’s diligent defense harassed State’s offensive line and held the young passer to just 18% on third down tries. Manuel finished with 186 yards, and was additionally the team’s leading rusher in a very frustrating day for the visiting Seminoles. It was Manuel’s third start ever. He completed 19 of 31 passes, finally firing a touchdown in the final quarter. Jarmon Fortson’s acrobatic catch in the end zone provided FSU a nine yard score with six minutes remaining.
Tebow connected with Aaron Hernandez twice in Florida’s sixth straight win over FSU. Hernandez grabbed the first touchdown of the day, an 18 yard shovel pass offering from Tebow with less than seven minutes in the first quarter. The receiver hauled in another, for 37 yards, just before halftime. Caleb Sturgis booted a 37 yard field goal and Tebow surged for an 18 yard touchdown to begin the second quarter. The Gators continued to find the end zone following a 24-0 halftime advantage. Riley Cooper commenced the second half with a 39 yard Tebow toss. Cooper had three receptions for 62 yards in the game. Running back, Jeffrey Demps, raced for 106 rushing yards for the unbeaten Gators. Tebow’s one yard scramble in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter finished Florida’s scoring, giving them a more than comfortable 37-3 lead.
Top-ranked Florida was dazzling in Tebow’s farewell. The Gators racked up 545 total yards on Senior Day. Florida caught the Seminoles off guard and the Gator receivers eluded FSU defenders. It was never even a game for Bowden’s bunch. The Gators jogged untouched into the end zone, much to the delight of a sold out Swamp. The Seminoles were embarrassed in the first half. Florida outgained FSU 291-55 and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over ten minutes. The Seminole starters were pulled in the third quarter after ending their first seven possessions with five punts and a turnover. The only thing being turned over now will be another page in Florida Gators history. Tebow is a legend in Gainesville and if Meyer wins another title, a dynasty will be a guaranteed chapter in the school’s book.
Parting Points: Toss-up artist for Sunday- Toni Braxton or Jimmy Eat World?
I don’t know what’s worse: The media hounding Tiger Woods about his accident or Brian Kelly going on about his future job possibilities to the press. Or, the fact that Lawrence Frank ‘s job is not one of their concerns at all.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Seminole Scoop
Bobby Bowden begins his 34th year as the Florida State Seminoles head coach with a loaded, well-put-together 2009-10 football team. The ‘Noles kick off the season at home September 7th against Sunshine State rival, Miami. Off the field issues, ranging from Bowden’s future, player arrests, scandals and suspensions have absorbed the most of the NCAA’s alluring, authoritative ACC university. The Seminoles have some areas of concern on the field, but mostly are looking for a turnaround season and return to the top form of the glory years.
FSU will plug away on the gridiron when camp breaks in August without wide receivers Corey Surrency and Greg Carr. Safety, Myron Rolle, the Rhodes Scholar winner a year ago, will also be missing in action. Lou Groza recipient and versatile special teams standout, Graham Gano, also exited after 2008 concluded. Bowden’s boys still have a capable crop of upperclassmen with speed, skills and emerging talent all around. Junior quarterback, Christian Ponder, and center, Ryan McMahon, return at the line of scrimmage to call plays for FSU. Seniors, DeKoda Watson and Patrick Robinson lead the line backing and secondary, respectfully, and left guard, junior Rodney Hudson, anchors the team as perhaps the best returning Seminole.
The ‘Noles have enough pieces to take the Atlantic for the first time in four seasons. Bowden has been absent from the championship during that quartet of years but brings 309 wins back, along with high expectations, when the team begins play in September. The FSU offensive line represents a reap of young but manageable players. Last year the ‘Noles survived and thrived in a tough conference, hanging in contention until the final weeks. Tackles, Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders are a year older and should help to improve Florida State’s 9-4 2008 record. Despite being the youngest offensive line in football, Rick Trickett’s athletic receivers can pick apart defensive and the slack when the production plummets. Preston Parker, Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Furston are Ponder’s preferred targets at the receiving position. Senior tight end, Caz Piurowski, can also catch passes for an FSU team that was 8th in the category last year. One area the ‘Noles did excel in 2008 was in the backfield. They were second in the ACC in running the ball, but main carrier, Antone Smith, departed. His replacement could come in the way of viable backs, Jermaine Thomas, Marcus Sims or Furston.
Visibly, the defense in Tallahassee erupts with efficiency, terrific speed and a balanced pass rush. It’s no secret the defense will be a vital component in the reputable offensive college game. Markus White and Kevin McNeil replace Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett at the tackle spots. Both will need to emerge with excellent efforts to carve out something similar to the 19 sacks and 33 tackles produced by the exited ‘Noles. Watson at linebacker is a force and one of the most explosive players on Bowden’s 2009 roster. His blazing quickness combined with a natural power makes him the team’s top dog and defensive playmakers. Watson imposes his will as a rusher and run defender, and will be a key man during the four road game stretch Florida State faces in late October/early November.
FSU is a good second quarter team, or at least that was the case a year ago. Finishing strong is a valuable asset but Bowden must stress and emphasize getting off to a fast start. The secondary defensive backs demonstrate depth and one area the team should improve is on turnovers. The safety slot vacated by Rolle is one hole Bowden must look to fill effectively. Defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, seems to have some outdated schemes but a good understanding of how to pressure the quarterback. The team did struggle with stopping opponents from running the ball last year. It becomes a necessary goal to change that in 2009. If FSU creates some early momentum and can vilify their adversaries, they shouldn’t teeter out or be an overlooked omission in the ACC.
Parting points: The week is finally over!
FSU will plug away on the gridiron when camp breaks in August without wide receivers Corey Surrency and Greg Carr. Safety, Myron Rolle, the Rhodes Scholar winner a year ago, will also be missing in action. Lou Groza recipient and versatile special teams standout, Graham Gano, also exited after 2008 concluded. Bowden’s boys still have a capable crop of upperclassmen with speed, skills and emerging talent all around. Junior quarterback, Christian Ponder, and center, Ryan McMahon, return at the line of scrimmage to call plays for FSU. Seniors, DeKoda Watson and Patrick Robinson lead the line backing and secondary, respectfully, and left guard, junior Rodney Hudson, anchors the team as perhaps the best returning Seminole.
The ‘Noles have enough pieces to take the Atlantic for the first time in four seasons. Bowden has been absent from the championship during that quartet of years but brings 309 wins back, along with high expectations, when the team begins play in September. The FSU offensive line represents a reap of young but manageable players. Last year the ‘Noles survived and thrived in a tough conference, hanging in contention until the final weeks. Tackles, Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders are a year older and should help to improve Florida State’s 9-4 2008 record. Despite being the youngest offensive line in football, Rick Trickett’s athletic receivers can pick apart defensive and the slack when the production plummets. Preston Parker, Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Furston are Ponder’s preferred targets at the receiving position. Senior tight end, Caz Piurowski, can also catch passes for an FSU team that was 8th in the category last year. One area the ‘Noles did excel in 2008 was in the backfield. They were second in the ACC in running the ball, but main carrier, Antone Smith, departed. His replacement could come in the way of viable backs, Jermaine Thomas, Marcus Sims or Furston.
Visibly, the defense in Tallahassee erupts with efficiency, terrific speed and a balanced pass rush. It’s no secret the defense will be a vital component in the reputable offensive college game. Markus White and Kevin McNeil replace Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett at the tackle spots. Both will need to emerge with excellent efforts to carve out something similar to the 19 sacks and 33 tackles produced by the exited ‘Noles. Watson at linebacker is a force and one of the most explosive players on Bowden’s 2009 roster. His blazing quickness combined with a natural power makes him the team’s top dog and defensive playmakers. Watson imposes his will as a rusher and run defender, and will be a key man during the four road game stretch Florida State faces in late October/early November.
FSU is a good second quarter team, or at least that was the case a year ago. Finishing strong is a valuable asset but Bowden must stress and emphasize getting off to a fast start. The secondary defensive backs demonstrate depth and one area the team should improve is on turnovers. The safety slot vacated by Rolle is one hole Bowden must look to fill effectively. Defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, seems to have some outdated schemes but a good understanding of how to pressure the quarterback. The team did struggle with stopping opponents from running the ball last year. It becomes a necessary goal to change that in 2009. If FSU creates some early momentum and can vilify their adversaries, they shouldn’t teeter out or be an overlooked omission in the ACC.
Parting points: The week is finally over!
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