Three And Out Column

This is the first in a series of columns that I am calling "Three and Out". I am asking people who are familiar with the FSU football program and/or the ACC to answer three questions that I give them. The first "Three and Out" guest columnist is from the Jacksonville, Florida area. He was not able to give me permission to use his name but he is a knowledgeable observer of the FSU football program in the Jacksonville metro area. My thanks to him for providing the answers to my questions.

Q: How would you assess the support among FSU fans and boosters for Bobby Bowden in the Jacksonville metro area?

A: Jacksonville remains one of the state's strongholds for FSU fans, and despite the gnashing of teeth over the offensive problems in recent seasons, the popularity and support for Bobby remains very strong.

Q: What in your opinion was the biggest story from the FSU football season?

A: As for the biggest story of the season, I would have to say there are two. Off the field, Jeff Bowden's resignation would easily qualify as the biggest newsmaker, but I would be remiss in not pointing out that the majority of fans are/were not opposed to the school's severance package, though the topic remains touchy on websites and the like. (It also has the full support of the Boosters, including many whom I have spoken to personally).

On the field, the development of the defense would rate right at the top. To rank 15th nationally in total defense, despite the injuries which forced so many first-year players into the fray, is a very positive sign for the future.

Q: Have you had an opportunity to study UCLA and if so, what impresses you?

A: As for the Bruins, I have monitored them throughout the season due to certain responsibilities I have with college football. There are a lot of similarities between the teams, the most prominent are on defense. Both teams offset under-sized defensive units with speed. UCLA is perhaps better on the edges, especially at defensive end with Justin Hickman and Bruce Davis. FSU's linebackers are clearly superior.

Offensively, both teams labor to put points on the board. The Bruins could get a boost if left-handed QB Ben Olson returns from injury as anticipated. The only clear-cut edge to the Bruins comes on special teams where kicker Justin Medlock has been virtually perfect on all FGs and PATs this season.