Noles Prepare For Hokies In Cooler Weather

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Temperatures in Blacksburg this weekend are expected to peak around 50 degrees so Wednesday's first practice of the season with a real chill in the air may have been just what the doctor ordered. The Seminoles worked out for 20 periods in uppers and most of the players were in sweat pants as the team continued to prep for its first game in Blacksburg, VA since 1989. FSU head coach Bobby Bowden announced that this would be a "Sod Cemetery Game'.

The majority of practice was spent working versus Virginia Tech scout teams until late in the day.

In pass rush the two biggest stars were Rodney Hudson and Everette Brown who each won numerous battles and had some great 1-on-1's themselves. Among the defensive players who got to the QB were Emmanuel Dunbar, Budd Thacker, Kendrick Stewart, Letroy Guion, Paul Griffin and Eli Charles. Shannon Boatman won a couple battles on the other side and Jacky Claude and Randall Cox also got wins.

In skel Dekoda Watson had a nice drill breaking up two pass attempts. When the drill moved to goal line, Drew Weatherford hit Damon McDaniel and Christian Ponder found Rod Owens.

In 11-on-11 the defense had a great drill again. Charles recorded a sack, Toddrick Verdell had two sacks and Darius McClure broke up a pass. Weatherford was sharp hitting Greg Carr deep twice and also finding Jamaal Edwards for a first down.

Practice concluded with 1:00 drill. The first team was unable to put up any points on its first try. The second attempt produced a TD from Weatherford to Carr.

Coach Bowden Quotes
On the similarities between Florida State and Virginia Tech:
"It's a pretty good match up. I think they're probably the best team we've played. It's the best defense we've seen."

On Virginia Tech's defense:
"They've got a lot of starters back from last year, quite a few seniors over there. They know what they're doing and they play hard."