Floyd New Color Analyst For FSU Football

According to FSU Sports Information, William Floyd is the new color analyst on the Seminole Sports Network next season. Floyd replaces Peter Tom Willis who was fired because he had the audacity to be candid and honest in his color analysis.

Floyd won a national championship as a fullback for the Seminoles in 1993 and a Super Bowl ring as a San Francisco 49er in 1995. He joins play by play announcer Gene Deckerhoff.

Now he only needs to avoid references to a high school offense and always be extremely deferential to Saint Bobby.

Other Noles Hoping To Land Deals With NFL Teams

Although only three former Noles were drafted in the NFL draft this past weekend, there are others that will be looking to sign as free agents.

QB Xavier Lee, WR Joslin Shaw and OG Jacky Claude will be looking to sign as free agents. DE Alex Boston signed a free-agent deal Monday with the Jaguars. Safety Anthony Houllis has a workout scheduled with the Bucs and OT Shannon Boatman signed a free-agent deal with the Redskins.

Is There A Draft In Here ?

FSU fans probably did not get excited about this year's NFL draft. Case in point was that the three players selected in the draft represented the fewest players FSU placed in a draft since 2002. FSU players drafted were Andre Fluellen, Geno Hayes and Letroy Guion.

Fluellen was the 24th pick in the third round by the Detroit Lions and the 87th overall. Guion and Hayes were selected in the fifth and sixth rounds respectively with Guion drafted by Minnesota with the 152nd overall pick. Hayes was selected by Tampa Bay.

" I don't know how. "

"How will I know when (to step away from coaching)? I don't know. I'll probably know. I don't know how."
Bobby Bowden speaking to Seminole Club of Polk County regarding when it is time to retire

Black Bears To Play Noles In 2009

How many of us know what happened in 1892? Well, Grover Cleveland was elected president. The General Electric Company was established and yes, the University of Maine began their football program.

The Black Bears will bring their historic program to Doak in 2009. In addition to the Bears, FSU has scheduled BYU as a non-conference game in 2009.

The game for Maine will be before the largest-ever crowd to witness a Black Bears football game. "I think everyone will be excited to play in that kind of setting and such a large, passionate crowd," said UMaine athletic director Blake James. Maine will receive a guarantee of $450,000 from FSU for playing the game, according to James.

"... it was pretty unanimous."

“You’re getting paid to boost FSU up. ...because of some things like that (FSU offense looks like high school offense)it was pretty unanimous.” (that Willis had to go.).
Bobby Bowden regarding the firing of FSU analyst P.T. Willis speaking at Lake City FSU Boosters dinner

Will Noles Be Left Out On Saturday?

One only needs to look at the last two seasons to understand that the talent at FSU has been in a decline. That will perhaps be evident in the NFL draft on Saturday as
analysts are predicting that FSU will not have any players selected on the first day of the draft. So how long has it been since that happened?

For 20 years a former Florida State football player has heard his name called on the first day of the draft.

With just two rounds instead of three being held on the first day, FSU is not expected to be represented if the NFL Draft analysts are correct.

Preston Parker Now In More Trouble

According to published reports, Preston Parker will now be prosecuted for a 2006 petty theft charge in Leon County because his arrest Tuesday in Palm Beach County on a separate charge violated the terms of his diversionary program.

Parker had been arrested Nov. 5, 2006 by Tallahassee police after he tried to steal a DVD from the Best Buy on Apalachee Parkway, according to Leon County records. The DVD was valued at $9.99. He was placed in a diversionary program at that time.

The State Attorney’s Office will now prosecute Parker on that charge, starting with an arraignment set for May 20.

Preston Parker Arrested On Gun And Marijuana Charges

ESPN is reporting that standout receiver Preston Parker was arrested early Tuesday on charges of carrying a concealed .45-caliber handgun and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. This is according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

" People have been very supportive."

" It was super. They were willing to step up and help us get where we need to go. People have been very supportive."
Jimbo Fisher regarding a donation of $100,000 from the Panama City Seminole Club that is earmarked for a new indoor practice facility

Congress And NCAA At Odds

Don't worry about terrorism, high gas prices, or even the rising cost of food.Never fear. We now have a brewing battle between two groups that are liked as much as someone being hit over the head with a hammer- Congress and the NCAA.

Three members of Congress are calling on the Justice Department to investigate whether college football's Bowl Championship Series is an illegal enterprise. Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) are introducing a resolution rejecting the oft-criticized bowl system as an illegal restriction on trade because only the largest universities compete in most of the major bowl games. The resolution would require Justice's antitrust division to investigate whether the system violates federal law.

"Who elected these NCAA people? Who are they to decide who competes for the championship?" Abercrombie said at a press conference Thursday on Capitol Hill, gripping a souvenir Hawaii football.

Abercrombie said the matter is worthy of federal review because college football is big business with hundreds of millions of dollars at stake.

We all can rest easy now.

" I have to run him out of my chair...."

"I have to run him out of my chair every now and then."
Bobby Bowden in a Q&A in The New York Times when asked what the dynamic is like between him and Jimbo Fisher

Bowden Announces First Team Offense

Beginning his annual booster tour, Bobby Bowden on Thursday announced his first team offense.

The first team offense, according to Bowden: Split end Greg Carr, tight end Jonathan Hannah or Matt Dunham, flanker Preston Parker, right tackle Antwane Greenlee, left tackle Rodney Hudson, center Ryan McMahon, right guard Will Furlong, left guard Evan Bellamy, tailback Antone Smith, fullback Seddrick Holloway and quarterback Drew Weatherford.

" I think it would be really beneficial for the whole university...."

"Until I came here in February, I never even thought about an indoor facility until I saw what the weather does and how fast it moves through. I think it would be really beneficial for the whole university, not just football."
FSU AD Randy Spetman commenting on Bobby Bowden pushing hard for an indoor practice facility as quoted in The St. Pete Times

" We feel like we got better."

"It's hard to tell. We feel like we got better. We made some progress, certainly not where we got to be to compete against the people we've got to play this year."
Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews regarding how the defense improved during spring practice

"... I think I'll be fine."

" I think things will be different for me because Coach Fisher is there. You can only do so much for yourself but it's also the people that are around you that will help you out. . . . And also, I just think my work ethic will help me [go] that extra mile. So I think I'll be fine."
2008 QB signee E.J. Manuel

Key Seminoles Receive Awards

The following Seminoles received spring practice awards for their efforts :

Most valuable player offense - QB Christian Ponder.

Most valuable player on defense - LB Dekoda Watson.

Hinesman (most dominate) - OT Rodney Hudson.

Academic achievement award - Antone Smith.

Top newcomers: OT Will Furlong and Taiwan Easterling (offense), LB Aaron Gresham (defense).

Big hitters: OT Evan Bellamy and S Darius McClure.

"... one of the worst performances that we had."

"It was probably one of the worst performances that we had, but I'm not disappointed with where we are. We're still a long way ahead of where we were a year ago. What we need to do is polish and detail."
Jimbo Fisher regarding play of offense in Garnet and Gold game

Defense Gets Best Of Offense In Garnet And Gold Game

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

In front of approximately 30,000 fans and under the bright lights, the Seminole defense shone brighter than the postgame fireworks that lit up the Tallahassee sky Saturday night in the 2008 Garnet & Gold scrimmage. The defense, or Gold team, defeated the Garnet/offense 22-12 in the final practice of the spring. FSU's defense recorded 11 sacks and picked off two passes.

"The defense did a tremendous job I thought," said Florida State Head Coach Bobby Bowden. "They did a tremendous job. I don't think the offense scored until they got in the red zone. That's happened all year; we get out in the middle of the field and we move the ball but don't score. Then we get in the red zone where it would be tougher to score and we score. Maybe we will get something out of it."

"I'm not sure how we came out as a team as a defensive unit until we look at the tape," said defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews. "You try to use the scrimmage, the spring game, as your final evaluation. It looked like we played pretty good when we defended on the field."

The Seminole defensive line stole the show versus an undermanned group on the offensive side of the ball. With Daron Rose out, some of FSU's offensive linemen were forced into double duty. Ryan McMahon started at center with the ones and played at tackles with the twos. Rodney Hudson played with both units at times as well. That allowed the Seminoles defenders to rack up 11 sacks.

"I thought the big difference is the line of scrimmage," said Bowden. "The defensive line did a good job. The quarterbacks hardly ever had time to set their feet. I wonder how many passes they threw tonight where they could plant their feet. They were harassed pretty good.

"Again, I thought the mismatch tonight was our defensive front. I thought that was a mismatch. I think he (Coach Trickett) played eight offensive linemen for 10 positions - it should be 10 at the least. So you had guards playing tackle and centers playing tackle and so you lose a lot of continuity right there. I think it shows."

Kendall Smith was one of the stars for the defense as he was tied for the team lead in tackles (4), sacks (2) and tackles for loss (2). Neefy Moffett also had two sacks while Myron Rolle, Dekoda Watson and Darius McClure each had four tackles as well.

"I thought we did real well actually," said defensive lineman Budd Thacker. "We were definitely getting heat on the quarterback which is what we've been trying to accomplish all spring, getting more pressure on the quarterback. We got better at that and our [defensive backs] played good ball. We basically went out there and played Seminole football."

"Defense came with way more blitzes then what they have been doing," said quarterback D'Vontrey Richardson. "We just got to continue to watch film over this little break and learn how to pick it up. We can't hold our heads down; we've just got to pick it up a little more."

Richardson and Christian Ponder combined to go 23 of 44 for 270 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. Ponder was 12-of-19 for 140 yards and the redshirt sophomore posted a QB rating of 131.89.

"I think they (the quarterbacks) had so much pressure of them they were not able to show really what they could do," said Bowden. "I'm sure statistically and point wise it was probably the least production we had in maybe every scrimmage. We probably had another one like this but we had our good days, too. I think it give us something good to build on."

"I think I didn't do as well as I should have," said Ponder. "I never really got comfortable or into the rhythm. I missed a couple throws and a couple of reads on some things, but I didn't do that bad. I think I could have done better than I did."

Preston Parker and Taiwan Easterling led the way for the offense. Parker had six catches for 76 yards and the lone touchdown and that came in red zone when Ponder hit him on the first play for a 20-yard score. Easterling posted big numbers as well. The redshirt freshman caught five balls for 81 yards for an average of 16.7 yards per reception.

"He really was (Taiwan Easterling was in the middle of many big plays)," said Bowden. "He was kind of the offensive star tonight."

"I gained a lot of confidence by coming out here and showing I can do it a little bit," said Easterling. "It really helped me out a lot so I've got to come out and just work during the summer and just take it up another step, just keep working hard."

The next time the Seminoles will get together as an entire team for practice will be in August when two-a-days begin and the squad begins to prepare for its September 6 opener versus Western Carolina.

Rosters Set For Spring Game

GARNET TEAM

1 Eli Tatem---------- WR- 5-6- 150--- FR-------- West Palm Beach, FL

5 Preston Parker---- WR- 6-0- 190--- JR-------- Delray Beach, FL

6 Antone Smith------ RB-- 5-9- 190--- SR-------- Pahokee, FL

8 Brandon Paul------ RB-- 5-10 170--- r-FR------ Tallahassee, FL

9 Richard Goodman- WR- 6-0- 186--- SR-------- Fort Lauderdale, FL

11 Drew Weatherford- QB-- 6-3- 216--- r-SR------ Odessa, FL

12 Randy Gilbert------ QB-- 6-2- 195--- SO------- Immokalee, FL

14 Christian Ponder--- QB-- 6-2- 212---- r-SO------ Colleyville, TX

15 Andrew Nowels---- QB-- 6-3- 213--- FR-------- Lakeland, FL

16 D'Vontrey Richardson -- QB-- 6-1--205- r-SO Leesburg, GA

18 Greg Carr--------- WR- 6-6- 210--- SR-------- Reddick, FL

30 Pat Davis---------- RB-- 5-9- 180--- r-SR------ Fort Lauderdale, FL

31 Zack Hobby------- K--- 5-11- 200--- JR-------- Oldsmar, FL

32 Joe Surratt-------- FB-- 6-1-- 262--- r-SR------ Pace, FL

33 Randolph Pierre---- RB-- 5-10 194--- FR-------- Miami, FL

35 Marcus Sims------ FB-- 6-0- 230--- JR-------- Tallahassee, FL

37 Joseph Smith ---- TE-- 6-1-- 235--- r-JR------ St. Augustine, FL

39 Joseph Hayes----- FB-- 6-2- 235--- FR-------- Wellington, FL

40 Matt Dunham------ TE-- 6-2- 255--- JR-------- Columbus, GA

42 Seddrick Holloway- FB-- 5-10 247--- JR-------- Tallahassee, FL

43 Graham Gano----- K/P- 6-1-- 197--- SR-------- Pensacola, FL

44 Zack Aronson----- DS-- 6-2- 212---- r-JR------ Coral Springs, FL

45 Daniel Gard-------- FB-- 5-11- 215--- r-FR------ West Palm Beach, FL

46 Josh Dobbie------ TE-- 6-4- 221---- SR-------- Dover, FL

48 Antwan Green----- TE-- 6-4- 235--- JR-------- Pensacola, FL

51 J. Thompson---- DS-- 5-10-- 230------ r-JR Leesburg, FL

53 Robert Cooper---- K--- 5-11- 175--- FR-------- Destin, FL

54 Nathan Ojibway---- K--- 6-3- 253--- SO------- N. Ft. Myers, FL

57 Brandon Davis----- OL-- 6-2- 273--- r-SO------ Miami, FL

60 Ryan McMahon---- C--- 6-3- 274--- r-SO------ Savannah GA

62 Rodney Hudson---- OG-- 6-2- 283--- SO------- Mobile, AL

63 A.J. Ganguzza ---- C--- 6-3- 269--- r-FR------ Boca Raton, FL

64 Josh Tate--------- OL-- 6-5- 310--- r-FR------ Frostburg, FL

65 Gregory Lee------- K--- 6-5- 190--- FR-------- Hobe Sound, FL

66 Jacob Stanley----- OT-- 6-2- 237--- SO------- Jacksonville, FL

70 Antwane Greenlee- OT-- 6-6- 302--- r-FR------ Columbus, GA

71 Evan Bellamy------ OT-- 6-4- 296--- r-SO------ Miami, FL

73 Jay Culpepper----- DS-- 6-4- 257--- SO------- Madison, FL

75 Will Furlong-------- OT-- 6-5- 262--- r-FR------ Deland, FL

76 Daron Rose------- OL-- 6-5- 299--- JR-------- Tampa, FL

80 Louis Givens------ WR- 5-8- 170--- SO------- Jacksonville, FL

81 Caz Piurowski----- TE-- 6-7- 277--- JR-------- Land O' Lakes, FL

82 Taiwan Easterling-- RB-- 5-11- 192--- r-FR------ Hattiesburg, MS

83 Bert Reed---------- WR- 5-11- 165--- r-FR ------ Panama City, FL

84 Chase Walker----- WR- 6-2- 195--- JR-------- Panama City, FL

85 Michael Hellman--- WR- 6-2- 230--- FR-------- Pembroke Pines, FL

86 Rod Owens-------- WR- 6-0- 181---- r-JR------ Jacksonville, FL

87 Cameron Wade---- WR- 6-6- 201--- r-FR------ Cairo, Ga.

88 Jonathan Hannah-- TE-- 6-4- 250--- r-JR------ Hope Mills, NC

89 Timothy Orange--- WR- 5-11- 175--- FR-------- Miami, FL


GOLD TEAM


3 Myron Rolle------- S--- 6-2- 218---- JR ------- Galloway, NJ

4 Tony Carter------- CB-- 5-9- 166--- r-SR------ Jacksonville, FL

7 Marcus Ball-------- LB-- 6-0- 215--- JR-------- Stone Mountain, GA

10 Chad Colley------- DB-- 6-1-- 188---- FR-------- Gulf Breeze, FL

13 Nigel Bradham----- LB-- 6-2- 227--- FR-------- Crawfordville, FL

15 Ochucko Jenije---- CB-- 5-10 185--- r-SO------ Tallahassee, FL

19 Kenny Ingram------ LB-- 6-6- 223--- r-SR------ Orlando, FL

20 Jamie Robinson--- S--- 6-2- 187---- r-JR------ Rock Hill, SC

21 Patrick Robinson-- CB-- 5-11- 189--- JR-------- Miami, FL

22 Korey Mangum---- CB-- 6-0- 190--- r-JR------ La Marque, TX

23 Roosevelt Lawson- S--- 5-11- 202--- r-SR------ Miami, FL

24 Darius McClure---- S--- 5-11- 201--- r-SR------ Birmingham, AL

26 Anthony Leon----- S--- 6-4- 228--- r-SO------ Miami, FL

27 Terrance Parks---- CB-- 6-1-- 200--- FR-------- Fairburn, GA

28 Dionte Allen------- CB-- 5-11- 167--- r-FR------ Detroit, MI

30 Derek Nicholson- LB-----6-2 234 SR Winston-Salem, NC

32 Jeffrey Taccetta--- DB-- 5-10 180--- JR-------- Ocala, FL

33 Michael Schill------ S--- 6-1-- 210--- SO------- Melbourne, FL

36 Dekoda Watson--- LB-- 6-2- 222--- JR-------- Aiken, SC

37 Rodney Gallon----- LB-- 6-0- 192--- r-SR------ Tallahassee, FL

40 Rod Roberts------- CB-- 6-0- 196--- SR-------- Brooksville, FL

41 Kendall Smith------ LB-- 6-1-- 224--- SO------- Bushnell, FL

42 Marcus Gadson---- LB-- 6-1-- 185--- SR-------- Stone Mountain, GA

44 Maurice Harris----- LB-- 6-0- 210--- SO------- Homestead, FL

45 Ventoure Watkins- DB-- 6-3- 170--- FR-------- Tampa, FL

46 Vince Williams---- LB-- 6-0- 210--- FR-------- Davenport, FL

47 Mister Alexander-- S--- 6-2- 216--- r-SO------ Aldine, TX

48 Recardo Wright---- LB-- 6-2- 223--- JR-------- Orlando, FL

49 Shawn Powell----- P--- 6-5- 212---- FR-------- Rome, GA

51 Aaron Gresham--- LB-- 6-2- 230--- r-FR------ Mayo, FL

52 Adam Zahahmbran LB-- 6-2- 215--- FR-------- Palm Coast, FL

54 Paul Griffin-------- DT-- 6-2- 278--- r-SR------ Pensacola, FL

55 Jamar Jackson--- DE-- 6-4- 232--- r-FR------ Richmond, Va.

56 Kendrick Stewart-- DT-- 6-2- 269--- r-JR------ Lakeland, FL

57 Vincent Zann------ LB-- 6-0- 210--- SO------- Ft. Lauderdale, FL

58 Dumaka Atkins---- DT-- 6-4- 296--- r-SR------ Sarasota, FL

59 Neefy Moffett------ DE-- 6-1-- 255--- SR-------- Palm Bay, FL

67 Joshua Rodriguez- DT-- 6-1-- 280--- FR-------- Miami, FL

72 Budd Thacker------ DT-- 6-2- 282--- JR-------- Sanford, FL

91 Emmanuel Dunbar- DT-- 6-5- 284--- r-JR------ Deerfield Beach, FL

92 Daniel Parvin------ LB-- 6-0- 215--- JR-------- Palm Harbor, FL

93 Clayton Osteen---- DL-- 6-2- 245--- FR-------- Oxford, FL

94 Justin Mincey----- DT-- 6-5- 265--- JR-------- Folston, Ga.

95 Kevin McNeil------ DE-- 6-2- 255--- JR-------- Kingsland, Ga.

96 Josh Johnson----- DL-- 6-2- 230--- FR-------- Jacksonville, FL

97 Benjamin Lampkin- DE-- 6-0- 212---- r-SR------ Panama City, FL

98 Jeremy Johnson-- DT-- 5-7- 268--- JR-------- West Palm, FL

98 Craig Yarborough- DE-- 6-0- 228--- SO------- Jacksonville, FL

99 Everette Brown---- DE-- 6-4- 246--- r-JR------ Stantonsburg, NC

Spring Practice Report: Noles Hold Final Practice Before Garnet And Gold Game On Saturday

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Friday was supposed to be an off day for the Seminole football team but due to a rain out last week the squad made up practice number 14 this afternoon. Florida State practiced for 20 periods in shells on the eve of Saturday's Garnet & Gold scrimmage. The scrimmage is set for a 7:00 p.m. start but there will be free activities starting at 2:00 p.m. and concluding with postgame fireworks.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

Practice began with field goal and both Graham Gano and Zach Hobby hit an extra point, a 35-yarder and a 41-yarder. Both were unsuccessful on their final try from 47. Hobby's attempt was extremely close but it looked like it just sliced to the left.

After punt work, the team broke up into position group and then inside drills.

While inside was going on, the receivers and DB's worked in 1-on-1. The drill was run from the red zone. D'Vontrey Richardson completed TD passes to Richard Goodman and Preston Parker who made a one-handed grab. The DB's had a great drill as Korey Mangum and Terrance Parks broke up passes while Patrick Robinson had a pick. Parks also drew cheers when he jammed his receiver off the line and didn't even let him run his route. The drill ended with another big DB play as Christian Ponder hit Patrick Robinson for a TD with Parker trying to cover in a little role-reversal.

The defensive line had a great day all practice and it started in pass rush. Justin Mincey had four wins, Everette Brown, Paul Griffin and Kevin McNeil each had two wins while Budd Thacker, Dumaka Atkins, Benjamin Lampkin and Craig Yarborough all got to the QB. For the offense, Rodney Hudson won two battles and Josh Tate, Brandon Davis, A.J. Ganguzza, Antwane Greenlee and Evan Bellamy all won a match-up as well.

In skeleton Richardson connected twice on deep passes to Goodman and also hit Matt Dunham. Ponder found Parker, Brandon Paul, Marcus Sims and Bert Reed twice. One of Reed's catches was extended on a long run after the catch.

The defense was all over the quarterbacks in 11-on-11. Mister Alexander had two sacks, Thacker had a sack as did Brown. Darius McClure almost got one as well on a blitz. Ponder avoided another possible sack when he got past Kendall Smith and turned it into a nice run. Ponder's two completions both went to Greg Carr.

Richardson had some big time help from his receivers during the drill. Goodman caught a deep ball on a great grab, Easterling held on to a pass despite a huge hit and Rod Owens also hauled in a pass on a stellar play. Louis Givens also caught a Richardson pass.

In red zone drills Ponder hit Parker and Carr for TD's. He also completed a pass to Marcus Sims. Richardson had TD passes to Sims, Easterling and Givens, one of three catches by the walk-on,. Givens had the best play of the drill as Jamie Robinson broke up a Richardson pass but the sophomore from Jacksonville stayed with the play and hauled the ball in lying on his back. For the defense Josh Johnson had a sack and McClure broke up a pass.

The 2:00 drill was run with 1:30 on the clock. The first team offense did not begin well as McNeil sacked Ponder on the first play but the offense got the yards back and a first as well on a dump off to Antone Smith. After back-to-back incomplete passes, a defensive penalty made it 3rd-and-5. Dekoda Watson broke through the line but Ponder just avoided the sack by throwing it up to Easterling who came up with a big gain. On the next play the redshirt freshman was rewarded with a TD catch in the corner of the end zone.

The second team offense started similarly. Yarborough had a QB pressure the first play and that was followed by an incompletion. Richardson was nearly untouchable on third down avoiding three would-be tacklers for a big gain only to see the play wiped out on a penalty. Richardson picked up the first in a more conventional fashion on the next play as he found Goodman to move the chains. Givens made a diving catch on the next play before Richardson was forced to scramble and get out of bounds to stop the clock.

The sophomore QB found Timothy Orange on the next play but a big hit by Roosevelt Lawson jarred the ball loose bringing up fourth down with :09 on the clock. Goodman once again made a big play catching a ball and breaking it to the two-yard line before he was tackled with :03 on the clock but the twos were unable to get another play off.

"... he's got to come back in the fall and do it."

"I'm sure he's got an opportunity to make his case. Then he's got to come back in the fall and do it."
FSU head coach Bobby Bowden regarding QB Christian Ponder auditioning for the starting job

Noles Have Second Scrimmage Of Week: Spring Practice Report

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

It may be the final week of spring but there has been no letdown as far as scrimmaging is concerned. For the second time this week the Seminole football team scrimmaged and it won't be the last time either with the Garnet & Gold scrimmage set for this Saturday. Wednesday's practice was slated for 25 periods but finished 45 minutes earlier than expected.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

The first 10 periods of Wednesday's session were spent on the practice fields. After special teams work, the squad broke into position groups and then moved to Doak Campbell after scout team.

During inside drills Antone Smith, Brandon Paul and Marcus Sims all had nice gains.

While inside was going on, the receivers and DB's worked in 1-on-1. D'Vontrey Richardson had two TD passes to Greg Carr and Bert Reed. Carr's touchdown was the result of a devastating stop-and-go move that left him running free down the sideline. Richardson also connected with Taiwan Easterling. Christian Ponder, who participated in the entire practice, hit Easterling for a TD and also connected with Rod Owens and Carr. For the defense, Korey magnum picked off a pass that came off a receiver and Ochuko Jenije had a PBU.

In pass rush Ryan McMahon won three battles while A.J. Ganguzza, Antwane Greenlee and Rodney Hudson also won a tilt. Justin Mincey had the best day for the defense with three wins. Jamar Jackson, Paul Griffin, Neefy Moffett, Josh Rodriguez, Craig Yarborough and Budd Thacker also got to the QB.

Skeleton was run in down and distance. Ponder started off with a big TD pass to Smith but the play was called back due to a pre-snap penalty. The sophomore QB did go deep once again though as he hit Preston Parker. Richardson completed passes to Owens and Richard Goodman, on top of two to Louis Givens. Marcus Ball and Korey Mangum broke up passes.

In blitz the offensive line did a good enough job not to allow a sack but there was plenty of pressure put on the two QB's Ponder did a nice job avoiding the rush and finding Carr, Parker and Goodman twice. One of Goodman's catches was over the top of Tony Carter and Parker's was followed by a long run after the catch. Parker's gain wouldn't have been possible without a key blitz pick-up by Antone Smith on Dekoda Watson. Richardson hit Goodman twice as well and one was the result of a great Marcus Sims block. Sims had a 10 yard rush and Smith had an eight yard run.

The 1:00 drill was run with :45 on the clock and no timeouts. Both the ones and the twos got into field goal range. The ones looked to be in trouble right from the start with an incomplete pass due to a heavy rush from Myron Rolle and Watson. On 3rd and 10 though Ponder connected with Carr for 20 yards and then Bert Reed for 14. Rolle and Derek Nicholson got in to cause an incompletion but Easterling's 16 yard catch set up a Graham Gano field goal from 25 yards out. Richardson got off to a quick start with the twos avoiding a great Kevin McNeil rush and hitting Owens for 16yards. On 3rd and 7 Owens came through again with a 12 yard catch. Terrance Parks almost turned in a jaw-dropping INT when he skied to break up a pass to the sideline but Owens caught the next pass for seven yards to give Zach Hobby a try from 36 yards out but the attempt was wide.

Both the ones and the twos went three-and-out when the drives started from the -45. Everette Brown had a QB pressure on first, Thacker wrapped up Smith at the line on second but on third down the offense had a big play. Easterling came back to catch a tipped ball and broke it into a big play but offsetting penalties negated the play and on third down the offense could not pick up six. The twos started out with a completion from Richardson to Owens but Anthony Leon had a big hit to limit the gain to four yards. Roosevelt Lawson dragged Smith down for a one-yard loss on the next play and the twos threw a short pass on 3rd and 7.

The ones had a one play drive in red zone as Ponder threw a high ball up to Carr on the first play for a 20 yard TD. The twos weren't as lucky. A bad exchange caused Richardson to go down in the backfield and then Paul Griffin stripped Richardson. The QB recovered the fumble but the offense was unable to get on the board.

There was only one TD in goal line and that came on the first play as Ponder found Joe Surratt for a three yard score. After that Smith was tackled for a loss and that brought the twos onto the field. Rolle blew up the first play as he smothered Marcus Sims behind the line for a seven yard loss fighting off two blockers. The practice ended with a fumbled exchange and a defensive fumble recovery.

Tight Ends Score Big On Monday

Tight end U for years now has been at Miami where they have successfully integrated their tight ends into the offense. Could FSU be pointing in that direction? QB Christian Ponder on Monday hit on 6 of 11 passes for 95 yards and two red-zone touchdown passes to tight end Caz Piurowski. Piurowski made both catches while being closely guarded by the FSU defense. The tight ends accounted for all three touchdowns on Monday.

“Be sure to tell all the mothers that have tight ends for sons that our tight ends caught (three) touchdown passes,” FSU head coach Bobby Bowden said.

Noles Begin Final Week Of Practice- Monday Spring Practice Report

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Spring football is in its final week in Tallahassee and with all the excitement building up for Saturday's Garnet & Gold game, players will get plenty of opportunities to exert that energy in full pads. The first of three scrimmages scheduled for this week went off inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Monday. The offense continued to show improvement but the defense made plenty of big plays themselves.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

The Seminoles practiced for 26 periods in full pads. The first 10 were spent on the practice fields. The next 17 took place inside Doak.

Practice began with PAT/Field Goal. Graham Gano kicked very well hitting field goals of 35, 37 and 44 yards. His 35-yarder was hit so well it cleared the lift used for filming inside the endzone. Zack Hobby went 2-for-3 hitting from 35 and 38 and missing from 44.

In punt there were two punts blocked and Tony Carter and Preston Parker, who was fully back from a groin injury, handled the returns.

After work in position groups and scout team, the practice moved inside the stadium.

Inside Doak the practice started out with 3-on-3 drills for a period. Budd Thacker had a great drill making three stops at the first level. Everette Brown, Paul Griffin, Emmanuel Dunbar and Benjamin Lampkin also had stops right off the bat. Marcus Ball, Vince Williams and Dekoda Watson had multiple stops in the second group. Terrance Parks made two stops at the third level and Myron Rolle forced a fumble with a big hit on a ball carrier.

In skeleton Darius McClure had the biggest defensive play with an interception. D'Vontrey Richardson had completions to Parker, Joe Surratt and Rod Owens. Owens second catch was a deep TD pass but the highlight was a juggling catch by spring sensation Louis Gives. Christian Ponder completed passes to Antone Smith, Owens and Bert Reed.

In pass rush Justin Mincey and Dunbar had multiple wins while Paul Griffin and Kevin McNeil also won battles. For the offensive line Daron Rose, Antwane Greenlee and Evan Bellamy all picked up more than one win. Ryan McMahon, Will Furlong and Rodney Hudson also kept their defender off the QB.

For the first time this spring, the offense began the scrimmage with drives starting at their own one yard line. Richardson got the offense out of the shadow of its own goal line with a 20 yard screen pass to Surratt. Ponder's group moved the sticks when he was forced out of the pocket and scrambled for a first.

Smith picked up a couple first downs in short yardage. One of his runs was for a big gain on 3rd-and-1. The defense had back-to-back stops on short yardage plays and then almost another one as Kenny Ingram put a lot of pressure on Richardson but the speedy QB broke to the outside and hit Surratt for a first.

The scrimmage moved up to the 35 next. Smith had a nice run for 7 yards but Dekoda Watson followed with a great stuff of Smith up the middle. The biggest highlight came on a 3rd-and-6 play. Ponder swung a short pass out to Parker. Reed was able to get a key block on Darius McClure and Parker did all the rest turning a 3 yard pass into a 49 yard gain. Neefy Moffett quieted the offense on a five yard sack but Parker again showed his toughness on a bruising 9 yard run after a short catch. The drive ended with points as Ponder hit Caz Piurowski in the back of the endzone for six.

The defense stepped up on the next drive from the 35. Brown was held on a sure sack and then McClure recorded a PBU. Aaron Gresham had a big stick on Surratt that lost yards for the offense. Richardson used his legs on the next play to pick up 10 yards. Maurice Harris followed with a QB pressure but Richardson ended the set with a 10 yard run where he was stripped of the ball but managed to fall on the fumble.

From the 50 yard line the ones once again were able to get points but it only came after a defensive stop. Kenny Ingram collapsed the pocket and pushed Ponder right into Derek Nicholson to start the first set of plays. Ingram and Moffett then both recorded QB pressures and McClure had a huge hit on Smith at the line. Smith answered though as he broke a 28-yarder on a pitch out. Smith looked to be headed for the endzone on the next play as Ponder flared a pass out to him in the flat but Rolle shed his blocker and pulled the tailback down after a gain of four. The drive ended the same way though with Ponder hitting Piurowski for a TD but this time the tall TE made the catch with Recardo Wright draped all over him.

Givens made another jaw-dropping catch on the next series as he had to turn around to haul in a 36-yarder from Richardson along the sideline. Marcus Sims got the twos to the five with an eight yard run and then another TE cashed in as Josh Dobbie caught a TD pass from Richardson.

In red zone McClure had another pass break-up and Tony Carter knifed into the backfield to alter Smith's run and Nicholson was there to take him down for a loss. The only offense came on two field goals, a 42-yarder by Gano and a 37-yarder that just squeaked over the bar by Hobby.

In tight zone (from the 12) Richardson got the offense into the endzone when he hit Givens to the five and then Owens for the touchdown.

Due to time commitments with the Golden Nole banquet, goal line was cut from eight to four plays. The one's were unable to get in for the second straight scrimmage as Watson and Nicholson took Smith down from the three and then Smith was tackled for a loss on a sweep from the one. The twos once again scored on all their tries. Sims got in on a three-yard sweep and Surratt plowed in right up the middle.

Homers Only Need Apply

Lest anyone who thought that the mentality at FSU was going to be any different with a new athletic director, think again. We witnessed that this past week with the circle the wagons mentality inside the FSU athletic department as they fired football analyst Peter Tom Willis. As Willis himself stated,(they thought) "I was too critical of the program and the team the last few years. " Translation, Bobby Bowden did not like my comments.

I have news for FSU and St. Bobby. A whole lot of fans did not like what FSU football has become. My guess is that if ole Bobby could he would revoke the season tickets of all the dissenters.

FSU's new athletic director is also apparently satisfied with mediocrity. He has already said that he is pleased with Leonard Hamilton and the basketball program that hasn't been to an NCAA tournament since when? He must be absolutely thrilled with the football program since they still do go to bowl games. I guess everything is relative.

The triumvirate of Wetherell, Bowden, and Spetman are making sure that there is no dissent and that a rosy picture is painted by all. For some FSU apologists I suppose that is great. For those of us who are loyal FSU alumni and fans but who welcome dissent, the latest move reinforces our worst fears.

Anyone who has punished themselves and watched Bobby Bowden's call in show knows that dissent is never tolerated. If an occasional dissenter happens to slip by the screener, he is insulted by St. Bobby. The show is a joke. The first caller is always some guy from Jacksonville who drools over St. Bobby and then gives his lame stat of the week. Please !

So you can bet the next analyst will be a homer and will make sure that he lavishes praise on St. Bobby and the team even when it is not deserved. That is if he wants to keep his job.

" My intent was to call it like I see it...."

"They felt like I was too critical of the program and the team the last few years. I hate that. That was not my intent. My intent was to call it like I see it for 10 years."
Peter Tom Willis regarding his firing as football analyst by FSU

Rain Alters Practice- Saturday Spring Practice Report

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

After a long full pad scrimmage on Friday, the Seminoles headed back out to the practice fields Saturday morning. Although the practice was scheduled for 11:30, a looming storm caused the coaches to push the start time up to 10:00 am in hopes of not losing yet another practice.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

The Seminoles practiced 18 periods in shells.

Pass rush was highlighted by Rodney Hudson, Will Furlong and Daron Rose who all had multiple wins and Ryan McMahon also won an individual battle. For the defense Emmanuel Dunbar and Budd Thacker had multiple wins.

In skeleton Christian Ponder hit Taiwan Easterling and Bert Reed who had a nice run after the catch. D'Vontrey Richardson connected with Greg Carr, Richard Goodman and Rod Owens who also turned a short gain into a long catch with some great moves following the reception.

11-on-11 was run in down and distance. Ponder hit Reed for a first and also found Antone Smith out of the backfield. For the defense Dunbar had two sacks and Kevin McNeil had a QB pressure.

11-on-11 moved into red zone and Ponder had connections with Reed, Smith and Easterling. Easterling's catch was a beautiful grab in the back of the endzone where he managed to get both feet in bounds. Richardson had a nice gain on a designed run and also completed a pass to Goodman but the last few periods were dominated by the defense. In red zone Myron Rolle had a break-up in the endzone, Craig Yarborough had a QB pressure as did Everette Brown. Dionte Allen broke up a pass as did Kenny Ingram who batted a pass down by leaping up after dropping back into coverage.

In 2:00 drill the defense continued to roll. Tony Carter had an interception when he went over Carr to pick off a ball. Anthony Leon had a pick and a pass break-up. Terrance Parks broke up two passes, Dunbar tackled Richardson at the line on a scramble and Yarborough had a sack. The practice ended with Vince Williams forcing Richardson out of the pocket. The sophomore QB found Carr deep but Leon got a hand on the ball and deflected it up in the air where Allen came down with the pick as the defense rushed the field.

Noles Resume Practice- Friday Spring Practice Report

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

The Seminole football team got sent off the field on Wednesday due to lightning. Due to class schedules the team was unable to practice on Thursday but on Friday the weather held off just long enough to allow FSU to get in its second full scrimmage of the spring. After a defense-dominated outing last time, the offense showed considerable improvement Friday but getting in the endzone continued to be a challenge against Mickey Andrews' defense.

FOOTBALL NEWS

Florida State's homecoming game with Boston College November 15 has been designated a Blackout game.

Parent's Weekend will be October 25 when the Seminoles host Virginia Tech.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

After individual drills, the scrimmage got started right away as special teams was moved to the end of practice incase the scrimmage was cut short.

Despite sometimes heavy winds, the rain held off until the players cleared the field and the team got through the entire session.

The first part of the scrimmage was run in game situation and the first team offense went three-and-out and then drove down but missed out on points due to an errant 20-yard field goal. Antone Smith, who had an impressive scrimmage, started things out with a solid gain by slicing through the line but he was limited to just four yards by a big hit from Darius McClure. Other highlights included a tackle for loss by Derek Nicholson as he dragged Smith down from behind and a QB pressure by Kevin McNeil who was another star on the day. The offense faced a 3rd-and-6 on the second drive but Christian Ponder and Bert Reed moved the chances on a short play that Reed broke for 40 yards. Korey Mangum helped keep the offense off the board as he broke up a pass on a fade to Rod Owens. On 3rd-and-goal from the 10 Reed caught a Ponder ball and took it to the three yard line but a nice tackle by Jamie Robinson forced the field goal attempt.

The second team offense couldn't get anything going from the 30 either. Ochuko Jenije had a pass break-up to start things but the offense started rolling after that. D'Vontrey Richardson picked up 11 on a designed run and then rolled out and found Louis Givens on a 20 yard pass. Brandon Paul got 11 on a reverse pitch but was knocked down on a big hit by Jenije. The defense them put the clamps down as Patrick Robinson broke up a pass and Jamar Jackson recorded a sack.

Things didn't get better for the ones on the next series as they went out on downs, had a turnover and then left the field when the script came to an end. Brown and McNeil combined on a coverage sack to start things off. Myron Rolle had a pass break-up and Jamie Robinson ended the drive when he came down with a Ponder pass that deflected off Rod Owens. With the offense back at the 35, Ponder got great protection from his line and was able to wait for Greg Carr to come free and the two hooked up on a 33-yard pitch and catch. Patrick Robinson turned in a big play for the defense as he broke up a deep pass into the endzone.

The twos were unable to score from the 35 either. Despite a couple eight yard runs from Givens and Paul and a 3rd-and-short conversion by Joe Surratt, the second team offense ran out of plays.

The scrimmage moved into short yardage and the offense did well during this drill. Smith ran for an eight yard gain and then for 27 yards on the next play as he got around the corner. D'Vontrey Richardson broke off an 18 yard run and Marcus Sims took a toss, cut inside and converted a 3rd-and-1.

Before break, the ones and twos ran the 2:00 drill with 1:30 on the clock. Things got off to a good start for Ponder. The sophomore found Owens for 18 yards. The pass was a little high and McClure lit him up but the Jacksonville native held on. Reed hauled in a pass for 17 yards and got out of bounds to stop the clock. Ponder moved the team down to the 25 on a hook-up with Carr. Antone Smith followed with an eight yard run and then Ponder and Owens picked up another three but the drive would stall. On 2nd-and-2 with :08 left there was an offsides by the offense and then Everette Brown ended the scoring threat with a nine yard sack as time expired.

The second team offense was able to score on their series. McNeil looked like he was going to set the defense up with a sack on the first play but Richardson spun away from the end and threw the ball away. Paul followed with a short gain and then Dionte Allen had a pass break-up. On third down Richardson found Taiwan Easterling who picked up seven yards and a first down despite absorbing hit after hit in fighting for the first. The twos faced another third down after back-to-back incomplete passes but Reed and Richardson picked it up on a 13 yard gain. Following a spike, Richardson once again avoided a sack by Emmanuel Dunbar and spun out of trouble but this time he found Carr for 21 yards. With :12 remaining Richardson went to Givens for nine yards and then Reed for four more. On 4th-and-2 with :05 on the clock the sophomore QB found Reed on a slant for the TD.

After break, the one and twos each ran 14 plays from the 50. The first seven plays for the ones ended with a field goal. Ponder and Smith started the drive off with a 39 yard gain on a flare out. After two plays netted seven more yards, Reed looked like he had TD number two but Jamie Robinson had a huge hit on the freshman right as the ball got to Reed at the one yard line breaking up the play. Zack Hobby did connect from 21 yards to put up some points.

The twos ended their drive with nothing to show as far as points go. McNeil had a 10 yard sack on the second play after a five yard Sims run, Kenny Ingram got pressure on Richardson and forced him into the waiting arms of Benjamin Lampkin at the line. The drive ended with the defense stopping Surratt on 4th-and-1.

The second try for the ones was even less productive. Neefy Moffett and Justin Mincey recorded sacks on two plays for a three-and-out. Ingram had a QB pressure on the next play and followed it with another one but this time he skied up to knock down Ponder's pass attempt as the defense forced another 3-and-out. It did end on a positive note for the offense though as Smith broke tackle after tackle on the seventh and final play for a 28 yard gain.

The twos saw their first try end on downs and then the drill ended with a Lampkin sack and strip.

In red zone Moffett opened the drive getting to Ponder and hitting his arm as the sophomore let go of the pass for an incompletion. Smith sliced through the line for five yards and Owens hauled in a Ponder pass for four but Budd Thacker ended the drive stuffing Smith for a loss on 4th-and-1.

The twos got a few yards on their first play with a Paul run but that was quickly wiped out on second down by a McNeil sack. Reed took a short pass and turned it into a 10 yard gain setting up a field goal try but a bad snap and hold resulted in a Graham Gano miss from 30.

It wasn't any easier getting in the endzone for the ones in goal line as the group went 0-for-4. A bad snap led to a Thacker fumble recovery, Smith was stopped up the middle twice from the one and Thacker caused a turnover on a hit on Sims and Dekoda Watson came up with the recovery.

The twos had a completely opposite experience as they went 4-for-4. Smith started out scoring on a sweep but Aaron Gresham made a great play to track him down and almost dragged Smith down before the goal line. Richardson took the next one in on a sweep as did Smith on the next play. Surratt finished the drill off getting in on a great second effort up the middle.

With a tricky wind, the field goal kickers went a combined 3-for-8 during special teams with one block. Patrick Robinson also recorded a block in punt team.

FSU Gives PT The Axe

Former Florida State quarterback Peter Tom Willis will no longer be the color analyst for the radio broadcasts of FSU football games carried on the Seminole Sports Radio Network. Willis had been the analyst with Gene Deckerhoff for nine seasons.

FSU confirmed Thursday that ISP and FSU athletics will not renew Willis' contract. The statement did not provide a reason.

It is common knowledge that FSU officials and coaches including head coach Bobby Bowden were not pleased with his candid evaluations of the football team.

In 2006, Willis called FSU's offense a "high-school offense" following the FSU-Clemson game in 2006.

For fans like myself, Willis will be missed. It is apparent that there are those at FSU that want to paint a rosy picture and therefore anyone that is candid and honest will be removed. Look for FSU to replace Willis with a cheerleader type analyst.

Women Only Event Set For April 13

The Seminole ISP Sports Network and the FSU Football Office is having an event that is for ladies only on April 13. This is the 3rd Annual Women's Only Football Clinic being held Sunday, April 13th from 1-6pm at the Moore Athletic Center located at Doak Campbell Stadium.

This year's edition of the clinic will feature many new items including outdoor activities, a press conference with the wives' of our Seminole coaches and the chance to be one of the few people to experience Seminole Football in 3-D!

The cost is $50 per person which includes a t-shirt, drawstring bag, afternoon of activities, steak dinner with the coaches and drawings throughout the evening. The event, which has sold out the first two years, has been expanded and is now open to the first 250 women. For questions, contact the Seminole ISP Sports Network office at 850-644-2550.

" It isn't as easy as it looks."

"It hasn't been as easy as it looks actually. I've just kind of been going into it with an open mind and being excited everyday about coming out here and playing the position. I am starting to get a little more comfortable out there. It isn't as easy as it looks."
Jamie Robinson on his transition from corner to safety this year

"... we have dropped more passes."

"Now for the last two practices, we've probably dropped more passes than we have the whole doggone spring. I don't know why. But we have dropped more passes."
FSU Head Coach Bobby Bowden regarding FSU receivers