Jackets Start The Buzz ... ACC Adds Bowl Option ... Canes Missing Players

Excerpts from Georgia Tech Sports Information:

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson had a chance to see his entire Yellow Jacket squad for the first time Wednesday as Tech conducted its first practice session of the 2008 season. The Yellow Jackets practiced for two hours in helmets and shorts at Rose Bowl Fields.

"There's a lot of excitement going into the first practice, and for me, a lot of anticipation," Johnson said after seeing Tech's newcomers on the field for the first time. "But you have to remember it's just the first day and we're not even in pads yet."

Tuesday's practice appeared to run much smoother and at a quicker pace than the spring sessions held in March and April when Tech players were being introduced to new schemes.

FSU plays Georgia Tech @ Georgia Tech on November 1

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For the past three seasons, the ACC has had eight bowl-eligible teams. The league this season has added an affiliation with a ninth bowl,the Congressional, Dec. 20 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The Congressional would have the ninth pick of ACC teams. The ACC representative, if there is one, would meet Navy, assuming the Midshipmen are bowl-eligible.
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Seven freshmen from Miami's recruiting class may not be on hand when the Hurricanes report to school Thursday. According to head coach Randy Shannon, four incoming freshmen still have issues to resolve with the NCAA Clearinghouse and two other recruits already have enrolled in prep school after they were unable to qualify academically.

FSU plays Miami @ Miami on October 4.

Hart Bama Bound

According to published reports, former FSU Athletic Director Dave Hart is Bama bound. Hart who did not have his contract renewed last year by FSU has been hired by the University of Alabama in the specially created role of executive director of athletics. The position is designed to “lead the administrative team in the daily operations of the department,” according to a news release from the university. Hart has served as an advisor to the Atlantic Coast Conference and ACC commissioner John Swofford since resigning as the Seminoles’ athletic director last December.

Breaking Down The Numbers: Turnover Margin

National rankings based on 119 teams and the ACC rankings on 12 teams:

Turnover Margin - FSU in 2007 had 22 fumbles and interceptions lost to 28 fumbles and interceptions gained for a +6 turnover margin.

ACC Ranking: 2007- #5 with a +6 2006- #9 with a -8

National Ranking: 2007- #29 2006- #102

Of the more than 20 statistics the NCAA publishes, one of the most important is Turnover Margin. It’s certainly no coincidence that consistently successful teams place high in this category. There is no question that turnovers are a critical factor in the seasonal success of football programs.

In years past, FSU has been very good in turnover margin and that was reflected in their won/loss record.

The Noles did significantly improve their turnover margin in 2007 to the plus side as opposed to 2006 when they had a negartive turnover margin. They are still not in double digits regarding turnover margin as in years past.

As you can see, FSU has done well in turnover margin until recently when they have had negative turnover margins. Hopefully they are turning that around and getting back to those seasons where they excelled. As a point of reference, Virginia Tech and Clemson had +11 and +13 turnover margins in 2007.

2007 +6
2006 -8
2005 -4
2004 +7
2003 +8
2002 +11
2001 +4
2000 +11
1999 +10
1998 +12

Tampa Full Steam Ahead ... Canes Get No Love ... Beer Run

Tampa is already promoting the ACC Championship game which will be held there in 2008. Here is a promo with a few former FSU players featured: ACC Championship Game Promo

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So who do you love to hate in the ACC? According to Heather Dinich of ESPN, these are the teams that fans love to hate the most and least. And who took the most hated at number 1? Can you spell C-a-n-e-s?

1. Miami
2. Florida State
3. Virginia Tech
4. Clemson
5. Virginia
6. Maryland
7. Boston College
8. Georgia Tech
9. NC State
10. North Carolina
11. Wake Forest
12. Duke
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Having just reviewed Virginia's ranking in the Coastal Division, I now read that Virginia offensive linemen Will Barker, who has started 25 games in a row, and teammate Dave Roberts were arrested at at a nightclub in downtown Charlottesville this past Saturday. According to newspaper reports, they reportedly admitted to police that they stole beer from a cooler at the nightclub. Each was charged with a misdemeanor.

Rich Goes Ballistic

There are college coaches that a lot of people just love to hate. Names like Spurrier, Saban, and Petrino come to mind. Well, a new one has been added to my list, Rich Rodriquez of Michigan. Here's a guy that bolted West Virginia and then had the audacity to say that he didn't think he had to pay the $4 million buyout that was in his contract. By the way, he does.

After he left West Virginia, he went on a verbal rampage in which he criticized everyone except for himself. What a guy.

Now comes this gem from Richie Rich. In an interview with The Big Ten Network, he mentioned that he was travelling to West Virginia and it was no fun driving through Ohio and Pennsylvania. Then Mr. articulate made the following statement,"it's nothing compared to West Virginia because, "There are more than ['wanted'] posters [with my face on them]. They sell a lot of guns in that state." So Richie boy denigrates an entire state with his moronic comments. For that, Rich deserves a pie in the face.

Ranking The ACC Coastal Division Teams: Georgia Tech

Chan Gailey is gone and has been replaced with former Navy head coach Paul Johnson. Johnson brings with him the“flexbone spread" which was so successful at Navy. At Navy, Johnson’s teams led the nation in rushing in each of the past three seasons.

If you listen to some of the ACC coaches talk,. they believe that Johnson will be a force in the ACC Coastal Division and the ACC. Says Jim Grobe of Wake Forest, "I think Paul will drive people crazy." Even Tommy Bowden chimes in with "I wish he (Johnson) would have gone somewhere else."

The Yellow Jackets do have talent. Senior defensive tackle Vance Walker recorded 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last season.Walker helped Tech lead the nation in sacks in 2007. Tech's defensive line is strong and the Jackets return three starters to their offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the ACC last season.

The big question is who will be the quarterback? Taylor Bennett's decision to transfer to Louisiana Tech leaves the Jackets without any experienced contenders. Tech also must replace two-time, 1,000-yard rusher Tashard Choice.

Couple these question marks with a schedule that has the Yellow Jackets playing Boston College, Virginia Tech, and Clemson away as well as having to play the Noles in Atlanta. This will be a daunting task for Paul Johnson in his first year.

FSU It's Time Ranking Prediction: Yellow Jacket fans will have to be patient this year as Paul Johnson implements his system. Johnson has dropped anchor in Atlanta and the fans will probably have to ride out some rough seas. I say that the Jackets finish # 4 in the Coastal Division in 2008.

Breaking Down The Numbers: Fourth Down Conversions

National rankings based on 119 teams and the ACC rankings on 12 teams:

Fourth Down Conversions - FSU in 2007 had 17 attempts on fourth down. Of those, the Noles converted 8 for a 47.06% conversion rate. In comparison, league leaders Miami and Clemson had 62.50% conversion rates on fourth down attempts.

ACC Ranking: 2007- #7 2006- #7

National Ranking: 2007- #71 2006- #72
There are studies that show that a coach would increase the probability of winning a game by going on fourth down for the first down or touchdown much more often, and punting and going for the field goal much less often. Although that may be the case, most coaches are conservative in regard to fourth down.

It is interesting to note that national champion LSU had a 81.25% fourth down conversion rate and ranked first nationally in 2007.

Noles Grab Three Commits From South Florida Over Weekend

The Noles must love the number three. This weekend three in-state high-school stars verbally committed to FSU. As already announced, Okeechobee star running back Lonnie Pryor committed to the Noles and shortly thereafter Miami Norland athlete Xavier Rhodes gave his verbal commit also to the Seminoles.

According to some scouting reports, Rhodes is an unseen talent that was the top receiver at Norland High as a junior. As a junior, Rhodes caught 20 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 68 yards and one touchdown.

Not long after, Miami Archbishop Carroll receiver Rodney Smith announced that he had committed to FSU also. Smith is a 6-foot-5, 205-pound receiver who had offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Boston College and Wake Forest.

According to reports about Smith, he is comparable to Greg Carr in that he can be a huge mismatch as a redzone target with his great natural size, extremely long arms and his ability to attack the football at its highest point. He had 30 receptions for 627 yards (20.9 average) and seven touchdowns in 2007 and reportedly runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and has a 40-inch vertical.

Ranking The ACC Coastal Division Teams:Virginia

The Virginia Cavaliers may be competing with the Duke Blue Devils for the bottom of their division in 2008.

The Cavaliers will be hard pressed to replace All-America defensive end Chris Long and five other defensive starters.

However, what the Cavs did not antcipate was losing quarterback Jameel Sewell, defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald, guard Branden Albert and cornerback Chris Cook.

All these players were major contributors with eligibility remaining. Sewell, Fitzgerald and Cook left because of grades while Albert entered the NFL Draft. In addition, linebacker J’Courtney Williams who was the team’s highest-rated recruit in 2007 was kicked off the team after an offseason arrest.

To top off the Cav problems, defensive coordinator Mike London left to become head coach at Richmond. London was widely considered to be Virginia's top recruiter.

Last year, Virginia was the comeback kid of the year. The Cavs won five games by two points or less and played in the Gator Bowl. That was then and this year is now and don't look for any great things to emanate from this team.

The Cavs do have a great tailback tandem in senior Cedric Peerman and junior Mikell Simpson. However, they must replace their entire starting defensive line from last season.

There are those that predict Virginia could finish as high as number two in their division. I hope they will also buy my prime real estate I have for sale in the Everglades.

FSU It's Time Ranking Prediction: This will not be the year that the Cavs get close wins. This season will more than likely not be pretty. I say that the Cavs finish at # 5 in the Coastal Division in 2008.

FSU Foes Complete Media Days

In the Southern Conference, FSU opponents Western Carolina and Chattanooga were picked to finish number 8 and 7 respectively in a poll by the Southern Conference coaches. There are 9 teams in the Southern Conference.

For the 2008 Southern Conference Preseason All-Conference Teams, RB Bryan Fitzgerald from Chattanooga was the only player from either school to be named to the first team.

FSU plays Western Carolina in Tallahassee in the season opener on September 6. The Noles host Chattanooga on September 13.

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In the preseason poll of the media, Colorado was picked to finish fourth in the North Division of the Big 12 conference. Darrell Scott of Colorado was chosen Preseason Newcomer of the Year in a Big 12 Conference media poll. Colorado's defensive tackle George Hypolite said this about Scott. "... if I'm worth my salt, in three years, you'll be talking about him winning the Heisman Trophy." Colorado had one player picked on the Big 12 Preseason first team, defensive tackle George Hypolite.

The Noles play Colorado in Jacksonville on September 27.
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At the SEC Media Days, the media voted Florida as SEC Champions. Voted to the All SEC team, the Gators had three players named on first team offense: QB Tim Tebow, WR Percy Harvin, and TE Cornelius Ingram. On the first team defense, one Gator was named, LB Brandon Spikes.

FSU plays the Gators in Tallahassee on November 29.

Noles Grab Commit From Miles And Get One More

The Noles managed to snatch a commit from LSU on Saturday according to The Times-Picayune. According to the report, Florida offensive lineman Henry Orelus has switched his verbal commitment from LSU to Florida State. Orelus is said to have indicated a strong desire to play for offensive lines coach Rick Trickett as well as having the opportunity to play early at FSU. Orelus is a 6-foot-5, 290-pound center from Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Fla., and is rated as the nation's No. 6 center prospect by one recruiting service.

In addition to Orelus, the Seminoles also grabbed a commitment from another top prospect out of Okeechobee, Fla., running back Lonnie Pryor. Pryor is rated as the nation's No. 9 athlete by a national recruiting service.

First In A Series- 2008 Season: A Look Ahead: The Kicking Game

So what is in store for the kicking game for the Noles in 2008? Gary Cismesia aka "The Weed" has departed FSU which means senior punter Graham Gano may add field-goal kicking to his duties.

If that happens, Gano would be the first Florida State player ever to handle the kicking and punting chores at the same time. Gano is the top returning punter in the ACC and averaged 43.4 yards per attempt in 2007. Despite handling most of the kickoff duties for three seasons, Gano has yet to attempt a field goal in a game, though he set a Florida high school mark with a 65-yarder.

The only other name that may enter into the kicking/punter competition is that of 6-5 Shawn Powell who is a freshman. In high school, as a senior, he hit 11-of-12 field goal attempts and averaged 51 yards a punt.

Stadium Additions Continue...Brown Candidate For Hendricks Award...Bobby Speaks Out

As the season begins to loom closer, work is continuing at Doak Campbell Stadium which will have the addition of two new scoreboards and over 500 feet of LED ribbon boards. Here are new photos as provided on the official Nole site: New Doak Campbell Stadium Improvement Photos

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Nole defensive end Everette Brown is one of 36 pre-season candidates for the Ted Hendricks Award. The award is presented to the best defensive end in college football. Brown led the team in sacks in 2007 although he started only nine games
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The Orlando Sentinel has the following ESPN interview with Bobby Bowden on their blog page for those who may be interested in his comments, dadgummit!
Bobby Bowden Interview

ACC Schedule...Let The Practice Begin

If you want to have a friendly argument with friends regarding which ACC schools have the best schedules in 2008, this article might give you some ammunition.

ACC Schedule Article

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So when do the ACC schools begin their respective practices in preparation for the 2008 season? Here is a rundown:
July 29 - Georgia Tech
July 31 - NC State
Aug. 1 - Clemson, North Carolina, Wake Forest
Aug. 2 - Miami
Aug. 4 - Boston College, Duke, Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Aug. 12 - Florida State

First In A Series- Ranking The ACC Coastal Division Teams:Duke

New coach but same old position for the Blue Devils- at the bottom. David Cutcliffe is the new man on campus who will try to instill a new attitude and head the Blue Devils upward in the Coastal Division.

Cutcliffe inherits a program that has gone 17–97 since the Bowl Championship Series was formed in 1998. That by the way is the worst record among Division I Bowl Subdivision teams. The Blue Devils went 1–11 in 2007 which led to Cutcliffe being hired from Tennessee where he had spent the previous two seasons as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator

At quarterback, Cutcliffe has Thad Lewis, who started every game in 2007, and Zack Asack, who started six games in 2005. Both will compete for the starting job with Lewis in the lead at the conclusion of spring practice.

Cutcliffe has said that he wants Duke’s offense to be similar in structure and philosophy to the New England Patriots. Senior Re’quan Boyette returns as the leading rusher (432 yards) and will be the feature back in the Blue Devil offense.

At receiver, the only proven pass catcher is senior Eron Riley who led the ACC in yards per catch (20.8 yards) and ranked second in the conference with nine touchdown receptions and 830 receiving yards.

The Blue Devils do have talent at the linebacker position in junior linebacker Vincent Rey who had 111 tackles last season and senior linebacker Michael Tauiliili who recorded 108 tackles last season, including 13 for loss. .

FSU It's Time Ranking Prediction: It will take time for Cutcliffe to bring significant change to a program that has been down for so long. I am going out on a limb and predicting that the Blue Devils end up at #6 in the Coastal Division in 2008.

August Events For Nole Fans

Nole fans can look forward to the following events in August:

Sunday, August 10- Fan Day- 12:00 pm-Civic Center, Doors open at 12 noon for Strength and Skills Competition @ 1pm
Autographs @ 2pm Free Admission

Friday, August 22- 57th Annual Seminole Kickoff Luncheon, Leon County Civic Center - Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Program starts at noon.

For ticket information ,click here

ACC Media Picks Harper

So who does the ACC media think will be the player of the year or on the all ACC team? Well, they have spoken and the winner is:

Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper was tabbed as the Atlantic Coast Conference's preseason player of the year receiving 34 of 64 votes in a poll of media members on the league's top player.

On offense, one Nole was picked, OG Rodney Hudson. On defense, DE Everette Brown and safety Myron Rolle were tabbed as well as punter Graham Gano.

Breaking Down The Numbers:Red Zone Conversions

National rankings based on 119 teams and the ACC rankings on 12 teams:

Red Zone- The area of the field between the opponent's 20-yard line and the goal line. When the offense has advanced into this territory, it is expected that it will score some type of points, i.e. a touchdown or a field goal.

Stat: Red Zone Conversions - FSU in 2007 had 48 attempts within the red zone. Of those, the Noles scored 21 TDs for a 43.75% conversion rate. In addition, they scored 18 field goals for a 37.50% conversion rate. If you compare these stats with those of Virginia Tech and Clemson who had 60.87% and 61.11% TD conversion rates, you can see why the Noles struggled.

ACC Ranking: 2007- #7 2006- #10

National Ranking: 2007- #64 2006- #65

In years past, when the Noles got within the twenty yard line of an opponent, they scored and more than likely it was a TD. Not anymore. One of the problems for the Noles on offense for the past several years has been the inability to score TDs within the red zone. Not to mention field goals. The lack of a consistient running and passing game combined with few playmakers have all contributed to the Noles problems in the red zone. Don't look for this stat to improve in 2008 due to an inexperienced offensive line and the lack of big playmakers.

ACC Adopts Standard Injury Reporting ... Clock Changes For 2008 ... Who Favors A Playoff?

The ACC has announced a new injury report policy that will look more like the NFL. The conference will adopt a standard guideline for reporting injuries during the week, associate ACC commissioner Mike Finn said Monday at the ACC Kickoff.

Teams will issue a report twice a week. On Monday, season-ending injuries and pending surgeries will be announced by the school's sports medicine staff. On Thursday, an NFL-style report with categories of "Out, Doubtful, Questionable and Probable" will be released.

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As always, each year there are rules changes. One of those this year is the new 40-second clock rule. With the 40-second play clock, at the end of every play, the covering official will give his signal, whether it's an incomplete pass, a first down or whatever. At the end of the play, the play clock operator will set the clock at 40 seconds.

According to ACC coordinator of officials Doug Rhoads, " You no longer have the referee stepping up there marking the ball ready for play. It's already started at the end of the previous play. That's exactly like the NFL. " The result is that there will still be about 70-76 offensive plays, but the game will be 10-12 minutes shorter.
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So who in the ACC would favor a playoff system? Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer said Monday at the ACC meeting that he favors a a four-team playoff. Clemson's Tommy Bowden is for a "plus-one" system that would pair the two best teams after the conclusion of the bowl games. Bobby Bowden didn't discuss the topic Monday but in the past has said he wouldn't favor a playoff over the bowl system.

Does ACC Have "little brother complex"?

How low can you go? Well, apparently if you look at the stats, the ACC is pretty low. Take this stat for starters. Over the past three years, the ACC leads all conferences in players selected in the first round (25) and overall (115) in the NFL draft.

Now juxtapose that with the following stats. The ACC has lost eight BCS bowl games in a row and hasn't had a team in the BCS championship game since Florida State lost to Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl at the end of the 2000 season. And over the past three seasons, the ACC is a combined 32-41 against opponents from other BCS conferences.

Says N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien, "We have to win those games. That's the only way we're going to get credence as the top conference in the country. " Well, it may be a while given the fact that perennial powers FSU and Miami are down and the additions of Boston College and Virginia Tech has not boosted the ACC significantly as was thought.

The ACC will get a chance to get some credibility early this season as in the opening week of the season, Virginia meets Southern California. Clemson gets Alabama in Atlanta and N.C. State takes on South Carolina as they open against SEC opponents. It could get ugly early.

Longtime college football analyst Tony Barnhart in a recent article points to the dismal record of the ACC. The ACC is 2-17 against non-conference teams ranked in the Top 10 over the past four years. In addition, the ACC is 9-31 against non-conference teams ranked in the Top 25 the past four years. And to top that off the ACC has never received an at-large bid to a BCS game.

Some ascribe the ACC's low rankings to a "little brother complex" with the SEC. Matt Hayes of The Sporting News says that the complex is there with the SEC because that is the league against which it recruits the most.

Whatever the reasons, it is clear that the ACC needs to start winning some big games in order to wash away some common perceptions.

"... 7-6 ain't going to do it. "

" I don't know about this year. But we better be heading in the right direction. I know this: 7-6 ain't going to do it. I'd like to stay in college a few more years. "
Bobby Bowden regarding whether the Noles can be in contention in ACC in 2008 as quoted in Miami Herald

Atlantic Division Coaches Speak Out

Decided to see what meaningful things the ACC coaches in the Atlantic Division said at the ACC Kickoff meeting according to their respective school sites:

Clemson's Tommy Bowden who has managed to never win a conference or division championship talked about his team.

"A big reason we are the preseason favorite is our returning offensive skill position players. But, we have holes to fill in the offensive line - we must replace four starters, including two All-Americans. We also have three new linebackers. "I believe our players will embrace this and it will motivate them in our August practices. But it will also motivate the opposition, including our non-conference opponents. We will get everyone's best shot. "

Meanwhile, Wake Forest's head coach Jim Grobe commented on the fact that being picked to finish second in the division is an unusual thing for the Demon Deacons.

"I've been used to being picked 13th out of 12 teams before, so it's a little different to be picked as high as we've been picked. I think our players will handle it well, though."

The official FSU site doesn't have any comments from Bobby as yet but I think we can all anticipate the quotes.

Second-year Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski was picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic and will be without QB Matt Ryan. He discussed the biggest question mark facing Boston College.

"It is our offense. Our defense will be very strong. The addition of BJ (Raji) and Brian (Toal) is big. We were very good against the run last year and we will be again this year."

Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen who like Tommy Bowden seems to underperform every year talked about his players being ready for 2008.

"They better be [itching] because I'm itching. I'm ready to play. We're not fooling around. They've had a great summer, a great spring and a great winter. We just have to have a great fall now and get going. I haven't made any votes, but I expect us to be good."

Last but not least we have NC State head coach Tom O'Brien who is unaccustomed to being at the bottom. Among the many issues he discussed was how to be better on offense.

“We have to run the ball better. We can’t be second-to-last in the conference in rushing offense. We can’t have the quarterback position throw 14 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions. Those numbers have to be reversed if you are going to be a championship football program. The offensive line has to protect the quarterback.” Sound familiar?

Writers Say Noles Are Third In Atlantic

Another Nole record is out the window. For 16 straight years, Florida State has been the preseason pick to finish first in the Atlantic Coast Conference, either in the overall standings or in the Seminoles' own Atlantic Division. However, the latest poll from the ACC meeting this week does not have the Noles as a winner in either their division or the conference.

To no one's surprise, Clemson is picked to win it all. Here are the media's preseason picks in predicted order of finish:

ATLANTIC DIVISION

1. Clemson (59 first-place votes)
2. Wake Forest (5)
3. Florida State (1)
4. Boston College
5. Maryland
6. NC State

COASTAL DIVISION

1. Virginia Tech (58)
2. North Carolina (4)
3. Miami (1)
4. Georgia Tech (1)
5. Virginia (1)
6. Duke

ACC Champion: Clemson (51)

Rolle To Hit The Rhodes?... Weatherford Prediction ... Noles Form Core

Myron Rolle has gained a lot of publicity since coming to FSU. His on field perfomance has not lived up to the hype yet but his academic performance has been outstanding.

He is now being considered for the prestigious Rhodes scholarship. Stewart Mandel of S.I. has a very complimentary article on Rolle.

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According to Andrew Carter in The Orlando Sentinel, Drew Weatherford was asked at the ACC kickoff about the possibility of Bobby Bowden retiring at the end of this season. Weatherford indicated he could see Bowden coaching for 10 more years.

Drew's response is reason enough for me for him to not be the starter this year. Ok, I am kidding. I have more reasons than that for him not to start.
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It is interesting that FSU and Miami have both independently decided to form player leadership groups. The Noles call their group the "Core". The purpose of the group is to meet regularly, discuss issues and come up with suggestions to take to the coaches.

The group includes FSU senior defensive end Everette Brown, senior quarterback Drew Weatherford, senior tailback Antone Smith, senior receiver Greg Carr, senior cornerback Tony Carter, senior safety Darius McClure, junior linebacker Dekoda Watson, junior safety Myron Rolle and sophomore center Ryan McMahon.

" I think I am the guy for this job. "

"I think I deserve this job, I think I am the guy for this job. I expect to be the starter and play the whole year."
FSU QB Drew Weatherford speaking at Sunday's Atlantic Coast Conference football kickoff festivities

Noles Get Commitment Number 13

The Noles received verbal committment number 13 for the 2009 class with the announcement by 6'3", 260 lb. defensive tackle Demonte McAllister from Alonso High in Tampa.McAllister attended FSU football camp this past week and made his announcement at the end of the Seminole Showtime camp on Saturday evening.He has been recruited by almost all the major schools in the country including Georgia, LSU, Miami, USC, Tennessee, Auburn, Clemson and Florida.

ESPN's' scouting report says this about McAllister, "...(he) has the tools to be a handful along the defensive line. ...This kid is quick and he can get quick penetration and make plays in the backfield. "

New Poll: When Does Bobby Retire?

In light of Bobby Bowden discussing the subject of his retirement at media day with the Florida sports writers, there is a new poll question: When do you think Bobby Bowden retires?

Poll Results: Preston Parker Suspension

Results of the poll: "What is your opinion regarding the two game suspension given Preston Parker by FSU?"

57.5 %- Was correct number of games

23.9%- Should have been kicked off the team

9.7%- Should have been a three game suspension

8.8%- Should have been a four game suspension

Bowden Rejects Middle- Of- Pack Status... An Offer They Could Refuse.... Seeing Yellow

Bobby Bowden rejects the notion by some that FSU is now just a middle-of-the pack team. He still entertains the idea that the Noles could be one gamebreaker away from returning to elite status.Speaking at the annual Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days, he said, "What would a Charlie Ward have done for our team last year? Or a Chris Weinke?"

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The Noles have been one of the marquee teams featured on Labor Day for the past several years. ABC-TV once again approached FSU about opening the season on Labor Day night for the fourth consecutive year but the Noles refused the offer.

Due to the loss of eight starters because of suspensions for the first three games, Bowden turned down the game."We were invited, but we declined it because of all the suspensions," Bowden said today at the Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days.
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The Noles have a new color- yellow. Florida State University is featured on the cover of the new AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory serving Tallahassee. More than 388,000 total copies of the AT&T Real Yellow Pages directories have been produced for distribution in the area this year.

Delivery starts this week and last approximately four weeks. The directory also will be available to new residents and businesses throughout the year.

"... ain’t a one of you can guess when those days are."

" All I know right now is that I’m not interested in retiring, but I know my days are numbered.But ain’t a one of you can guess when those days are."
Bobby Bowden speaking during the Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days as quoted in The News-Press

Media Day ... Leave The Driving To Them ... One Less Nole

College football season in Florida begins to come into focus today when the state college football coaches gather in Tampa for the annual Florida Sports Writers Association Media Days. The press will be capturing the sights and sounds of Florida's Urban Meyer, Miami's Randy Shannon and Florida State's Bobby Bowden .

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Anticipating a less than full stadium, FSU athletics is attempting to get more fans to the game against Colorado in Jacksonville on September 27.FSU has arranged for buses to shuttle fans from Doak Campbell Stadium to Jacksonville's Municipal Stadium the day of the game and bring them back home immediately following the game.

The package includes round trip motorcoach transportation from Tallahassee to Jacksonville and back. There are two package options: Package A - includes motorcoach transportation only for $35.00 per person. Package B - includes Motorcoach transportation and lower level end zone ticket for $55.00 per person.

FSU-Colorado Gameday Bus Package
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In yet another loss to the team, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has confirmed that tight end Jonathan Hannah is no longer on the team. The tight end position seems to be a work in progress with Caz Piurowski being out for the opening three games because of suspensions handed down in December. Charlie Graham could return as he is finishing up his A.A. degree at TCC. The Seminoles also have two newcomers at tight end with former Lincoln High standout Ja’Baris Little and Bo Reliford from Fort Lauderdale Dillard.

Noles Running Out Of Gas

How far down is the FSU football program? Word now comes that season ticket sales for the 2008 season are down 6% from last year. Reasons given are the high fuel costs for alumni to travel to the game.

Not to mention two consecutive 7-6 seasons, an academic fraud case pending, and a head coach and university president that are in deep denial.

It is interesting to note that the Gators are once again sold out for season tickets so apparently fuel costs are not a problem in Gainesville. In addition season tickets sales at the University of Miami and USF are up in 2008.

".... among the more mediocre of the 17 sports teams.... "

" The (football) program's gradual descent this decade has made it among the more mediocre of the 17 sports teams at Florida State. "
Andrew Carter, Sun-Sentinel.com

ACC Meets Next Week...Hokies Big Winner...Heather's Flip Flops

The ACC will be holding its annual Football kickoff with the media next week in Greensboro, Ga. and the FSU players selected to represent FSU before the media are QB Drew Weatherford and DE Everette Brown.

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Interesting article in a North Carolina newspaper talks about the ACC expansion and who gained from it. Apparently the ACC did not gain significantly. However, the school that has gained the most is Virginia Tech. According to the article, Virginia Tech's stadium upgrades and the move to the ACC has meant that the Hokies nearly doubled their annual football revenue in four years, going from $21 million in 2002 to an ACC-high $40 million in 2006. Not even Florida State or Clemson equaled the Hokies' income.
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ESPN's Heather Dinich must be running for office. A few days ago she gave her rankings of the toughest stadiums in the ACC. Now she has changed those rankings after she apparently was innundated with emails. So much for her well thought out rankings. In her latest rankings, she moved Clemson's Memorial Stadium up to number one and FSU's Doak from two to three. Her new rankings:

1. Clemson, Memorial Stadium (81,500)

2. Virginia Tech, Lane Stadium (66,233)

3. Florida State, Doak S. Campbell Stadium (82,300)

4. NC State, Carter-Finley Stadium (57,500)

5. Georgia Tech, Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000)

6. UNC, Kenan Stadium (60,000)

7. Virginia, Scott Stadium (61,500)

8. Wake Forest, Groves Stadium (31,500)

9. Boston College, Alumni Stadium (44,500)

10. Maryland, Byrd Stadium (51,500)

11. Miami, Dolphin Stadium (75,235)

12. Duke, Wallace Wade Stadium (33,941)

"... he might not get another chance."

" If Clemson doesn't win the ACC this year, as the heavy favorite in a weak league, (Tommy) Bowden might never and he might not get another chance."
J.P. Giglio, The News & Observer

Breaking Down The Numbers: Penalty Yards

National rankings based on 119 teams and the ACC rankings on 12 teams:

Stat: Penalties - FSU was last in the ACC in 2007 with the most penalty yards. The Noles accumulated 870 penalty yards and averaged 66.9 yards per game.

ACC Ranking: 2007- #12 2006- #10

National Ranking: 2007- #109 2006- #83

Penalties do matter although Bobby Bowden in the past has seemingly not been that concerned in regard to them. The Noles last year accumulated a ton of penalties that stymied drives on a consistient basis.Coaching changes were part of the problem but the Noles even in 2004 ranked dead last in the ACC in total penalty yards. Coaching and lack of discipline causes penalties and the Noles have been a constant in this one area.

In both the ACC and nationally, the Noles did not improve in this critical area from 2006 to 2007 as they dropped to dead last in the ACC and dropped 26 spots nationally to almost the bottom. Not good. With a relatively young and inexperienced offensive line, the Noles may be facing another year of lost momentum and drives stalled because of penalties.

Va Tech's Lane Stadium Toughest Stadium In ACC Says Who?

As we all eagerly await the start of the 2008 season, we can all give our opinions regarding such things as the toughest stadiums in the ACC.

ESPN's Heather Dinich has given her opinion with the following rankings. Wonder what you think.

1. Virginia Tech, Lane Stadium (66,233)

2. Florida State, Doak S. Campbell Stadium (82,300)

3. Clemson, Memorial Stadium (81,500)

4. UNC, Kenan Stadium (60,000)

5. Georgia Tech, Bobby Dodd Stadium

6. Virginia, Scott Stadium (51,500)

7. Maryland, Byrd Stadium (51,500)

8. Boston College, Alumni Stadium (44,500)

9. Wake Forest, Groves Stadium (31,500)

10. Miami, Dolphin Stadium (75,235)

11. NC State, Carter-Finley Stadium (57,500)

12. Duke, Wallace Wade Stadium (33,941)

Buyers Remorse ?...Sign Them Early... Cupcakes Galore

Is Michigan having buyers remorse with Rich Rodriquez? Probably not but they should be. Here's a guy that doesn't believe in honoring a contract and now Michigan has helped settle the West Virginia lawsuit against Rodriquez by agreeing to pay West Virginia $2.5 million by July 31. For his part Rodriquez will pay $1.5 million in three installments of $500,000 beginning in 2010. And kudos to West Virginia for legally enforcing the contract that was signed by Rodriquez.

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The American Football Coaches Association is leaning toward proposing an early signing date for the third week of December beginning in 2009. The trend seems to be that players are committing to schools earlier each year. The AFCA has surveyed coaches and conferences about allowing players to sign a National Letter of Intent before the current February signing day.
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And for the last buzz item. If you are friends with a Gator fan and I hope you aren't, you well know that you hear from their little pea brains that the Gators and the SEC is so powerful and the Noles and the ACC are so weak. Well, who do you think loads their schedules with cupcake I-AA opponents the most? Correct- the all "powerful" SEC. A study conducted between 1998 and 2007 shows that the SEC ranks third in conferences in scheduling these cupcakes behind the Mid-American and Big 12 conferences. The ACC was fifth. Wonder if their pea brains can process that information?

"... I plan on getting, like 1,200 yards ..."

“I’m not trying to be cocky or nothing, but I plan on getting, like 1,200 yards, six to eight touchdowns, and go [to the NFL]. Bottom line.”
Corey Surrency as quoted in article by Andrew Carter,Orlando Sentinel

"The Smurf" Arrives On Campus

More freshmen are joining the summer workouts and perhaps the most notable addition is junior college transfer Corey Surrency. The 6-foot-5, 210 pound wide receiver from Miami played for The El Camino Community College in California for the last two years.. Nicknamed the "Smurf", Surrency is getting used to the heat and workouts. With just two years of eligibility left, Surrency figures to play this year.

"... FSU hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996."

" It’s difficult to believe that FSU hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996. ... (it) seems impossible that this dubious streak is now entering its 12th season. "
Andrew Carter,Orlando Sentinel

It's Official: Bellamy Out And Line Gets Thinner

The Nole's offensive line got thinner as starting guard Evan Bellamy announced Tuesday that he will in fact miss the 2008 season because of a blood clot in his lower left leg.

According to a statement by FSU, doctors told Bellamy that he most likely will be sidelined for six months because of medication he must take for the clot.