Noles Begin Preparing for NC State

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

In what was considered a "modified Monday practice" the Florida State football team began its preparations for Thursday night's game at NC State. The Seminoles practiced in shells (shoulder pads and helmets) for 18 periods as they began implementing their game plan for their game against the Wolfpack. Florida State is in the midst of its off week; after defeating Miami last Saturday, 41-39, at Dolphins Stadium, the team is off until Oct. 16 when it travels to play the 10th nationally televised Thursday night game in school history. The Seminoles are 5-4 in Thursday night games dating back to a 1983 victory over Louisville.

Florida State will practice Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before travelling to Raleigh on Wednesday.

Coach Bowden:

I thought we had a pretty good practice. We seem to be in pretty good shape. (Jermaine) Thomas got a little hurt last week, scared us, but he seems to be much better today. He says he's much better so I think this week off has probably helped us with our injury situation. We look like we're in pretty good shape."

On Thursday night games:

"It's different. You've broken your routine of getting ready on Saturdays. It is different. It's an entirely different feeling, just sitting around in your motel all day and not watching football games with the fact that there's no games on. It's kind of a boring day."