FSU It's Time - Seminole News And Views

Happy 4th To All Nole Fans !

2009-07-04T17:09:00.001-04:00

" Jeff got blamed for everything."

2009-06-26T11:25:00.001-04:00

"Jeff got blamed for everything. What he got butchered on, my dad needs to stand up, wave his hands and say, 'I'm the guy that was running that ship.'"
Terry Bowden who is new head coach at North Alabama commenting on his father and Jeff Bowden who he just hired as a volunteer coach to his staff as quoted in Birmingham News

Note: Jeff Bowden is currently being paid more than $107,500 annually by Seminole Boosters as part of an agreement made during the 2006 season to step down

" It's worked out a lot better."

2009-06-25T15:26:00.000-04:00

"It's worked out a lot better. I still wish we had the $3.5 million. There's a lot of things that we are delaying ... But [the cuts] are not something you really see. It's just internal to us."
FSU AD Randy Spetman regarding FSU athletic budget cuts for 2009-2010 which are less than anticipated as quoted in Orlando Sentinel

" The NCAA agenda in these types of cases has nothing to do with student privacy...."

2009-06-24T19:37:00.003-04:00

"The NCAA agenda in these types of cases has nothing to do with student privacy whatsoever. Their agenda is to maintain control of the information flow in NCAA cases and to cover up bad decisions."
Don Jackson,a Montgomery, Ala.,lawyer as quoted in an article in Columbus Ohio The Columbus Dispatch discussing how NCAA skirts public record laws and bad decisions

Harris Suspended Indefinitely

2009-06-23T14:39:00.002-04:00

Bobby Bowden announced today that he has suspended sophomore linebacker Maurice Harris indefinitely following his Monday-night arrest.

“We’re suspending Maurice Harris, indefinitely, beginning today until the matter has been resolved,” Bowden said.

Harris Latest Nole To Be Arrested

2009-06-23T14:28:00.002-04:00

The Noles may want to consider moving their conditioning drills to the Leon County Jail given the number of players being arrested recently. The latest is weakside linebacker Maurice Harris who was arrested late Monday evening.

Harris faces charges of grand theft, property crime (possession of a vehicle with altered numbers) and a traffic violation for attaching a registration and license plate not assigned to the vehicle. He’s being held on $3,500 bail.

" He's really picking up what he's supposed to do."

2009-06-22T19:02:00.003-04:00

" He's really picking up what he's supposed to do. He's running routes a lot. "
FSU QB Christian Ponder regarding junior college transfer running back Tavares Pressley who tore his left ACL shortly into his first preseason camp at FSU last year as quoted in Tallahasssee Democrat

"... hijacked by a misguided committee of pinheaded bureaucrats."

2009-06-20T13:39:00.001-04:00

" The legacy that Bobby Bowden has worked 50 good years to build and grow and earn is being hijacked by a misguided committee of pinheaded bureaucrats."
Greg Cote of Miami Herald regarding NCAA vacating wins in FSU academic cheating scandal

NCAA Relents And Will Release Documents

2009-06-16T15:19:00.005-04:00

The Tallahassee Democrat is reporting that the NCAA has agreed to allow Florida State University to release documents in the university’s academic-misconduct case.

According to the paper,"...Naima M. Stevenson, the NCAA’s director of legal affairs and assistant general counsel, informed Betty Steffens,FSU’s general counsel, that the school could release documents from the case so that FSU can comply with the state’s open records laws."

" This action concerns a scheme created to avoid public access."

2009-06-16T15:14:00.001-04:00

"This action concerns a scheme created to avoid public access. The scheme developed by the NCAA and aided by FSU and its counsel is particularly insidious to Florida's constitutional and statuory guarantee of access to public records."
Excerpts of 21-page lawsuit filed by Miami Herald and other news organizations regarding the NCAA keeping secret its response to FSU appeal in academic scandal case

Wetherell Set To Retire?

2009-06-15T22:43:00.004-04:00

The AP and ESPN are reporting that FSU president T.K. Wetherell will tell the school's trustees this week that he wants to retire. According to the reports, he will tell them of his intent at a meeting on Wednesday. It's routine for university presidents to give a year's notice or so to allow a replacement to be found.

Can't say that I am surprised nor disappointed. I think Wetherell has been too much of an apologist for Bobby Bowden which has tainted the image of FSU.

"... this is about Ponder."

2009-06-15T14:33:00.002-04:00

"The Noles have many unknowns, but, to repeat, this is about Ponder. If he's not up to the task, another middle-of-the-pack season could prompt Bobby Bowden into retirement."
Lindy's magazine which predicts FSU will win the ACC Atlantic division in 2009 and finish No.18 in the nation

2009 FSU Football Poster Now Available

2009-06-14T11:59:00.002-04:00

FSU football fans can now get their 2009 FSU football poster with the slogan "83,000 Strong".

" Wetherell's athletic department has carefully fashioned a mentality of winning at all costs...."

2009-06-11T13:39:00.001-04:00

"Bull. Wetherell's athletic department has carefully fashioned a mentality of winning at all costs that has permeated to every corner. The NCAA must send a message that such a mentality must change immediately -- and it better start at the top."
Sports columnist Neil Woelk of Colorado Daily Camera regarding FSU academic cheating scandal and NCAA response

" I had some problems with him (Trickett), with the way he treated me...."

2009-06-10T15:43:00.001-04:00

"I had some problems with him (Trickett), with the way he treated me and the way he talked to me."
Former FSU guard Will Furlong regarding offensive lines coach Rick Trickett as quoted in Daytona Beach News-Journal

NCAA Grants FSU Additional Time For Rebuttal

2009-06-09T13:10:00.001-04:00

And who said the NCAA was made up of hypocritical and pompous old guys? The NCAA has granted Florida State an additional two weeks to file its rebuttal in the university’s ongoing academic fraud case. The NCAA Committee on Infractions responded last week to FSU’s original appeal, and the university was to originally have until June 17 to submit its rebuttal. Now because of the NCAA and its geneorosity, the university must submit its rebuttal by July 1.

" Right now I’ve got to give them a B-plus on their report card."

2009-06-08T14:08:00.001-04:00

“Right now I’ve got to give them a B-plus on their report card.They are doing a much better job in terms of accountability."
FSU strength and conditioning coach Todd Stroud commenting on FSU receivers regarding their offseason work as quoted in Tallahassee Democrat

"... a 40-0 win in 1962 against Mexico National University."

2009-06-05T12:46:00.001-04:00

" Well, it does seem a little weird counting a 34-0 win in 1959 against the Tennessee Tech freshmen, a 60-0 win in 1961 over Memphis Navy, or (my personal favorite) a 40-0 win in 1962 against Mexico National University."
Joe Henderson of Tampa Tribune discussing Bobby Bowden's 31 wins at Howard College (now Samford )

" The NCAA doesn’t believe in such transparency."

2009-06-04T11:52:00.001-04:00

" The NCAA doesn’t believe in such transparency. The NCAA’s actions have placed Florida State in a strange position."
Comments regarding NCAA response that was put on secure internet site and only allowed to be accessed by FSU counsel as quoted in Orlando Sentinel

NCAA Files Its Response

2009-06-02T15:12:00.001-04:00

As anticipated, the NCAA did file its response on Tuesday to an appeal from Florida State University regarding the academic-misconduct case that resulted in sanctions for the school's athletic department. The response from the NCAA will not be made public for two weeks or until FSU can prepare its rebuttal.

FSU issued the following release:

As expected, the response by the Committee on Infractions to Florida State University’s appeal of one of the penalties recommended in the academic misconduct case was submitted to the NCAA today (Tuesday). Florida State University was notified via attached correspondence that the submission had been filed.

Florida State University also learned today that information from the Enforcement Staff and the Committee on Infractions is, by NCAA procedure, posted on a secure NCAA custodial website. The NCAA’s site does not allow for the submission to be downloaded or printed, nor will Florida State University be sent a paper copy. Florida State’s outside counsel will be able to access the NCAA’s secure website in a read only manner.

Florida State University General Counsel Betty Steffens will work with FSU’s outside counsel to prepare a rebuttal to the response by the Committee on Infractions. The rebuttal, which FSU will make public with certain adjustments due to state and federal privacy laws, is due to the NCAA Appeals Committee by June 17, 2009.

FSU Anticipates NCAA Response Today

2009-06-02T12:39:00.001-04:00

Odds and ends:

The ongoing appeal of vacating wins by the NCAA is scheduled to take place today. That is the extended deadline for the NCAA Committee on Infractions' response to FSU's appeal. Once FSU receives the response, it has 15 days to file a rebuttal.
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FSU right guard Will Furlong has decided to transfer to North Alabama. Furlong, who started five games at right guard last season as a redshirt sophomore, has had a succession of injuries since first breaking his foot last October.
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USF has been given an additional 2,500 seats to sell for the Sept. 26 football game at Florida State. The original allotment was 5,000, but ticket sales have been going well for the first meeting between the two programs. Due to the economic crisis, FSU was more than willing to increase the allotment.

"... Florida players have punched women, stolen property and been involved with guns and drugs."

2009-05-29T14:54:00.003-04:00

"... Florida players have punched women, stolen property and been involved with guns and drugs. Yet nobody on ESPN is so much as reporting this."
Sun Sentinel sports columnist Dave Hyde regarding University of Florida football team who over last four years have had 23 players arrested

Goodman Arrested For On Campus Fight

2009-05-28T12:20:00.003-04:00

And then there were three. Florida State wide receiver Richard Goodman was suspended Wednesday following his arrest in connection with a November on campus fight between football players and members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

“We’re suspending Richard Goodman, indefinitely, beginning today until the matter has been resolved,” FSU head football coach Bobby Bowden said in a news release.

Goodman, 22, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm or disability, a second-degree felony, FSU Police Maj. Jim Russell said. Goodman was taken to the Leon County Jail and released on $1,000 bail.

Goodman is the third FSU player arrested in connection with the incident. In addition to Goodman, wide receivers Cameron Wade, 20, and Bert Reed, 20have previously been charged earlier with misdemeanor battery.

NCAA Response Delayed Until June 2

2009-05-26T14:40:00.004-04:00

ESPN is reporting that NCAA has delayed its response to FSU appeal regarding vacating of wins until June 2.

" I won’t lose a minute of sleep over it."

2009-05-26T13:41:00.002-04:00

“It seems very unfair to me. I won’t lose a minute of sleep over it. They can take it away — how? — on paper."
Bobby Bowden regarding NCAA penalty to take away wins as quoted in Thomasville Times-Enterprise

Note: The university expects to hear from the NCAA as early as Tuesday on its appeal of sanctions resulting from an academic cheating scandal.

Remembering Those Who Gave The Ultimate

2009-05-25T13:03:00.002-04:00

WVa and FSU Flip Schedule Locations

2009-05-22T21:20:00.003-04:00

Odds and ends:

* According to FSU Sports Information, Florida State center Ryan McMahon has been named to the 2009 Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List.The redshirt junior is appearing on the list for the second consecutive season. The ten-year old trophy is presented to the nation’s top center by the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

* West Virginia University Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong has announced that the Mountaineers and Seminoles have switched the locations for their series scheduled for 2012 and 2013. The Mountaineers will now travel to Tallahassee, Fla., in 2012 and will then play the 2013 meeting in Morgantown.

* The Atlanta Journal Constitution has named its top nonconference games in the ACC this fall. Three games involving FSU are BYU, South Florida, and Florida. The paper says this about the FSU-South Florida game,"How sad is it that this game is no longer a gimme for Bowden?"

NCAA Delays Response To FSU Appeal

2009-05-21T21:32:00.002-04:00

FSU will have to wait a little longer in regard to the NCAA appeal process. It is awaiting the response from the NCAA’s Infractions Appeals Committee.

On Wednesday, FSU announced that the appeals committee granted a seven-day extension to the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions, which had requested additional time to respond to Florida State’s appeal.

" Naturally, I would love to win more games than anybody...."

2009-05-20T13:22:00.001-04:00

" Naturally, I would love to win more games than anybody, but there is nobody behind us. It's not like there are seven guys. It is just Joe and me."
Bobby Bowden regarding the most wins battle between himself and Joe Paterno as quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer

NCAA Denies Surrency Request

2009-05-19T17:34:00.003-04:00

FSU Sports Information has released the following statement regarding a request to the NCAA for another year of eligibility for WR Corey Surrency:

The NCAA has notified Florida State University’s compliance office that the final appeal made by football player Corey Surrency of the decision regarding granting him another year of eligibility has been denied. The result of the ruling means that he has exhausted his college eligibility.

“We are disappointed that Corey has lost his appeal, but I appreciate our administration going to bat for him,” said head coach Bobby Bowden. “I hope that Corey can continue to play on the next level and we will do all we can to help him get that chance.”

" Pampers made a killing off us last year.”

2009-05-19T14:09:00.001-04:00

“Pampers made a killing off us last year.”
Jimbo Fisher speaking at Orlando Boosters meeting regarding the fact that the team came out of the tunnel late five times a season ago because coaches were dealing with issues behind the scenes as quoted in Orlando Sentinel

Bobby Talks Football

2009-05-18T15:25:00.002-04:00

Bobby Bowden talks football in a recent television interview on his annual Booster golf tour.

"... we didn't change our name from Seminoles."

2009-05-17T12:26:00.003-04:00

"... the NCAA "might not like us because we didn't change our name from Seminoles."
Bobby Bowden regarding the NCAA penalty to nullify wins as quoted in Miami Herald

ACC Adds GMAC Bowl To 2009 Schedule

2009-05-08T15:59:00.002-04:00

Here is the ACC bowl schedule lineup for 2009:

FedEx Orange Bowl: Jan. 5, 8 p.m. FOX
Chick-fil-A Bowl: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ESPN
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl: Jan. 1, 1 p.m. CBS
Champs Sports Bowl: Dec. 29, 8 p.m. ESPN
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl: Dec. 27, 8:15 p.m. ESPN
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m. ESPN
Emerald Bowl: Dec. 26, 8 p.m. ESPN
EagleBank Bowl: Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m. ESPN
GMAC Bowl: Jan. 6, 7 p.m. ESPN

Note: GMAC bowl replaced Humanitarian Bowl

" We need (receivers coach Lawrence) Dawsey to step up."

2009-05-07T11:04:00.001-04:00

“We need (receivers coach Lawrence) Dawsey to step up. He’s been a great coach on the field, great recruiter. But he’s going to have to get a little bit of a Leonard Hamilton school of coaching."
T.K. Wetherell regarding receivers and receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey as quoted in Tallahassee Democrat

Note: Like many of Wetherell's statements, I have no idea what he meant with the Hamilton comment. Not sure he should be using Leonard Hamilton given the lack of success the basketball program has had under Hamilton.

"... we're going to have to pay Jimbo Fisher $5 million."

2009-05-05T22:57:00.001-04:00

"...[if] we decide he (Bobby Bowden) isn't ready to go, we're going to have to pay Jimbo Fisher $5 million."
FSU AD Randy Spetman regarding fact FSU would owe Jimbo Fisher $5 million if he's not head coach by January 2011 as quoted in Orlando Sentinel

" I don’t think there’s much of a story there.”

2009-05-03T14:27:00.001-04:00

"I don’t know what that is. Maybe he has a very logical reason. But maybe he doesn’t. I don’t think there’s much of a story there.”
Bobby Bowden speaking to Orlando Boosters on Saturday in regard to WR Cameron Wade missing a court date as quoted in Orlando Sentinel

" I thought they’d go late."

2009-05-02T21:36:00.001-04:00

"But Antone (Smith) didn’t get drafted, Greg Carr didn’t get drafted. That surprised me. I thought they’d go late."
Bobby Bowden on recent NFL draft and having only one player drafted as quoted in St. Petersburg Times

" It makes you wonder what the criteria is for selecting...."

2009-05-01T11:09:00.002-04:00

“It makes you wonder what the criteria is for selecting, not that the other guys aren’t worthy of it.”
FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews regarding Deion Sanders being snubbed by College Football Hall of Fame for third straight year as quoted in Tallhassee Democrat

One And Done

2009-04-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

Don't look now but our reason for not winning a lot of games in the past few years is showing. Case in point. The recently concluded NFL Draft that saw only one Nole drafted. Everette Brown was drafted in the second round and that was it. Graham Gano after the draft was offered a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

Remember when gasoline was selling for 89 cents a gallon, a postage stamp was 24 cents, and disposable contact lens became available? Well, it was 1987 and it was also the last time before yesterday that only one Nole was picked in the draft.

FSU Appeal Timeline

2009-04-24T11:58:00.003-04:00

Here's the NCAA timeline relating to FSU's appeal regarding the vacating of wins:

The Committee on Infractions has 30 days to submit their response.

FSU has 15 days to submit a rebuttal.

The enforcement staff then has 10 days from acknowledgment of receiving the rebuttal to submit a response.

There is yet another option for the university to appeal within the next 10 days.

" I'm not going to stay in it long enough to overcome it...."

2009-04-24T07:38:00.001-04:00

"I'm not going to stay in it long enough to overcome it, especially with Joe staying in it."
Bobby Bowden as quoted on ESPN regarding having to overcome losing 14 wins with the NCAA penalty in his race with Joe Paterno

Note: On Thursday, FSU filed a formal 28-page written appeal with the NCAA regarding the vacating of wins

" Yeah, I think it's [penalties] more than fair."

2009-04-20T18:26:00.002-04:00

"Duke suspends a guy for a year. They (Florida State) got 36 of them and they don't lose a whole year? Yeah, I think it's [penalties] more than fair. They're [Florida State] playing with the guys I can't play with."
Maryland head football coach Ralph Friedgen regarding the NCAA ruling to vacate FSU football wins as quoted on CBSSports.com

"... gaining some really good strength from several of (Trickett's) guys."

2009-04-19T20:20:00.002-04:00

"You see putting on body mass and gaining some really good strength from several of (Trickett's) guys."
FSU Strength and Conditioning coach Todd Stroud regarding the offensive line

"... they can come see me with their resignation in hand."

2009-04-17T21:48:00.001-04:00

" If this is unacceptable to the boosters or athletics,they can come see me with their resignation in hand."
FSU President T.K. Wetherell's comments in email sent to athletic staff and boosters after athletic department spokesperson had indicated that there would be no furloughs of coaches if budgets cuts have to be made. Wetherell indicated that coaches would not be exempt from possible furloughs.

" Now we've got all five of those guys back...."

2009-04-14T07:40:00.002-04:00

"Now we've got all five of those guys back, and that does make a heck of a difference."
Bobby Bowden commenting on the Nole offensive line as he kicked off his 34th annual Bobby Bowden Golf Tour in Clay county on Monday as quoted in Florida Times-Union

Noles Hand Out Spring Awards

2009-04-13T23:33:00.001-04:00

The Florida State football coaches announced the 2009 spring award winners on Monday. Patrick Robinson won the Hinesman as the most dominant player as well as the most valuable on defense while Christian Ponder took home MVP honors for the offense.

" Is his college career really over....?"

2009-04-11T13:44:00.001-04:00

"Is his college career really over because Surrency supposedly gained "competitive advantage" by playing a couple of games with a bunch of dreamers and has-beens in a loosely organized semipro league?"
Orlando Sentinel sports columnist Mike Bianchi regarding NCAA decision to not allow Corey Surrency another year of eligibility

Noles Hold Last Scrimmage Of The Spring

2009-04-08T19:46:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

On Wednesday the FSU football team held its last practice of the spring. The coaches decided to get one last full pad practice in and the second half was spent scrimmaging on the practice fields. The team worked on down-and-distance situations and then in the 4:00 and 2:00 offense.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
"That wraps it up, 15 days. We challenged our kids before spring training started to see how many of them can make all 15 days without missing a drill. It will be interesting to see how many of them finished up like that. I think it's going to be more than we normally have. We've made strides, but we still see question marks out there. They've have to be solved by getting better or hoping that some of your freshman can come in and give you some support in that area."

Noles Get In Early Morning Practice In Frigid Temps

2009-04-07T12:00:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

The Florida State football team was back out at practice just over 12 hours after Monday’s half scrimmage ended. The squad practiced for 22 periods in shells in frigid temperatures. The Seminoles are scheduled to practice Wednesday for the final time this spring.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
“We went out in shells today and started at about 7:20. Kids got through it okay. It was cold as heck out there. We had too many missed assignments today if you were evaluating the practice. Entirely too many missed assignments out there. It usually goes back to mental (the missed assignments)”

Do you feel pretty good about spring practice?
“Thank goodness we have had quite a few of them that have gotten through the whole spring. That’s very important in spring training. We’ve made strides but we can still see strides that we must make. Our turnovers scare us to death right now offensively. Defensively we have done a better job of shutting down the big play although we had some yesterday. I think that’s one little progress they’ve made in the spring.”

Noles Begin Final Week Of Spring Practice Scrimmages

2009-04-06T19:33:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

The Garnet & Gold Game usually is a celebration of the end of spring football but not in Tallahassee this year. Originally the team was scheduled to have two practices following the annual scrimmage but rain forced a third practice in this final week. The Seminole players won’t have to wait long to celebrate the end of this portion of the off-season as they will practice Tuesday and then conclude organized practices on Wednesday.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
“The offense looked much better today. Looked liked them old selves today. I guess next year we won’t let anybody come to the (spring) game and maybe we’ll do better.

“Pretty good scrimmage. We worked on a lot of different situations. We worked one two-minute offense; we gave the offense the ball 60 or 70 yards away with two minutes and they scored both times. First and second unit. Hit a couple of long passes.”

Offensive Coordinator Jimbo Fisher
On today’s scrimmage:
“The thing I liked today better – we still made mistakes – still did some bad things – our attitude and effort was better and we overcame things when we had the chance to even when we had bad plays. We turned around and overcame them because our attitude and effort were there.”

Surrency Denied Another Year Eligibility By NCAA

2009-04-06T18:46:00.003-04:00

ESPN is reporting that FSU wide receiver Corey Surrency has been denied another year of eligibility by the NCAA.

Florida State will appeal the decision and expects the process to take three to five weeks.

The Noles may need to start soliciting walk ons for receiver given the loss of two in one day.

Owens Suspended Indefinitely

2009-04-06T16:23:00.002-04:00

FSU has announced that it is suspending wide receiver Rod Owens indefinitely. "We're suspending Rod Owens, indefinitely, beginning today until the matter has been resolved," FSU head coach Bobby Bowden said in a prepared statement.

" Is there any FSU receiver who hasn't been in trouble....?"

2009-04-06T14:22:00.001-04:00

"Is there any FSU receiver who hasn't been in trouble in the past year?"
ESPN's Heather Dinich commenting on arrest of Rod Owens for DUI

Note: Noles have also had wide receiver Bert Reed who has been suspended three times as well as Corey Surrency who was suspended twice in 2008.

Owens Arrested On DUI Charges

2009-04-05T20:15:00.003-04:00

Here we go again. Published reports are indicating that senior Nole wide receiver Rod Owens was released on $500 bail Sunday afternoon after being arrested earlier Sunday morning for DUI. This is according to the Tallahassee Police Department.

According to TPD, Rod Owens was taken to the Leon County Jail where he submitted to a breath test. His blood alcohol level was almost twice the legal limit at 155g/210L. The legal limit in Florida is .08g/210L.

Owens had three catches for 31 yards in Saturday’s spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium.

"... it was very encouraging...."

2009-04-05T16:00:00.001-04:00

"There is a lot of growing up to do with them, but again it was very encouraging, but we still have a long way from where we need to be."
Mickey Andrew's comments regarding the defense after spring game

Nole Defense Takes Down Offense In Spring Game

2009-04-05T11:20:00.004-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

The talk all spring has been about the offense’s success against a young and banged up Seminole defense. All that talk seemed to have gotten the attention of Mickey Andrew’s group. Thanks to five fumble recoveries, two Jamie Robinson interceptions and a Nigel Bradham touchdown, the Gold squad or defense downed the Garnet team or offense 39-27 in the annual Garnet & Gold game Saturday in Doak Campbell Stadium.

“That was an interesting thing tonight,” said head coach Bobby Bowden. “Right off the bat you had two bad snaps, that’s not supposed to happen. We had eight fumbles. (Carlton Jones) had five that I counted. Eight fumbles you won’t beat anybody.

“Jamie Robinson I thought had a good game back there in secondary. Got an interception, he had two then. I guess the biggest surprise was our secondary. They’ve been getting ripped pretty good this spring. They were most active tonight I’ve seen them, that is a good sign. I thought the defense won the battle.”

Both of Robinson’s interceptions were highlight reel material and he was the star in the secondary but it was Bradham’s 45-yard return of a Christian Ponder fumble that turned out to be the biggest play of the night. The five fumbles lost by the offense were a surprise considering that had not been an issue for most of the spring leading up to Saturday.

“It feels good to make a play like that every now and then,” said Bradham. “When you do your thing to motivate the team it gives them intensity and encourages them to go out and make plays as well. It felt real good.”

“Why were all those dadgum fumbles,” said Bowden. “Now of course defense knocked some of those out of there, defense knocked. But I saw some of the kids doing things that they haven’t done all spring, which I would think probably a crowd in their pressing, that’s what you don’t want, but that’s why it’s good to have that game.”

After posting eye-popping yards per play numbers in the previous scrimmages, the defense did an excellent job of limiting the offense on Saturday holding the Garnet team to just five yards per play. Ponder was 10-of-19 for 118 yards, most of which came on a 65-yard strike to Jarmon Fortson early in the scrimmage.

“(Ponder) struggled, not I think some of it was our receivers had a hard time getting open,” said Bowden. “They got more pressure on him tonight I think they have all spring. I didn’t feel like he was sharp. He was sharp on some passes but I saw other times when a man was open big and he missed him. We had dropped passes at inopportune times. If you’re gonna find out those things out, it’s good to find them out against yourselves.”

“I just need to go back and re-focus, I think I didn’t do enough and obviously I think I let some stuff affect me…this is the first game-type environment in a while and so I wasn’t ready,” said Ponder. “I wasn’t ready and these next three days I gotta overcome it and watch the film and learn from those things.”

There was only one other offensive touchdown on the evening and that came on a 31-yard strike from Corey Eddinger to Cameron Wade. He and Fortson combined for 106 of the Gold team’s 236 total receiving yards. Fortson led the way with four catches for 75 yards while Rod Owens, Bert Reed and Richard Goodman were the only other players with more than one reception.

“I think the one’s came out and started off alright, I had a couple good drives and a touchdown,” said Ponder. “I mean just the turnovers killed us, and then I think we started letting stuff pile on top of us, and towards the end we got in and over our heads and let stuff affect us a little bit. We got three days to fix it for us this spring, and we’ll have to overcome it come August.”

The turnovers started early for the offense. On just the third pass of the day Robinson snatched his first interception on a 3rd-and-13 pass intended for Louis Givens. On the next play Ponder went deep to Fortson but on six of the next 27 offensive snaps there was a fumble with the defense falling on five.

“Some of them were on our own, and some of them we just fell on, but they still count,” said defensive coordinator Mickey Andres. “I felt like we had a much better effort. We challenged them to play their best when playing in this stadium. Some of them took it to heart. Got a few breaks, but we also made more than we have all spring too. I think there were a couple great interceptions and several fumbles. You got a good chance of winning if you can do that.”

“Coach Andrews makes it our goal to make turnovers, and we have been kind of lacking on that throughout this whole spring,” said Robinson. “It got brought up in a report that the DB’s have had only had one pick this spring, so we just tried to go out there and really focus on causing turnovers a little more and get the defense going.”

The other area where Andrews saw a huge improvement was with his run defense.

Despite missing Kendrick Stewart, Budd Thacker and Dekoda Watson, the Seminole offense averaged just two yards per rush gaining 59 yards on 29 carries.

“I feel like we played pretty good,” said Bradham. “Today was a good day for us. We made a couple stops. We gave up a couple plays, but came right back around and made big plays ourselves. I feel like we were pretty motivated and kind of dominated tonight.”

“I think so, I think yeah, I mean they pretty much dominated all night, so it was definitely, I think, their best performance this spring, and I mean they look pretty good,” said Ponder of his teammates on the defensive side.

Unlike springs in the past, Saturday night’s Garnet & Gold game does not signal the end of practice. The Noles are scheduled to practice three more times next week.

Note: Ponder was not the QB that we have all heard has improved so much. He did not look sharp. Fumbles and center snaps were awful.

Spring Game Scoring System

2009-04-04T12:13:00.002-04:00

Here is the spring game scoring system:

OFFENSE
+6 - Touchdown
+3 - Field Goal
+1 - Extra Point
+1 - Every first down
+2 - 4th down conversion

DEFENSE
+6 - Score
+2 - Safety
+3 - Blocked field goal
+1 - Blocked extra point
+1 - Every 3rd down stop
+2 - 4th down stop
+3 - Turnover
(fumble or interception)
+1 - Negative yardage play
(sack or tackle for loss)

*NOTE - There will be no scores kept during the second half.

Noles Hold Light Practice

2009-04-03T21:54:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

With the annual spring game just 24 hours away, the Seminole coaches decided to have a light practice on Friday. The team practiced for 20 periods in shorts and helmets as they worked mainly on situations. This year's Garnet and Gold Game will not signal the end of spring practice as the squad will have three more chances to work out next week.

Practice ended up in tight zone where the offense did not get into the endzone on six tries. The most success the offense had was on the first play from the ten where Ponder hit Fortson for nine to the one. There was an incompletion from the eight and then Mangum broke up a pass in the endzone from the six. The second team defense closed the drill on a high note. Maurice Harris sacked Ponder on the first play then Mincey had back-to-back sacks from the eight and the six.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
"Today we went 20 segments - that's shorter than we normally go and we went with jut the helmets and we tried to do a lot of polishing for tomorrow. We kind of walked through our kicking game and then just, again what we did was real good; we got a lot more out of it that I thought we would. That leaves us with three day s of practice next week - we'll go Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Today was again just polishing for the scrimmage.

"The quarterback did a good job today. Making some darn good decisions and making some goods throws. There were some good catches out there. The secondary is beginning to get a little bit better and that is very important because they have struggled this spring."

Spring Game Set For Saturday

2009-04-03T15:40:00.001-04:00

Fans who are going to the spring game tomorrow will be happy to know that parking in the stadium lots will be free. Also, there will be non-stop entertainment scheduled for Seminole Village beginning at 2:00 p.m. The spring game will kickoff at 7:00 p.m. and a fireworks show over the stadium will begin around 9:15.

For those of you unable to get to the game, I will be posting tweets on my Twitter page so follow me or catch the latest updates on the blog page.

FSU Releases Football Dates

2009-04-02T12:26:00.001-04:00

FSU has released the dates for Homecoming and Parent’s Weekend. Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 31 versus North Carolina State and Parent’s Weekend will take place Oct.10 versus Georgia Tech.

FSU also announced Armed Service Appreciation will take place on Sept. 26 when the Seminoles host USF.

Noles Get In Practice Despite Rain

2009-04-01T19:34:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Wednesday's football practice looked like it had little chance of happening earlier in the day but at the last minute the weather cleared up briefly enough to allow the FSU football team to get in a practice and a half scrimmage. The rain did fall a little during the practice but the big story was the continued big plays turned in by the Seminole offense and Brandon Jenkins continuing to be a big bright spot for Mickey Andrews' defense.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
"It wasn't until about 3:00 whether or not we were going to be able to practice. We had heard that there might be a break in that weather. It rained this morning, we did not think we could be able to get it in but we did get it in. We'll not practice tomorrow. I thought the defense did better. Offense was sloppy. Had quite a few fumbles and drop balls. More, I think, then usual. Other then that I think we're probably still making some progress."

" Christian’s doing a great job right now...."

2009-04-01T14:13:00.001-04:00

"Christian’s doing a great job right now – is seeing the blitz. Getting his [reads], getting his sight adjustments out. I mean, when they’re coming, he’s knowing it … he’s doing a great job of that."
Jimbo Fisher regarding Christian Ponder's progress during spring practice as quoted in Orlando-Sentinel

Noles Hold Monday Scrimmage

2009-03-30T19:14:00.002-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

There was no rest for the Seminole football team as far as scrimmages are concerned. After a long scrimmage on Saturday, the players were back out in full pads on Monday. The team spent 12 periods on the practice fields and then another 12 inside Doak Campbell Stadium as the team participated in a half scrimmage. Most of the scrimmage was spent working on situational play.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
“I’ve never seen as many long runs in my life. I’m talking 60 yards, 70 yards. In the end the defense kind of tightened it up a bit. Anyway, it was a pretty good practice. I think we got by without any serious injuries”

On the offensive line play leading to big plays:
“That’s the starting place. If you can’t do it there, usually you can’t do it anywhere. They have been doing a pretty good job.”

QB Christian Ponder:
On today’s scrimmage:
“We had a lot of great plays today and I feel like all spring that’s how it should have been. We came out and didn’t make a lot of mistakes early. We learned a lot from the last scrimmage. We just have to maintain it. Towards the end we got kind of sloppy.”

On the blocking of the offensive line:“They are doing a tremendous job. Since the first day of spring ball I have had a ton of time. I’m sitting back there and I feel relaxed because of the time I have. They are doing an amazing job.”

" I don't think that should have anything to do with Bobby's record."

2009-03-29T20:34:00.002-04:00

"I don't think that should have anything to do with Bobby's record. I don't think Bobby had much to do with what happened."
Joe Paterno regarding the NCAA decision to vacate FSU wins

Noles Hold Saturday Scrimmage

2009-03-28T15:10:00.002-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Friday the threat of serious weather caused the Seminole coaches to cancel practice. On Saturday the threat of bad weather was even worse and the coaching staff adjusted again moving practice up three times. The move paid off, despite dark skies and high winds, there was no rain or lightning and the team was able to get in a two-hour scrimmage Saturday morning.

The biggest storyline of the day was the defense’s intensity right from the start. The first team offense went three-and-out twice on its first possession. It started with Ochuko Jenije laying a big hit on a screen pass. Patrick Robinson broke up a pass intended for Avis Commack and then Kendall Smith held up Jermaine Thomas in the backfield on third down.

Jarmon Fortson picked up a few yards on a pass from Christian Ponder but Nigel Carr helped stall the drive with a sack. The final play was a nice run by Ty Jones who leapt over a would-be tackler but did not pick up enough for a first.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
“The offense made first downs but they didn’t make that many touchdowns. Carlton Jones broke one about 40 something yards then Louis Givens got one on a reverse – and when they got down on the goal line (Daniel Gard) caught a touchdown pass. But the offense – we are making first downs, not bad, but they couldn’t sustain a drive for a touchdown. The defense has a lot to do with that.

“In the second half of the scrimmage I thought the offense moved the ball better. They were hindered by bad snaps, they were hindered by a fumble, and they were hindered by penalties. I thought our pass rush was better; we got a little bit better of a pass rush. They had more sacks then they did last week.”

Twittering

2009-03-27T13:55:00.001-04:00

For those of you who are on Twitter, I added a companion page on Twitter to the blog. Will post snippets and bits of information that I won't necessarily post on blog.

New Poll:Do you think FSU is correct in appealing vacating of wins?

2009-03-26T12:48:00.004-04:00

There is a new poll question: Do you think FSU is correct in appealing vacating of wins?

Poll Results: How do you feel about Bobby Bowden's expected new one year agreement with FSU?

2009-03-26T12:46:00.001-04:00

Results of the poll question: How do you feel about Bobby Bowden's expected new one year agreement with FSU? were:

51.7%- Agree with it and he should stay as long as he wants

24.9%- Agree with it but this should be his last

23.4%- Disagree- Bobby should have retired this year

Noles Hold Second Scrimmage Of Spring

2009-03-25T22:22:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

After 11 periods, the team moved to Doak for the second scrimmage of the spring.

On Monday the Seminole coaching staff felt the running backs were too banged up to hold a full pad scrimmage. That wasn't the case on Wednesday. After starting the day with 11 periods on the practice fields, the squad moved into Doak Campbell Stadium for the second full scrimmage of the spring. The hour-long scrimmage was highlighted by big plays on both sides of the ball.

"... Wetherell is throwing money at lawyers to preserve football victories."

2009-03-25T14:32:00.002-04:00

"As Florida State's faculty frets over looming budget cuts that could push 200 staffers out the door, Wetherell is throwing money at lawyers to preserve football victories."
Selena Roberts,Sports Illustrated columnist, commenting on FSU's appeal of NCAA decision to vacate football wins

Noles Begin Week With 22 Period Practice

2009-03-23T22:10:00.004-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Following five days of practice last week including the first full pad scrimmage, the Seminole football team had Sunday off. Following a day of rest, the squad was back out on the field Monday practicing 22 periods in shells. This week FSU will practice four times with off days coming on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
“We previously had planned on going out in full pads today, but our running backs are kind of beat up so we decided to come out in shells.”

On who stood out in the first week and at the scrimmage:
“Some guys that caught our attention last week. Bert Reed has made some real good strides. Shows a lot of potential out there if he will just keep up the work. Avis Commack also, a freshman, is coming along pretty good. Looks like he will be able to help us there. Pat Robison is playing big league at corner. He is playing big league cornerback for us. (Ochuko) Jenije has made a lot of improvement as well. Marcus Sims…I told Marcus a while ago he ran as good Saturday as any back I have seen out here in a long time. He must had more broken tackles than…I know he had more broken tackles than anyone on Saturday but that was some really great running by him. Ty Jones ran well. Kendrick Stewart has played well inside. Everett Dawkins looked better rushing the passer. Now if he can get his play against the run better that will really help him but his pass rushing was pretty good. (Kendall) Smith to me kinda stands out among all the linebackers. Playing pretty good.

On the scrimmage:
“It was a pretty good scrimmage. We are not going backwards. We are going forwards and again it is just a matter of how quick they can learn everything and just coordinate.

NCAA Looks The Other Way

2009-03-23T14:38:00.002-04:00

Let me make this clear. I am no big fan of the small minded folks who govern the NCAA. Remember their politically correct position to ban the Seminole nickname? These guys in my opinion are hypocrites and look the other way when certain schools may be involved in an impropriety. Take for example USC.

Does anyone recall Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush who was alleged to have been paid for over two years by prospective agent Lloyd Lake. He was supposedly paid $300,000 in cash, cars and other gifts for the benefit of him and his family! In fact the sports agent met with the NCAA 17 months ago.

In addition, a book was published called "Tarnished Heisman," detailing all of the cash, gifts and NCAA rules broken. As with FSU, there is no proof that the USC coaches were involved or knew anything about it. However, if these moral dimwits would apply the FSU standard toward USC, then at the very least, they would have to "vacate" the 2004 national championship.

Can you say double standard?

" The man just gets too full of himself. "

2009-03-22T20:25:00.001-04:00

"The man just gets too full of himself. If FSU wants to win this appeal, talkative T.K. had better put a lid on his mouth."
Gene Frenette, Florida Times-Union columnist, regarding T.K. Wetherell and his outbursts against the NCAA

Noles Hold First Scrimmage Of Spring

2009-03-21T22:29:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Saturday’s full pad scrimmage couldn’t have come any sooner for the Seminole football team. After busting at the seams to hit someone on Friday, the squad finally got to go full contact on Saturday as the first full scrimmage of the spring took place inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

The FSU football team went through a two-hour scripted scrimmage and will now take Sunday off bringing the first week of spring practice to a close.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:“I thought it was a good first scrimmage. They did better than I really thought they would for the first scrimmage. Defense did better than I thought they would do today. I thought we got some good things done.”

On the play of Ponder:

“I think we are getting some pretty good catches out there. I thought Ponder threw good today. He made some very nice throws. If you can protect him, he can do it. I thought the protection was pretty good, you know.”

Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher
On the offense:
“Not bad. I loved the intensity. I loved the aggressiveness. Of course we made some mistakes here and there. For the most part I liked what we were doing. Like I say, a few plays you wish you had back, you try to make but that is kind of where you expect to be right now. Get the kinks out but I love the intensity. I love the effort. I like the direction we are going, thought I saw some good things out there.”

On Ponder’s performance:
“Really nice. Stepped up two or three times and made some good throws. Only ran when he really had to run. I thought his pocket presence, so far in the spring…and I think that is a tribute to two things. I think our offensive line is doing a pretty good job and our backs.”

Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews
On the defense:
“We gave up too many long runs, too many long passes. We had 50 missed assignments. We got folks who won’t fight for the ball. We won’t finish plays. There wasn’t much out there that looked like defense.”

“There wasn’t much that resembled football. Looked like we still had shorts on. You don’t play football with shorts on. We could go out here and make excuses. It is the first time we tackled but we are not going to make excuses. We are going to get better.”

" Why wouldn't FSU eagerly accept vacating a few wins ....?"

2009-03-21T14:34:00.001-04:00

"Why wouldn't FSU eagerly accept vacating a few wins instead of compromising the ability of future teams to perform at their highest potential?"
Tim Stephens, Orlando Sentinel, pointing out that NCAA could impose harsher penalties such as scholarship reductions if FSU were to prevail on vacating wins

Noles Get In 25 Periods On Friday

2009-03-20T21:27:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

Thursday was a day off for the Seminole football team but the squad was back at work on Friday. The team practiced for 25 periods in shoulder pads this afternoon. The Seminoles will put on full pads Saturday for the first scrimmage of the spring.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
"We have a scrimmage tomorrow. First full scrimmage. I am anxious to see how they do. The intensity is pretty good. The kids are going after each other pretty good. Everybody is not sure what they are doing. Some are and some are not. That will come with time."

On if the offense is ahead of the defense
"They should be. They should be because they got so many more guys coming back and I think that is true."

"... they're killing a flea with a hammer."

2009-03-19T14:58:00.002-04:00

"It just seems like they're killing a flea with a hammer."
Bobby Bowden regarding the NCAA penalties that will vacate wins as quoted on ESPN

Noles Don Shoulder Pads For Practice

2009-03-18T22:24:00.003-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

For the first time this spring the pads came out for a Seminole football practice. The team was still in shorts on Wednesday but the shoulder pads were on as the Seminoles practiced for the third straight day. Thursday will be the first off day for the team since spring practice began on Monday.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Statement on the NCAA sanctions:
“My reaction to the NCAA sanctions is that it was too stiff and I think that (FSU President) Dr. Wetherell is right in making that appeal. The thing about it to me, this thing ain’t about me. That is really all I hear from commentators is ‘Bobby Bowden this’ and ‘Bobby Bowden’. It is about all of our coaches and our teams, you know. I think everybody is putting everything on my wins, which is just part of it. The big thing, the whole crux of it to me men does the punishment fit the crime? Does the punishment fit the crime? I think that’s the thing, that’s the thing we gotta find the answer to right there.”

Note: You are wrong Bobby. This appeal is all about you. Your enabler T.K. Wetherell and yourself may get FSU stiffer penalties if FSU is able to win the appeal on vacating wins.

On Wednesday’s practice:“Practice today, pretty good practice. We put the pads on. Not full pads but we had our shoulder pads and hats on. The boys handled it pretty good. It was a little bit hotter today and I guess it will get a little bit hotter this spring. Boy that throws it into a different intensity once that heat comes out.”

"... I am deeply embarrassed and very sorry...."

2009-03-18T19:32:00.003-04:00

"On a personal and professional level,I am deeply embarrassed and very sorry for a remark in which I inadvertently described Samford Uuniversity in an unflattering manner."
FSU president T.K. Wetherell's letter to Samford University president Dr. Andrew Westmoreland regarding his comments at Tuesday's press conference

" Now, we understand all the rest of it."

2009-03-18T16:30:00.002-04:00

" Now, we understand all the rest of it. We’ve heard Bianchi (Orlando Sentinel sports columnist) over there saying, well hell, 31 wins don’t count anyway because they were at some dipshit school..."
FSU president T.K. Wetherell at press conference on Tuesday going "nuts" regarding the wins by Bobby Bowden

Note: Wetherell was upset that someone had questioned the 31 wins by Bobby Bowden when he coached at Samford college. Hardly the kind of language you want to hear from a university president at a public gathering.

"... Bobby Bowden's win total matters more than anything."

2009-03-18T14:54:00.001-04:00

"For FSU President T.K. Wetherell to argue otherwise sends a message that Bobby Bowden's win total matters more than anything."
Joe Henderson of Tampa Tribune regarding T.K. Wetherell's appeal to NCAA to vacate wins

Noles Hold Early Morning Practice

2009-03-17T15:22:00.000-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

As will be the case throughout the spring, the Florida State football team held an early morning Tuesday practice. The squad hit the Doak Campbell Stadium turf at 7:20 a.m. and spent 28 periods in shorts. After two days getting acclimated, the pads will come out tomorrow as the team is expected to practice in shells on Wednesday.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
Opening statement:
“We had to go in the a.m. because the class schedule is pretty well full this afternoon. Tomorrow we will go at the regular time. Again we are making progress. I saw a little bit, I thought we executed a little bit better today than we did yesterday. I see some good things happening but again you are looking at potential. You are looking at potential. Potential means you haven’t done it yet but at least it is potential. It would be a shame to look out there and not see any potential.”

On how they will handle the injury to Manuel:
“He (Christian Ponder) is getting most of (the reps) but some of those others kids aren’t doing bad. Thank goodness cause (Ponder) can’t throw all day long. He’ll get a sore arm. Some of those other kids will be able to help us in our drills and things.”

" It isn’t just for Bobby Bowden’s wins."

2009-03-17T14:05:00.002-04:00

“It isn’t just for Bobby Bowden’s wins. You need to understand that. It’s about a bigger issue."
FSU president T.K. Wetherell at press conference announcing FSU's appeal of NCAA decision to vacate wins

Manuel Out For Spring Practice

2009-03-17T13:37:00.005-04:00

Christian Ponder need not worry about any competition this spring. Florida State backup quarterback E.J. Manuel will miss the rest of the spring with a compound dislocation of his right index finger according to ESPN who quotes a school spokesman. Manuel apparently injured his finger on Monday that required surgery and four stitches.

" The Bobby Bowden Appeal " Underway

2009-03-17T13:15:00.002-04:00

In what could be characterized as the Bobby Bowden appeal, FSU president T.K. Wetherell earlier today formally announced that FSU will appeal the NCAA ruling that vacates wins by FSU and most notably the 14 wins by FSU football.

Given the past history of appeals to the NCAA, FSU has probably a slim to none chance of winning. Some may question the use of scarce university resources in pursuing this in light of cuts at the university level. FSU has hired a law firm who employs a former administrative law judge to handle the case.

Noles Begin Spring Practice

2009-03-17T09:16:00.001-04:00

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

For the first time since defeating Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl, the Seminole football team in its entirety was at practice Monday afternoon. Following a busy pro day, the team hit the field for 28 periods in shorts in what will be a jam-packed three weeks as the coaching staff plans to have 13 of the 15 allowed practices in the time between now and the Garnet & Gold Game on April 4.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden
On the first practice:
"It was a good first day's practice. You could really tell the difference three years ago when we came in and put this offense in how the kids struggled with it that first spring. Then last spring when we started first day you could tell they were a lot further along. They began to grasp it better. Of course today it even looked much better. Naturally the offense is going to be way ahead because they got so many boys coming back. Especially the offensive line. We haven't had that in a long time."

Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher
On the first day:
"Not bad. I mean we had a lot of mistakes. A lot of good things. The effort was good, I mean for the most part. We had a couple young guys that got confused at the end when they get tired. For the most part the focus, the concentration, the guy's attitudes, the things they did, I was pleased in that part of it. We got a long way to go and we gotta get a lot better."

Spring Practice Schedule

2009-03-16T18:20:00.002-04:00

The following is the spring practice schedule which is subject to change:

March 16 Shorts
March 17 Shorts
March 18 Shells
March 20 Shells
March 21 Scrimmage
March 23 ½ Scrimmage
March 25 ½ Scrimmage
March 27 Shells
March 28 Scrimmage
March 30 ½ Scrimmage
April 1 ½ Scrimmage
April 3 Shorts
April 4 Spring Game
April 6 Shells
April 8 Shells

Pro Day At FSU

2009-03-16T15:43:00.003-04:00

This is not only the first day for spring practice at FSU but it is also Pro Day. While there was a brief but heavy rain storm, the scouts were out in full force to watch a number of former Seminoles work out on Monday. The Nole contingent,led by Everette Brown,ran through drills to impress NFL coaches and scouts.

Silence Is Olden

2009-03-16T14:09:00.003-04:00

In the past it has been difficult to keep Bobby Bowden from expressing his opinion on a wide range of topics. Seems that finally there is something that has stopped him cold. Has Bowden been gagged by FSU or is he simply not wanting to discuss the NCAA penalty that will take fourteen wins away from him?

He has had surrogates FSU president T.K. Wetherell and athletic director Randy Spetman comment on the vacating of wins but Bowden has not made any public comments as of now. Not a peep from Bobby while he has been hammered by many in the press.

In many ways,this latest incident is a reflection of his cavalier approach to player punishment. Bowden has always been known for his "boys will be boys" approach and let them run stadium steps as punishment for offenses that should have warranted suspensions and/or dismissal. While there is no evidence that he knew of the academic fraud, his lax attitude would certainly be known to those athletes he recruited.

Bending Over A Way Of Life For ADs

2009-03-16T13:02:00.009-04:00

Want to know what is wrong with college football? It is the absurd salaries paid to coaches and the athletic directors who bend over and take it. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has some interesting facts on the salaries of ACC and SEC coaches.

How's this one for starters? Gator head coach Urban Meyer makes $3,487,038 and yet there is a provision in his contract that provides $100,000 per year “to assist in educational expenses for his family.” You have to be kidding me.

And closer to home, when Bobby Bowden leaves Florida State, unless it is for violating his contract, he will receive a $1 million bonus. What recession?

"... we'll always remember the 14 wins Bowden lost."

2009-03-15T21:02:00.001-04:00

"We might never know the names of the football players who cheated, but unless the NCAA reconsiders, we'll always remember the 14 wins Bowden lost."
Ray McNulty, sports columnist for TCPalm,regarding NCAA action to vacate FSU football wins

"... despite his winning percentage, when it came to character many of his players were wide, wide, wide right."

2009-03-14T21:12:00.001-04:00

" FSU can prop up an embalmed Bowden on the sidelines for the next 25 years and it will still do nothing to dilute the sad fact that despite his winning percentage, when it came to character many of his players were wide, wide, wide right."
St. Pete Times correspondent Daniel Ruth regarding the FSU academic fraud case

"... it definitely has dropped off the mountaintop."

2009-03-12T21:45:00.001-04:00

"...while FSU hasn't dropped off the college football map, it definitely has dropped off the mountaintop."
ESPN senior writer Bruce Feldman regarding the state of football at FSU

" That hurt me a lot when they got on probation...."

2009-03-11T21:57:00.001-04:00

“That hurt me a lot when they got on probation because I was so high on them."
Gainesville,Georgia QB Blake Sims who has been offered a scholarship by FSU as quoted in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"... I got more confused listening to them than anything else."

2009-03-10T22:42:00.002-04:00

"I listened to that press conference they had and I got more confused listening to them than anything else."
FSU President T.K. Wetherell regarding NCAA press conference last Friday announcing the penalties against FSU as quoted in Tallahassee Democrat

FSU Will Appeal NCAA Ruling To Vacate Wins

2009-03-09T15:26:00.003-04:00

As far as I know, Bobby Bowden has made no public comment regarding the NCAA report that strips him of 14 wins. We have heard from T.K. Wetherell and FSU athletic director Randy Spetman.

Spetman has announced that FSU will appeal the NCAA ruling that FSU must vacate the victories in which 61 ineligible athletes competed. The school has until March 21 to submit a letter of notice to the NCAA.

" But I believe vacating wins is just wrong."

2009-03-08T14:44:00.001-04:00

"Some of our student-athletes engaged in academic misconduct and we will suffer the consequences. But I believe vacating wins is just wrong."
FSU Athletic Director Randy Spetman regarding the NCAA report against FSU

NCAA Hammers FSU

2009-03-06T17:23:00.003-05:00

There is a lesson to be learned when dealing with a bunch of sanctimonius people at the NCAA. Don't self report because it doesn't help.

The NCAA in what took far too long delivered bad news today to FSU with their report and punishment regarding the academic fraud issue.

The Florida State football team will have to vacate an undetermined number of wins, serve four years' probation, and face a reduction in scholarships and other penalties due to what the NCAA described Friday as "major violations" from an academic cheating scandal.

A significant blow is to Bobby Bowden who was chasing the most wins with Joe Paterno. That may be a moot point now. If the sanctions stand, they will force Bowden to forfeit all wins during which ineligible students competed in 2006 and 2007.

The football team will be limited to 83 total scholarships in 2008-09; 82 in 2009-10; and 84 in 2010-11; the maximum usually allowed by the NCAA is 85. Florida State self-imposed the loss of the two scholarships for 2008-09, and will self-impose the loss of three scholarships for 2009-10. The NCAA added an additional loss of scholarship from the maximum in 2010-11.

Florida State's probation extends through March 5, 2013.

" We think he can do it."

2009-03-04T22:12:00.001-05:00

"We really feel like we've got a guy and he's got a year under his belt. We think he can do it."
Bobby Bowden regarding Christian Ponder speaking at James Madison University as quoted in The Daily News Record (Harrisonburg,Va.)