The Heat Is On As Noles Practice In Full Pads

FSU Sports Information Excerpts:

For the first time this pre-season the Seminole football team practiced in full pads with the full effect of a Florida summer beating down on them. The squad went 24 periods in full pads under scorching hot and humid conditions. This was the final practice before the first scrimmage of the 2008 pre-season Saturday evening. That scrimmage will be closed to the public.

Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews:
On today’s practice:
“We got a little something done. We continued to install our offense and defense. When you put something new in you can’t let that distract you from getting better and building on what we started. Our base defense and our base offense each day we install you just have to pick it up, but you can’t let that new thing affect what you’re doing while you’re learning the new defense or new offensive play.

Quarterback Christian Ponder
On what has to be done to continue to improve:
“I think the biggest thing was our timing on our routes. Last year we weren’t comfortable yet and it was all the small things. When we’d get to the red zone, the smallest things matter and come to the top because everything is tighter, everything is faster. That was our biggest problem when we went through the spring and going into this fall. Everyone is getting a lot more comfortable and we’re timing things up right.”

On whether the quarterbacks will be split 50/50 at Saturday’s scrimmage:
“Yeah, I think so. We haven’t talked about it yet but I’m guessing it’ll be 50/50.”