Vote Dunn...Bowl Eligibility In Question

* Home Depot and the NFL are naming their Neighborhood MVP of the Year, and former Seminole great and Atlanta Falcon Warrick Dunn is in the running. FSU fans and alumni can help him win the title by voting through Warrick Dunn Foundation's home page. The award recognizes NFL players who are making a positive impact in their communities through charitable programs and contributions. It also directs attention to their alma maters.The winner will be determined by a combination of online fan support and a panel of judges. The program will reward winners with a football field refurbishment or a playground built in their honor and a donation to the charity of their choice.

Voting is not limited and will remain open through the end of the year, so friends and fans can vote as often as possible. Please forward this link in an effort to help Warrick Dunn win and help his Foundation continue its work to support single-parent families.

* Florida State President T.K. Wetherell now says that the bowl eligibility of some FSU football players could be affected by the academic misconduct case that has already involved 23 student-athletes. The issue which is currently being investigated by the NCAA is whether student-athletes received help from a tutor employed by the university. And what cannot be seen as good news, NCAA enforcement members were on the FSU campus this week.

"They look too much like Florida."

"They look too much like Florida. They got that mobile quarterback that I've been talking about so much and score a lot of points. They look like they are capable of beating anyone."
Bobby Bowden commenting on Music City Bowl opponent Kentucky

Burning Question: When Is It Time?

Florida Times-Union sports columnist Gene Frenette wrote a column on Monday titled Time Is Right For Bowden's Last Season. In the column he makes the case for next year being Bobby Bowden's last year. The burning question is when is the time for Bobby Bowden to retire? Of course FSU fans, alumni, and boosters are divided in regard to the question. I asked a few followup questions of Gene and he was kind enough to answer them for our FSU It's Time blog.

1. Your column accurately depicted the divide among fans regarding Bobby Bowden and when he will leave. I have read a lot of posts on message boards and elsewhere from Bobby Bowden supporters that say they do not care how many games he loses as long as he continues as head coach. Do you have any insight in regard to that point of view?

My only thought if that's indeed true is that fans who have that point of view feel so indebted to Bowden that they feel he deserves carte blanche to coach as long as he wants. At 78-years-old in this type of job, that's simply not logical. Being a head football coach at a major school is a massive job with a lot of pressure. There's a reason why you don't see anybody in their 70s doing this kind of work. It's simply too much to ask of anyone in Bowden's age bracket.

2. You mentioned in your column the obvious competition for most wins among Bowden and Joe Paterno. At one time, Bobby Bowden said that wasn't an issue but he has all but admitted that it is now a goal of his. Should we as fans or the university support a personal goal such as this at the expense of the overall program?

Of course not. There's no real difference to a school having the No. 1 coach in all-time wins versus the No. 2 coach in all-time wins. It's not going to make donations to the school go up or cause football recruits to choose one over the other. It's simply a number of distinction on a coach's resume. Nothing more, nothing less. The overall good of the program is to have the best possible coach in place so that program can reach its full potential. With a 12-12 ACC record the last three years and losing to Florida four consecutive seasons, that's not happening with the Seminoles right now.

3. I have also heard it said that we as FSU alumni and fans "owe" Bobby Bowden and therefore he should be able to stay as long as he wants. Do you agree with that statement and why or why not.

I've already addressed this to some degree. I would say that mentality might be applicable 10 years ago when Bowden was only 68 and still pulling off top-five rankings every season, but not after seven years of either mediocrity or just OK results. Even the most successful CEOs, after a period of decline that was preceded by phenomenal success, don't get a free pass forever. And it's not like Bowden is in his mid-50s. Every great leader has an expiration date on effectiveness and it's not always easy to determine exactly when that point is with everybody. But at Bowden's age, I think it's more than fair to say that he past his prime a long time ago.

4. It is now being reported that FSU will designate Fisher as the successor in waiting. How tenable of a situation do you see this?

If this is true, and my understanding is it hasn't been confirmed, then it's a terrible position for FSU to put itself in. What has Jimbo Fisher done to merit having any assurance of being Bowden's successor? The team went 7-5 in his first season as offensive coordinator, which is very Jeff Bowden-ish. I'm not saying Fisher isn't a good coordinator, but jobs as prestigious as head coach at FSU should be earned on merit. Fisher's credentials right now don't even suggest to me that he should be a serious candidate. Now if the FSU offense comes to life next season and they win 10 games, then you can start talking about Fisher being in the loop to succeed Bowden.

5. USAToday just came out with its annual survey of college football salaries. The average salary is now over $1 million a year. I have been very critical of this escalation in salaries. What is your opinion regarding this ?

We still live in a capitalistic system. If that's what the market bears for a Division I head football coach, then I don't have a problem with it. It doesn't mean that a football coach's job is more important than the dean or other administrators, it just means that there's a lot more money riding on the success or failure of that coach. When you get 60,000 people paying to listen to academic lectures, then those professors can start earning those six and seven-figure salaries.

Will Fisher Be Designated Successor?

The continuing saga of Bobby Bowden's contract continues. A press conference has now been scheduled for next Monday at 11:30 a.m. regarding the contract details and coaching situation.

According to The Orlando Sentinel, a source has told the paper that "there’s an agreement in principle" to designate Jimbo Fisher as Bowden's successor. The source also told the paper that deal could also fall through. In addition, ESPN is reporting that FSU will announce that Fisher has agreed to a three-year deal that will pay him just under $1 million per year and will be named the coach after that time.

There is speculation that Bobby Bowden does not want anyone designated as a successor and is not ready to give up the coaching reins anytime soon.

Bowden last week agreed to a 1-year contract extension that will pay him $2.5 million per season and includes a payment of $1 million bonus upon his retirement. FSU officials have told the Sentinel Bowden can remain FSU's coach for as long as he wishes.

New Poll: Offensive MVP

There is a new poll question: "Who gets your vote for most valuable player on offense for the Noles in 2007?"

Poll Results: Bobby Bowden Salary Increase

Results of the poll question: "Bobby Bowden will have his salary increased from $1.7 million to $2.5 million with his new contract. How do you feel about the increase?"

It is too much- 60.7%

It is correct amount- 30.4%

It is too little- 8.9%

"There comes a point in every coach's life when it's time to say goodbye."

"There comes a point in every coach's life when it's time to say goodbye. Bowden's departure would be a lot smoother for all garnet and gold factions if he made next season his last, giving everyone a chance to honor him."
Columnist Gene Frenette, Florida Times-Union

Wildcats Make All SEC Team And Brooks Finalist

* Five Wildcats – tight end Jacob Tamme, linebacker Wesley Woodyard, quarterback André Woodson, defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, and offensive tackle Garry Williams – were named to the All-Southeastern Conference squad selected by league coaches. Tamme (Danville, Ky.) and Woodyard (LaGrange, Ga.) are first-team selections, with Woodyard being one of only five unanimous choices on this year’s team. Woodson (Radcliff, Ky.), Jarmon (Collierville, Tenn.), and Williams (Louisville, Ky.) are second-team picks.

* Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks has been named one of 10 finalists for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, a national honor that recognizes accomplishments on and off the field of play and is presented with the support of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. After inheriting a program on a severe NCAA probation in 2003, Brooks has steadily rebuilt the program. Kentucky has posted a 7-5 record in 2007, and along with last year’s 8-5mark, represent the first consecutive seven-win seasons for UK football in 30 years.

Players Get Bag Of Gifts From Bowl

So what do the Nole and Wildcat players get as gifts for participating in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl? Not a bad day's loot:

* XM Satellite Radio with 1-year of free service

* Fossil watch

* Armor Gear duffel equipment bag

* Adidas fleece pullover

Breaking Down The Kentucky Secondary

Kentucky's secondary in 2007 has improved from 2006 which is a good thing. The Wildcats rank #5 in SEC in interceptions with 15 for the season and have returned 1 interception for a TD on the year. In 2006 the Wildcats were #7 in the SEC in interceptions. In pass defense, Kentucky ranks #6 in the SEC and is allowing a little over 200 yards a game and 23 TDs. That is an improvement from 2006 when they allowed 269 yards a game and they were dead last in the SEC.

One analysis before the start of the 2007 season stated, "The Wildcats must improve its defense in 2007, which was ranked as one of the worst in the nation last season. The defense gave up 100 yards more per game than any other SEC team, ranking them last in the conference. Kentucky’s new defensive coordinator, Steve Brown, hopes to turn around the defense. The Wildcat’s leader in interceptions, 6'1" Junior Marcus McClinton, will also be returning." Seems as if the secondary has improved from that analysis. The total defense however has not made as large an improvement going from last in the SEC to #10 in the SEC in 2007.

As stated, the secondary in 2007 was looking forward to Junior safety Marcus McClinton to be the playmaker for the Wildcats. One thing can be said for McClinton. He is not short on ego. "They better not look at us like a homecoming game, because they'll be in for a rude awakening," McClinton said. "They aren't going to look at us as just a pushover team as they've done in the past. We have SEC-caliber players and we have the best quarterback in the SEC. They know that we're a threat and we can beat them. They should not underestimate the University of Kentucky." I don't believe that I'm talking smack," McClinton said. "I just believe that with what we have accomplished, we can talk with a little more confidence."

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, McClinton and his mouth has not done as well in 2007. McClinton has been out of the lineup since the Mississippi game on October 27 when he fractured his scapula or shoulder blade. Wildcat head coach Rich Brooks has said that Kentucky hopes to have him back for the bowl game. The junior this season has 27 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups.

The leader in interceptions this season is Sophomore corner Trevard Lindley. The 6 ft. corner has 3 interceptions and is second in tackles with 62 for the Wildcats. The Wildcats other corner Paul Warford has 2 interceptions and 36 tackles in 2007. Sophomore strong safety Ashton Cobb also has two interceptions and 40 tackles for the Wildcats. Speed in the secondary is not a problem. Says defensive coordinator Steve Brown, "Everybody in our secondary can run in the 4.4s, the linebackers run good times and the defensive linemen run good times."

Key Stats: The Wildcats rank #5 in SEC in interceptions. In pass defense, Kentucky ranks #6 in the SEC.

Recruiting Q&A: DE Everett Dawkins

Jim Baxter from SCVarsity.com who is its publisher was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding Everett Dawkins who has committed to FSU. Dawkins is from South Carolina and plays defensive end for Byrnes High School in Duncan,South Carolina. He gave his oral commit to FSU in November.

1. I have asked this question of others regarding FSU recruits. It seems that schools such as FSU now are as concerned about character as much as the athlete's skills. What can you tell me about Everett Dawkins the person?

Everett Dawkins is a beast in workouts and on the field. His work ethic is strong and he's a great kid. No troubled background, no skeletons in the closet. He's a football player first.

2. Can you rate his verbal commit to the Noles on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being a solid commit.

I think he's pretty solid on his commitment, but I'd say a 4 instead of 5 simply because he is 17 years old and hasn't signed the dotted line yet.

3. Dawkins is described as being very explosive off the ball. Would you agree and if true, what are his other major skills?

He's extremely explosive off of the ball. We have a facility in Columbia (SC) (Athletes Arena) and Byrnes (High School) sent some of their kids down for us to help prepare them for some combines last year. Dawkins was one of them. One of the tests that we do is called a Tendo score. We hook this up to the kids when they do their vertical jump and it measures the meters per second that they move and the watts of power generated by their movement. It is basically a measure of their explosiveness. Dawkins' score was VERY high - the highest we had for any of the kids that we trained last year and we had kids like Quinton Richardson (USC), Mark Barnes (USC) Gary Gray (Notre Dame), Charles White (UGA) in our place.

4. Some have questioned his size and the position he will play in college. What are your thoughts regarding those?

The knock on him is his size. Some list him at 6-3. I think he's more 6-2. I think he can play weakside end, but I'm not a college coach...the thing you have with Dawkins, however, is a player that can play anywhere you put him because of his athleticism. Because of needs at Byrnes, he's played everything from OL to DL, DE, and even some LB. Regardless of where they play him, he will be productive for you. You guys got a legitimate four star player and one of the best in our state this year - as a player and a person.

"Defensively, they are still one of the premier teams in the country.”

Excerpts From Kentucky press conference on December 2:

Kentucky Head Coach Rich Brooks

On if he has ever coached against Florida State’s Bobby Bowden

“No, I have not. We’ve known each other since 1980. In fact all of the old guys, Joe Paterno, Rich Brooks and Bobby Bowden, we went on the initial Nike trip way back when Nike started getting into football and having associations with college coaches. We’ve known one another for that period of time. To me, he (Bowden) is obviously one of the coaching icons in college football. He is currently the number-one leader in all-time wins in Division I football.”

On playing against Florida State

“Like I said, we’re playing a quality opponent that has the tradition and history that Florida State has. It’s a nationally recognized football team. They’ve had national championships, and great seasons upon great seasons. They’ve played in 26 straight bowl games. That’s a few. We’re working on our 12th bowl game in school history, and second in a row. We would like that streak to obviously continue. We’re excited to play a team with the tradition Bobby Bowden has built for that team, a team that has basically been his creation.”

On the play of Florida State

“Speed, speed, and more speed. I think if you look back 20 years ago, they were fast before anybody else was fast all over the place. They brought a new dimension, to me, speed on the defensive side of the ball. They’ve been, historically, one of the great teams for producing pro football players. They have had explosive offenses in the past. They still have great ability on the offensive side. Defensively, they are still one of the premier teams in the country.”

Breaking Down The Kentucky Kicking Game

Kentucky's kicking game is not one of the best parts of the 2007 Wildcat football team. In punting, Kentucky is #10 in the SEC in punting average at 39 yards per punt. Tim Masthay the Wildcat punter has punted 16 times within the 20 yard line and has no punts blocked. Junior Masthay handles both the punting and kickoff duties for the Wildcats.

In 2006, he averaged 39.2 yards per punt and had a fake punt vs. South Carolina and ran 17 yards for a first down. He also threw a 10-yard pass for a first down on a fake punt during the 2006 Music City Bowl. Both successful fakes eventually led to Kentucky touchdowns. The 6'2" Masthay on kickoffs is averaging 65 yards a kick with 20 kicks being touchbacks and 5 out of bounds.

In field goals, Kentucky is #10 in the SEC in field goal percentage having made 16 out of 23 field goals for a 70% completion percentage. Lones Seiber is a 5'9" Sophomore who in 2006 took over the starting placekicking duties beginning with the third game of the season. In 2006, he made 11-of-19 field goals. In PAT kicks, the Wildcats are last in the SEC having missed 4 extra point attempts for the season.

The field goal kicker is perfect on field goals within 30 yards. He has missed two between 30 and 40 yards and has missed three between 40 and 50 yards. He has missed both field goal attempts beyond the 50.His longest field goal of the year was 48 yards.

Key Stats: Kentucky is #10 in SEC in punting average.Wildcats are #10 in SEC in field goal percentage completion.

Michigan Continues Its Search

* Now that Les Miles has said that he is not a candidate as Michigan head coach, Michigan continues to look at several coaches. Those include Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe, California coach Jeff Tedford and Missouri coach Gary Pinkel.

* Another head coaching vacancy is apparently ready to happen. Karl Dorrell of UCLA is expected to be out as early as today. Possible candidates for the UCLA job are Boise State coach Chris Petersen,Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and former NFL coach Steve Mariucci.

* As was expected,Bo Pelini is the new coach at Nebraska. Pelini was the defensive coordinator at LSU for the last three years. "We need a head coach with strong defensive credentials and great leadership," interim athletic director Tom Osborne said. "We were also looking for someone who can inspire confidence and get players to play with great effort. "And, of course, we also wanted our new head coach to understand our traditions, including the importance of our walk-on program and the importance of football in this state."

"....or they'll score a million."

"We simply have got to get better, or they'll score a million."
Bobby Bowden regarding playing against Kentucky and its talented QB Andre Woodson

Cismesia Field Goal Kick Play #9 Of The Year

Top 10 Plays of the Year in Seminole Games:
#9.The Good And the Ugly: Wth Florida leading 24-9 at the end of the second quarter, Gary Cismesia kicked a 60 yard field goal with two seconds left in the first half. Those were the last points FSU would score as the Gators humiliated the Noles 45-12 for their fourth straight win over FSU.

"If you can't get excited for this game, you don't have a pulse."

"It adds a lot (to the game) because when you think about Florida State, you think about national championships. You think about the Warrick Dunns, the Peter Warricks, so many great players. The only thing you can do is be excited. If you can't get excited for this game, you don't have a pulse."
Comments by Kentucky wide receiver Keenan Burton regarding playing FSU

Kentucky Ticket Allotment Already Sold Out

The local paper in Lexington, Kentucky is reporting that Kentucky fans have already bought their allotment of tickets to the bowl game. The university's allotment of 27,000 tickets were bought by season ticket holders before the bowl bid was even announced. About 500 individual tickets were available at MusicCityBowl.com Sunday evening but they were quickly sold out. Kentucky played in the Music City Bowl last year and defeated Clemson.

McDaniel Leaving FSU

It was announced by Bobby Bowden that wide receiver Damon McDaniel will be leaving FSU. McDaniel who is from Virginia Beach, Virginia has played in 10 games during his time at FSU.

McDaniel was one of the top prep receivers in the country, regarded by recruiting services as a four-star player and No. 2 overall high school prospect in the state of Virginia. McDaniel's leaving may not be the last for the Seminoles as Xavier Lee and D'Vontrey Richardson have expressed the possibility of transferring also.

ACC Bowls And Teams Announced

The following are the ACC teams and their opponents in the 2007 ACC bowl tie-ins:

Champs Sports Bowl- Boston College versus Michigan State

Chick-fil-a Bowl- Clemson versus Auburn

Emerald Bowl- Maryland versus Oregon State

FedEx Orange- Virginia Tech versus Kansas

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl- FSU versus Kentucky

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl- Virginia versus Texas Tech

Meineke Car Care Bowl- Wake Forest versus Connecticut

Roady's Humanitarian Bowl- Georgia Tech versus Fresno State

Noles Take On Kentucky Who Airs It Out

Won/Loss Record: FSU- 7-5 Kentucky- 7-5

Bowl Record: FSU- 21-13-2 Kentucky- 6-5

Last Bowl Game: FSU- 2006 Emerald Bowl

Last Bowl Game:Kentucky- 2006 Music City Bowl

Score Of Last Bowl Game: FSU-Defeated UCLA 44-27

Score Of Last Bowl Game:Kentucky-Defeated Clemson 28-20

Points Per Game: FSU- 22.9 Kentucky- 36.7

Passing Yardage: FSU- 2,867 Kentucky- 3,385

Rushing Yardage: FSU- 1,455 Kentucky- 1,878

Penalty Yards: FSU- 768 Kentucky- 672

Fumbles Lost: FSU- 12 Kentucky- 13

Third Down Pct: FSU- 32% Kentucky- 49%

Fourth Down Pct: FSU- 47% Kentucky- 55%

Field Goals Pct: FSU 82% Kentucky- 70%

Red-Zone Scores: FSU- 82% Kentucky-85%

Red-Zone TDs: FSU- 41% Kentucky- 66%

Touchdowns Scored: FSU- 28 Kentucky- 57

Noles To Take On Kentucky

The Noles will be singing a new tune this year as they are invited to a bowl that they have never played in before. The Noles will square off against the Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl in Nashville. The Noles have played Kentucky 5 times and have a 1-3-1 record against the Wildcats. The last game they played aginst Kentucky was in 1965 when they lost 24-26. The Noles have never played Kentucky in a bowl game. The Wildcats are 3-5 in the SEC and have wins over Arkansas,Louisville and LSU. Kick-off will be Monday, December 31, 2007 at 4 p.m. EST at LP Field in Nashville. The game will be televised live on ESPN.

Mountaineers Mauled By Pitt Panthers

So what does this mean? A football team ranked #2 in the nation playing at home and favored by twenty-eight points. It means that you are The Turkey Of The Week.

Number two ranked West Virginia playing at home against a Pitt team that had a losing record choked and lost 13-9 Saturday night. The Mountaineers were a win away from playing for the national championship but saw that disappear as the Panthers beat them in the 100th Backyard Brawl.

Ohio State Takes Top Spot

1. Ohio State 11-1
2. LSU 11-2
3. Oklahoma 11-2
4. Georgia 10-2
5. Virginia Tech 11-2
6. Southern California 10-2
7. Missouri 11-2
8. Kansas 11-1
9. West Virginia 10-2
10. Hawaii 12-0
11. Arizona State 10-2
12. Florida 9-3
13. Illinois 9-3
14. Boston College 10-3
15. Wisconsin 9-3
16. Clemson 9-3
17. Texas 9-3
18. Tennessee 9-4
19. Brigham Young 10-2
20. Virginia 9-3
21. Auburn 8-4
22. Boise State 10-2
23. Cincinnati 9-3
24. Arkansas 8-4
25. South Florida 9-3

"Obviously, we would like to get more...."

"We got it adjusted to the market, we think, or close to the market... Obviously, we would like to get more but we're pretty comfortable where we landed."
Bobby Bowden's attorney, Russ Campbell

Miles Says He's Staying On Bayou

* So now the BCS and the national championship matchup has been turned upside down once again. With the loss by #1 Missouri to Oklahoma and #2 West Virginia losing to Pitt,it looks as if Ohio State will be in the BCS national championship bowl. The question is who will be their opponent? Will it be USC, LSU, or Georgia?

* Les Miles says that he is staying at LSU. He denied an ESPN report that had him going to Michigan. Of course, we do have the precedent of Nic "The Liar " Saban saying that he was not going to Bama.

* Prior to his defeat of West Virginia, Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt was given a three-year contract extension. This despite the fact he had not produced a winning record in three seasons in a program that went to bowl games five consecutive years before he arrived.

"...it's going to be up to Wetherell to get rid of him."

"Too many people, Wetherell first and foremost among them, trusted Bowden's word when he told them he'd know when it was time to get out. He didn't know. He doesn't know.And, now, it's going to be up to Wetherell to get rid of him."
Greg Stoda, Palm Beach Post staff writer

FSU-UAB Game Has Play #10 Of The Year

Top 10 Plays of The Year In Seminole Games:
#10.The Good: With FSU leading only 31-24 in the fourth and having a tough time at home against UAB, UAB fumbled on their 21 yard line and Nole safety Roger Williams recovered. FSU kicked a FG as the Noles went on to win 34-24.

Virginia Tech Takes ACC Championship

Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon threw three touchdown passes and Tech’s defense stopped Matt Ryan as the sixth-ranked Hokies beat No. 12 Boston College 30-16 in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. This was the Hokies (11-2) fifth consecutive victory and their first win in two trips to the ACC championship game. They now head to the FedEx Orange Bowl.

Georgia Tech Wasting No Time In Search

Georgia Tech is wasting no time in seeking to replace fired head coach Chan Gailey. Names that continue to show up on the radar screen are FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The Georgia Tech AD has ties to both men from his previous job as assistant athletics director at LSU where Fisher was the offensive coordinator for seven years and Muschamp ran the defense for former Tigers head coach Nick Saban. Another name that is getting buzz is that of Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall who has turend around the UConn football program.