"....best QB prospect in the country."

" Let me say this: FSU fans and coaches have reason to be impressed by Manuel. .... it’s easy to see why Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher believes E.J. is the best QB prospect in the country."
Andrew Carter of the Orlando Sentinel, writing about E.J. Manuel who was part of the 2008 recruiting class

Missing QB Ryan

As Boston College gets set for spring practice beginning March 25, they will be without their outstanding QB Matt Ryan. They will not have Ryan to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat as he did last season against Virginia Tech. There will be four contenders to replace Ryan. The Eagles will also be looking for a new running back. The Eagles will miss safety Jamie Silva and DeJuan Tribble at corner. They will have outstanding help on defense with linebacker Brian Toal and defensive tackle B.J. Rajii.

FSU plays Boston College @ Tallahassee on Nov. 15

ACC Spring Ball

We in Tallahassee know that spring has arrived when we see the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. Another way is we know it is spring is when the ACC teams gear up for spring practice that will culminate in the spring game at each school.Here is a rundown of the ACC schedule:

Boston College: Spring practice starts: March 25 Spring game: April 26

Clemson: Spring practice starts: March 8 Spring game: April 12

Duke: Spring practice starts: March 19 Spring game: April 19

FSU: Spring practice starts: March 17 Spring game: April 12

Georgia Tech: Spring practice starts: March 24 Spring game: April 19

Maryland: Spring practice starts: March 25 Spring game: April 26

Miami: Spring practice starts: Feb. 26 Spring game: March 29

North Carolina: Spring practice starts: March 3 Spring game: April 5

NC State: Spring practice starts: March 18 Spring game: April 19

Virginia: Spring practice starts: March 21 Spring game: April 12

Virginia Tech: Spring practice starts: March 26 Spring game: April 19

Wake Forest: Spring practice starts: March 26 Spring game: April 19

"We think it's gone extremely well."

"We think it's gone extremely well. Our kids have really done a good job of working and doing more than they have in the past. We've really tried to put some competitions into it and make it more competitive. It's been a very positive experience."
FSU Executive head coach Chuck Amato regarding the infamous mat drills that end this Friday

" They are calling everyday."

"These coaches are taking pride in this too. They are calling everyday. I had 10 stadiums I had to run for being 30 minutes late in a class. You're in college and should be going to class and this will make me a smarter student."
FSU Freshmen receiver Bert Reed regarding FSU coaches expectations regarding grades and attendance

FSU Football Coming To A Theatre Near You

What does FSU football, Tampa, Gasparilla, and a film festival have in common? The answer is a Bobby Bowden-FSU film documentary, "The Good Fight", about the 2006 FSU football season that is being made by filmmaker George Butler. The film was previewed at the Tampa Gasparilla Film Festival this past weekend. The film is in its final stages before it is scheduled to be released by the end of the year.

Here is a YouTube preview of the film:

Noles Grab More Commitments For 2009 Class

In what is becoming a regular occurrence, the Noles secured two more verbal commitments this week for the class of 2009.

The fifth commitment for 2009 came from Madison County(Fl) tailback Chris Thompson. He is a 5-foot-8, 173 pound running back and is ranked at number 92 by one major recruiting service. Thompson has 4.4 speed in the 40 yard dash and rushed for 1,529 yards and 29 touchdowns heading into the state semifinals.

Commitment number six came from local Tallahassee native Brandon Jenkins from Florida High. He is a standout defensive end who had 15 sacks and 27 tackles this past season. He is a 6-4 defensive end who weighs in at 235 pounds.

His high school coach said that it has "...always been his dream to play in that stadium (Doak).” He has turned down scholarship offers from Kentucky, Tennessee, Miami, South Carolina, FIU, UCF and Rutgers among others.

" The facts support the truth."

"I try not to be concerned about any inaccurate portrayal.The facts support the truth. I’ve tried to handle a disappointing situation with class and dignity and have not gotten off that path and wont get off that path."
Ex-FSU Athletic Director Dave Hart in Sporting News interview regarding comments that T.K. Wetherell has made him the scape goat in the academic fraud case

" The future is great."

"We’ve got six or seven commitments for the next year and just had a great recruiting class. People are really excited about what we’re doing down there. The future is great.”
Jimbo Fisher speaking at a football banquet in South Carolina

Will Santa Arrive Before NCAA Report ?

Seminole fans wanting a quick resolution by the NCAA regarding the academic fraud case may want to consider that the resolution could be around the same time that the rotund fella comes down the chimney.

New FSU Athletic Director Randy Spetman speaking for the first time before the FSU athletic board on Wednesday indicated that FSU's athletics department is not expected to appear before the NCAA's Infractions Committee until later this fall. According to Spetman, "It could be October or November or even January." Spetman told the board that the NCAA Infractions Committee is booked until the fall.

"...tutors were actually needed in such an easy class."

" You want to know what the real scandal is at Florida State? It's not tutors who gave athletes the answers to an exam in an online music course. No, the scandal is that tutors were actually needed in such an easy class. "
Mike Bianchi, sports columnist for Orlando Sun-Sentinel, regarding FSU academic fraud case

If They Call, Don't Answer... Stroud Gets New Position

* Remember "lowly" Appalachian State? Last year they defeated Michigan at Michigan which helped to speed up Lloyd Carr's retirement. Seems that they called FSU in regard to playing them in 2008. According to FSU officials, they did receive a phone call but the the possible dates didn't matchup up in regard to the 2008 FSU schedule.

* New FSU athletic director Randy Spetman has promoted Todd Stroud to director of strength and conditioning for the entire athletics program. Stroud, who replaces Jon Jost in that role, has been in charge of strength and conditioning for the football program since June.

Breaking Down The Numbers: Total Defense

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

Stat: Total Defense- FSU defense allowed 362 yards a game in 2007 or 5.1 yards per play.

ACC Ranking: 2006- #5 2007- #10

National Ranking: 2006- #18 2007- #42

It was clear in 2007 that Mickey Andrews did not have the kind of defense that he has come to be known for during the dynasty years. A less than adequate secondary and key losses on defense contributed to the decline in the defensive stats in 2007. In 2008 Andrews will be looking to replace Geno Hayes who left early for the NFL this year and bolster a secondary that had glaring weaknesses in 2007.

" The recent record doesn't offer much hope. "

" The NCAA is expected to take several months to decide whether to accept FSU's self-punishment. A lot of the decision will come down to whether the NCAA believes that Bobby Bowden still can instill self-discipline in his players. The recent record doesn't offer much hope. "
Palm Beach Post editorial

" I think it is a great change of atmosphere for those kids...."

"You know what, the kids in Miami like Tallahassee. I think it is a great change of atmosphere for those kids to get out of the inner city of Miami and come to a great college town like Tallahassee."
New FSU tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator James Coley regarding the prospects of recruiting in South Florida

" I think the biggest thing is knowing what Jimbo wants. "

"I think the biggest thing is knowing what Jimbo wants. I think that is a big advantage that I have, that I have been with him. I know what he wants in certain schemes and in certain situations."
Comments of new tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator James Coley who was officially named by FSU on Thursday

" Bookem Dano " Becoming Popular Slogan

"Bookem Dano" was the trademark slogan of a long running and popular television series,Hawaii Five-0, that ran from 1968-1980, It chronicled the lives of Hawaii detectives and its police chief played by Jack Lord.

The famous phrase by Lord after they got the bad guy was, "Bookem Dano." Fast forward to today and that could be the trademark slogan on many campuses for college football players.

Cases in point:

* University of Louisville cornerback Rod Council was dismissed from the football team on Wednesday after he was arrested in connection with an armed robbery in his native North Carolina.

* University of Alabama football player Jeremy Elder was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree robbery according to The Tuscaloosa News. Elder, 19, was still being held at the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $120,000 bail. He was arrested by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Department, with a University of Alabama Police Department investigator.

* Former Texas running back Ramonce Taylor, who scored 15 touchdowns in the Longhorns' 2005 national championship season, is serving five months in jail for violating probation.

* South Carolina receiver Dion Lecorn was recently arrested at an apartment complex and charged with marijuana possession. The 19-year-old freshman was released on his own recognizance after spending the night in jail.

* Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto was sentenced to a year probation after pleading guilty this month to a reduced charge for his role in an off-campus fight. Scirrotto must serve 25 days of community service and pay a $500 fine after his plea to a misdemeanor count of defiant trespass, defense attorney Ron McGlaughlin said.

* Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer dismissed defensive back Antonio Wardlow and reserve linebacker Dorian Davis for violations of team rules. It was not immediately known why Wardlow was dismissed. He was one of three Vols arrested after a fight outside a Knoxville nightclub in November 2006. Davis, a sophomore who played in 16 games at Tennessee according to Iowa City police got into a verbal altercation with the friend of an acquaintance and then pushed him and struck him. Davis was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct but released without going to jail.

Four !

C.J. Mizell, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior linebacker at Tallahassee Leon High School, has become the fourth player to commit to the Seminoles for the Class of 2009.Mizell did not play as a junior after transferring from Coffee County High in Douglas, Ga.

He is described as a " big linebacker with excellent speed. "

Breaking Down The Numbers: Rushing Offense

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

Stat: Rushing Offense- FSU averaged 127.46 yards per game in 2007.

ACC Ranking: 2006- #12 2007- #8

National Ranking: 2006- #103 2007- #91

Before the 2007 season began, Bobby Bowden predicted that Antone Smith would rush for over a thousand yards. That did not happen. Smith in 2007 rushed for 819 yards or a little over 68 yards per game.

This can be attributed to inexperience on the offensive line and some injuries but quite frankly it is that Smith is not the back that most Seminole fans thought would emerge in 2007. The one bright spot in the backfield was Preston Parker who seemed to be able to find holes that Smith could not.FSU did improve in rushing offense standings from 2006 but the running game was still not a significant factor for the Noles in 2007.

The Noles made a statement when they recruited several backs for 2008. It will be interesting to see how Smith will figure into the mix in 2008.

" ... it was the system (that failed). "

"Number one, it was the system (that failed). Online courses are the biggest prospective fraud things I can think of. But it's something we caught. Our administration found it and self-reported it. We tried to take measures the NCAA would take."
Bobby Bowden regarding the academic fraud case and quoted in The Town Talk, an Alexandria-Pineville, Louisiana newspaper

"This year reminded me of an Easter egg hunt."

"This year reminded me of an Easter egg hunt. Usually we go into an Easter egg hunt and our basket is half-full. This year, you're going in with a basket full and where are you going to put them when you get them?"
FSU coach Bobby Bowden on the atmosphere on National Signing Day

" It's a serious matter that may also include additional sanctions from the NCAA.... "

"It's a serious matter that may also include additional sanctions from the NCAA, which should not let up on its investigation."
Orlando-Sentinel editorial regarding FSU academic fraud case

New Poll: Will NCAA Impose Additional Sanctions?

There is a new poll question: "Now that FSU has sanctioned itself, what do you think the NCAA will do?"

Poll Results: Should Doak Have A Dome?

Results of the poll: "What do you think about the idea of putting a dome or roof over Doak Campbell Stadium?"

Are you kidding me- bad idea- 75.8%

Full speed ahead- Good idea- 24.2%

FSU Finds Replacement For Lilly

The Miami Herald reports that Florida International offensive coordinator James Coley has accepted the tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator position at Florida State. Coley served as the Golden Panthers offensive coordinator in 2007 after being hired from the Miami Dolphins, where he was an offensive assistant.

Coley replaces John Lilly who left FSU last month for the University of Georgia. Though no official announcement has been made, several sources are reporting that he will be hired at the position.

There is a Jimbo Fisher connection in that Coley coached with Fisher at LSU. FIU head coach Mario Cristobal stated that "Florida State has gotten themselves a fine coach and a great person."

The "Buck" Stops Here

Former FSU and NFL football great Terrell Buckley has officially joined the athletic department. Buckley was a graduate assistant with the Seminoles during the past season. Buckley has been hired as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Buckley owned most of FSU's interception records following his terrific three-year career from 1989-91. Buckley earned consensus All-America honors as a junior after setting a Seminole record with 12 interceptions in 1991. At FSU, Buckley was the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award in 1991.

Buckley played 15 seasons in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, New York Giants and New England Patriots. He scored eight touchdowns, seven defensive, and one a return, including six of them being interception returns.

Buckley was named to the FSU Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

"... they slashed themselves on the wrist."

"They didn't just slap themselves on the wrist; they slashed themselves on the wrist. They took the hammer of justice and hit themselves squarely between the eyes with it."
Orlando-Sentinel sports columnist Mike Bianchi regarding FSU's self-imposed sanctions

FSU Hammers Itself

You always expect the NCAA to hammer a school when there is blood in the water. FSU today took the unusual step and jumped in the water with the sharks voluntarily.

Today FSU announced that due to the academic fraud scandal, it has placed itself on two years probation and will reduce the number of scholarships in several sports. In addition, FSU announced four other actions:

* The firing of the learning specialist and tutor at the center of the scandal. ( That has already happened )

* The requirement of all athletics department administrative and non-administrative staff to attend a four-hour training program instructed by an outside consultant on "decision-making in the NCAA compliance environment.

* Personnel changes at five senior level positions within the athletic department and within the university's Athletic Academic Support Services (AASS) department.

* Review and enhancement of the working relationship between learning specialist positions within the AASS and the university-wide Student Disability Resource Center.

The NCAA will now have their shot and could go even further.

Noles Grab Third Commitment For Class Of 2009

Local star junior JaJuan Harley of Rickards High today became the third commitment for the 2009 class. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety is ranked as the No. 32 prospect in the nation by one recruiting service.

Tech May Get Cardinal ... One Less Heel... Deacons Get Russ

* Anthony Allen, who led Louisville in rushing last season, might transfer to Georgia Tech, his father said Monday. "We're going to wait until May and then make a decision," Amos Allen said, adding that Tech is one of at least four schools they are considering. N.C. State is another.

* Chuck Pagano has resigned as North Carolina's defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach to become an assistant coach with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, the school announced. Pagano coached six years in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns (2001-04) and Oakland Raiders (2005-06) before joining the Tar Heels last season.

* Steve Russ, a former linebacker with the Denver Broncos and defensive coordinator at Syracuse, has been hired as an assistant coach at Wake Forest.

Head coach Jim Grobe made the announcement that Russ would fill one of the two vacancies that opened when Dean Hood left to become head coach at Eastern Kentucky and Jeff Mullen left to become offensive coordinator at West Virginia.