Friday, July 27, 2007

Noles On Thorpe Watch List And Tight End Position Thin


Junior cornerback Tony Carter and sophomore rover Myron Rolle were both named as candidates to the Jim Thorpe Award pre-season watch list. as the top defensive back in the nation. Florida State tied four other schools with the most selections on the list.

Both Carter and Rolle have already been selected as members of the Bednarik Award watch list and both have been named to numerous pre-season All-ACC teams. Rolle was named the eighth-best safety in the nation by The Sporting News as well.
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Tight end will be a questionable position this year. With the transfer of Brandon Warren and the position change of Caz Piurowski, Madison County graduate Charlie Graham is the only tight end on the roster with playing experience.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

"I Made Him Learn Patience"


"When he(Bowden) recruited me he came to my house and one of the things he said was to myself and my Mom and Dad was I had to be patient if I wanted to play quarterback. One of the things now looking back, when I got the opportunity to play I made him learn patience."
Charlie Ward at College Hall Of Fame enshrinement commenting on the virtue of patience

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Charlie Enshrined And Noles Pick Up Another Commit


Heisman trophy winner and former Nole Charlie Ward will be enshrined today in the College Football Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a versatile quarterback who could beat opponents with not only his arm but his feet. Ward and Bobby Bowden are part of a group that will be enshrined at the Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana.
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The Noles received another verbal commitment for 2008 when Madison County four-star standout safety Travis Arnold committed to the Noles on Friday. Among the schools that had been recruiting him were LSU and Florida.
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Friday, July 20, 2007

"Bubba Bowl" Gets More Seats


The "Bubba Bowl" is getting larger. Due to high demand for tickets to the River City Showdown on Saturday, Sept. 29, the Gator Bowl Association will add more than 5,800 temporary seats at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. The additional tickets will be split evenly between the participating schools. These tickets will only be available through the University of Alabama and Florida State University.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Houllis Gets Surgery And New Event For Fan Day


Rover Anthony Houllis underwent surgery on Monday to clean up his left knee. The surgery was considered minor according to the FSU sports department. Houllis started the first three games last season before cartilage damage in his left knee forced him to miss the last three games. Houllis is listed as the No. 2 rover on FSU's official two-depth chart.
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Florida State Football fans will be treated to a new event this year at ABC 27's Fan Day as Seminole Superstars Strength & Skills Competition is added to the festivities. For the first time FSU football players will take part in a strength and skill exhibition open to the public.

The free exhibition will take place inside the Donald L. Tucker Center August 12th. Doors will open at 12:00 p.m. with the weight lifting and skills competitions set to begin at 1:00 p.m. Fans will be invited to watch Florida State football players compete in the bench press, power clean and vertical jump. There will also be a skills competition featuring the FSU quarterbacks.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

'They Have A Shot At The Title"


"They have a shot at the title -- the ACC title. Not the national title; there are too many good teams. Their big game is the opener against Clemson. They have to beat Clemson at night -- and it's tough to win there.

"Biggest thing for FSU is that staff needs a win to get the pressure off it."

ESPN Gameday analyst Lee Corso as quoted in Orlando Sentinel

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Pie In the Face Award


In light of all the inane sports lists and awards, I have come up with one of my own.The Pie In The Face Award will be awarded to those in college sports who in my opinion deserve a great big one in the face.

My first award goes to Kirk "The Homer" Herbstreit. This former football player from Ohio State is currently part of the College Gameday team. This is a guy who believes that there are only three college football teams in the entire country- Ohio State, USC, and Oklahoma. And please Kirk don't let objective analysis keep you from rooting for a mediocre Ohio State team. This fomer has been QB has been photographed on the sidelines while working for ESPN applauding and clapping for Ohio State.

If you are a betting person, bet the opposite of what this guy predicts on the games. More times than not,he is wrong. What I would really like to see would be Lee Corso slapping him in the face with a pie. You see this guy who has a smirk on his face when Corso talks. Like he knows a lot more than Lee. By the way Kirk, Lee has forgotten more than you will ever know. So take the pie in the face Kirk. Bon appetit!

Wake LB Ineligible And Miami QB Injured


Wake Forest middle linebacker Eric Berry has been ruled academically ineligible for the 2007 season, athletic department officials announced on Monday. Berry will not participate in any football activities during the fall while he concentrates on academics.
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University of Miami freshman quarterback Robert Marve injured his left (nonthrowing) hand early Monday morning when a car driven by Hurricanes freshman receiver Jermaine McKenzie flipped over on Interstate 75 just north of Naples.

McKenzie -- who received a ticket for careless driving after telling troopers he fell asleep -- was not injured, according to his father, John, and was back in Miami on Monday afternoon.
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The Maryland football team began its summer testing Monday with a power clean weight lifting session in the Gossett Team House. Several players posted impressive numbers including tight end Tommy Galt and defensive tackle Dre Moore who set all-time team records for their positions.

Galt, the son of Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Dwight Galt, posted a clean of 385, which bested the previous record held by first team All-American Vernon Davis, who had owned all six testing records for the position. In spring 2007 testing Galt posted a clean of 370.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Assistants To Hart Leaving And No Need To Feel Sorry For Hart


The Tallahassee Democrat reported that two Florida State senior athletic administrators have submitted letters of resignation effective Oct. 1. In response to a public records request, the letters of resignation were submitted by senior associate athletics director Charlie Carr and associate athletics director Pam Overton.
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According to published reports, two of the biggest items guaranteed in Dave Hart's contract are a $50,000 annual tax-free annuity and a $300,000 retention bonus. These items are mostly covered by money annually placed into the Athletic Developmental Fund that is part of the Seminole Boosters' budget.

Friday, July 13, 2007

FSU Verbal Commit Back In Hunt And Taiwan To Stay Nole


Altoona,Pa. athlete A. J. Alexander has had a change of heart, putting himself back in the middle of the recruiting game.

The Altoona Area High School standout has backed out of his verbal commitment to Florida State, citing a desire to test the waters a little more before making his college choice.

Alexander is considered the most heavily recruited player in Altoona history, fielding offers from dozens of major programs around the country. The Seminoles remain in the hunt for his services, but now four other schools are back in the mix, including Penn State.

This illustrates the fact that football fans should not put too much faith in these verbal commitments.

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Taiwan Easterling, Mississippi's Mr. Baseball for 2007, says he won't sign a professional baseball contract this summer and will instead play football and baseball at Florida State.

Easterling, a football and baseball star at Oak Grove High School, was taken in the sixth round by the Florida Marlins in the Major League Baseball draft last month and has until Aug. 15 to sign a contract. He's enrolled at FSU, however, and is attending summer workouts.

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Center John Frady is on crutches following surgery to correct an ankle problem. His status for the preseason and early part of the season will be determined later.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Weatherford Goes From Mild Mannered To Man of Steel


Some have compared Drew Weatherford to Clark Kent. A mild mannered man during the day and then rip off the suit and he is on the field doing rigorous summer workouts under new Strength and Conditioning coach Todd Stroud.

The Clark Kent part refers to Weatherford's job as an intern in the Florida Governor's Office of Legislative Affairs. Weatherford works from 8 to 11:30 a.m. each day, fielding phone calls from Florida citizens who have questions about legislation in the state's Senate and House of Representatives.

After work, Weatherford returns to Florida State's campus to take classes and work out with his teammates in preparation for two-a-days and training camp, which begin Aug. 7. He is one of the players that Todd Stroud has singled out as one of the players that has performed at an exceptional level this summer. Now he needs to turn that into exceptional play on the field in 2007.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

FSU To Play In Orlando And True Pride Tees Launched


Florida State University has reached an agreement with Florida Citrus Sports to play a neutral site football game in Orlando, pending a renovation of the city's Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. The game, which would pit the Seminoles against a quality non-conference opponent, would be played in either 2012 or 2013.

Although details of the prospective game will not be finalized until later this summer, the game would be a coup for Central Floridians and area businesses.
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The Seminole Student Boosters, in conjunction with Florida State University and Seminole Athletics, launched its TRUE Seminole campaign Tuesday afternoon at a press conference at the Moore Athletics Center.

Fact Sheet:

The TRUE Seminole Campaign is a student initiated movement to unite the Seminole Community and harness what is best about FSU: our Unconcerned spirit and our one sense of core values.

Vision: Inspire SPIRIT and SERVICE in the Seminole Community through students, alumni, faculty and friends.

Mission: The TRUE Seminole Campaign aims to build tradition and respect by unifying the Seminole community to achieve excellence. It is an honor to represent the Unconquered Spirit of the Seminole Tribe and we strive to uphold the ideals of our namesake and our University.

Values: Tradition, Respect, Unity, and Excellence
The TRUE Pride Tee program is just one of the first projects the campaign aims to implement.

Portions from every shirt sold will be donated back to Seminole Boosters, Inc. In turn, monies will be donated to a SGA financial aide account to help benefit need-based students. The other monies will be place into an endowment fund for student athletic scholarships.

The concept for the inaugural t-shirt design came from the whole idea that we are a "Seminole Community" and as a single person we each are Seminoles, but together We are Florida State.

Head Coach Bobby Bowden:
"When I first came to Florida State 31 years ago, we were always thinking of ways in which we could get spirit going. Remember when we used to take the balloons out there and release the balloons? I can't think of anything finer than to have the students come up with something like this that will really unite our fans and boosters and everything together, so we thank you for that."

Where you can purchase the true Pride Tees:


Tuesday, July 10, 2007

"He Will Be Judged On Who He Replaces Dave Hart With"


"Let me tell you the one thing that is important for people to understand. President Wetherell will not be judged on what he does with Dave Hart. He will be judged on who he replaces Dave Hart with."
Palm Beach lawyer Peter Mettler, a former board member of Seminole Boosters Inc. commenting on Dave Hart situation

Monday, July 9, 2007

Hart Wants To Stay And FSU In Top ACC Games For 2007


An article in The Tallahassee Democrat reports that Dave Hart has released a statement saying that it's his desire to"finish my athletics administration career as a Seminole." Hart and Wetherell are scheduled to meet later this week.
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If you were planning on going out to purchase Athlon or Street & Smith to see where FSU is ranked in their top 25, save the money. The answer is that FSU is absent in both.
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According to one of the many sports sites, FSU is involved in three of the Top 10 Games Involving ACC Teams:
3. FSU at. Clemson

4. FSU at Wake Forest

8. FSU vs. Alabama

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Bama Self-Reports And Gators Take Disciplinary Actions


The University of Alabama has self-reported three secondary violations committed by its football program since Oct. 16, 2006, according to documents obtained by The Birmingham News.

Two of the violations occurred after Nick Saban was announced as the Crimson Tide's coach on Jan. 4, though one of those happened "unbeknownst to (Saban and his) staff," documents say. Two of the violations involved a representative of athletics interest (booster) having an impermissible contact with a recruit.
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Colorado head football coach Dan Hawkins is eager to have the football season begin. "I just see much more assertiveness, much more confidence, much more twinkle in the eye," he said. "I know we're going to be a lot stronger than we were last year. That will help us just physically."
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Florida offensive lineman Ronnie Wilson has been suspended for the 2007 season and running back Brandon James is suspended for Florida's opener because of separate off-the-field incidents, according to The Gainesville Sun. Wilson is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly taking a rifle from his trunk and firing it in the air to intimidate a man during a disagreement.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

It's About Time


A story in the Tallahasssee Democrat today indicates that T.K. Wetherell does not plan to renew Dave Hart's contract when it expires in 2009. The only thing that I can say is that it's about time.

I have written several My Views regarding Hart and the FSU program. On April 4 of this year, I criticized Hart because of his lack of leadership regarding the basketball program. At that time, I said that I had..."had enough Hart. It is time for someone new." Apparently T.K. thinks so also.

Dave Hart in many respects has gained what influence he has by being in the right place at the right time. He has been able to ride Bobby Bowden's coattails for all these years. However, when you look at those things that he actually did, the proof as they say is in the pudding. His hires relating to the basketball program have been awful. His inaction regarding to the Jeff Bowden situation and the subsequent payoff of Bowden were examples of his lack of leadership.

Dave Hart has been a great promoter for Dave Hart. A lot of fluff but very little substance. The decision by T.K. Wetherell to say goodbye to Hart if the story is accurate is good news. We need an athletic director who can take FSU to the next level in all sports.

Friday, July 6, 2007

FSU In Middle Of Pack According To Some For 2007


Rivals.com apparently doesn't think much of FSU's football team for 2007. They have FSU ranked 23rd in their Top 50 countdown.

In addition, their most overrated player is Greg Carr who"can frustrate coaches with his inconsistent effort." Their most underated player is De'Cody Fagg.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

FSU ACC Stadiums For 2007: Boston College Alumni Stadium


FSU has another payback game when they take on Boston College at Boston College on November 3. The Noles lost at home to the Eagles 19-24 in 2006.

Opened in 1915 as "Alumni Field," Boston College's first stadium was located just south of Gasson Quadrangle, on the site of the present "Campus Green", better known as the "Dustbowl." While today that area of BC's campus is grass-covered and landscaped, the Dustbowl nickname originated as a description of Alumni Field in the years when it was intensely-used not only as a gridiron, but a practice field, a baseball diamond and a running track. Formally dedicated "as a memorial to the boys that were" on October 30, 1915, Alumni Field and its distinctive "maroon goal-posts on a field of green" were hailed in that evening's edition of the Boston Saturday Evening Transcript as "one of the sights in Boston."

On September 21, 1957 Alumni Stadium opened on Boston College's lower campus. The new stadium incorporated a football field encircled by a regulation track with a seating capacity of 26,000. The dedication game, a match up with the Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy, was orchestrated with the help of BC benefactor and then-Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy. Kennedy, who had received his honorary degree at Commencement Exercises in Alumni Field the previous year, would return to Alumni Stadium on a number of occasions over the course of his political career, including a 1963 Convocation Address, one of his last public appearances. Alumni Stadium has hosted numerous intellectual and cultural luminaries, religious leaders and heads of state as the venue for Boston College's annual Commencement Exercises since 1957.

As the home of the Boston College Eagles, Alumni Stadium has been the site of numerous notable moments in Boston College football history. On September 17, 2005, Alumni Stadium hosted BC's inaugural game as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Can't Duck This List


Under the heading of Can't accuse these teams of ducking anyone, ESPN has the Noles schedule ranked as the second toughest in the nation behind Wshington.

Happy Fourth Of July!


Want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Fourth!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

"Bowden Bowl" Sold Out And Another List


The Clemson Athletic Ticket Office announced that the highly anticipated match up against Florida State is now Sold Out. The Kick Off packages went on sale to the public Monday, July 2nd, 2007. The Florida State game is scheduled for Monday, September 3rd, 2007. Kickoff is set for 8pm and will be televised on ESPN.
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Sporting News columnist Tom Dienhart did a subjective ranking of The Top 40 ACC Players. Here are where he ranked Nole players:

10. Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State

16. Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

22. Antone Smith, RB, Florida State

25. Greg Carr, WR, Florida State

30. Geno Hayes, LB, Florida State

40. John Frady, C, Florida State
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Scottsdale, Az. Notre Dame Prep quarterback Sean Renfree has given Georgia Tech a commitment to play football.

Renfree was set on leaving the state from the beginning, but the push that Arizona State made under new coach Dennis Erickson made his decision more difficult

Monday, July 2, 2007

"The Bubba Bowl" Makes A List

Apparently someone else has a lot of time to kill.

The MZone(a Michigan blog)posted 100 things to look forward to this college football season. There are some FSU moments:

10. Antone Smith trying to become Florida State's first 1,000-yard running back since Warrick Dunn in 1996.

15. The Bowden Bowl on Monday, September 3.

16. The Bubba Bowl (i.e. Alabama vs. Florida State in Jacksonville) on Saturday, September 29.

94. Watching Myron Rolle continue his progression towards superstardom as he patrols the defensive backfield for the Florida State Seminoles.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

"We Have To Do A Better Job Locally"


“Coach Fisher told everybody that Coach (Bobby) Bowden told him that if we're going to get this thing back like we need to do, then we have to do a better job locally.”
Godby Head Coach Shelton Crew's comments after Jimbo Fisher spoke to a meeting of local coaches as quoted in The Tallahasse Democrat

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Defining Moments

Ivan Maisel of Sports Illustrated has too much time on his hands and decided to put together The 100 Moments That Have Defined College Football. Here are the ones that involve FSU:

11. Raising Cane: Miami's fourth-quarter comeback knocks out Florida State. (Oct. 3, 1987)

47. Twice As Nice: FSU holds off Nebraska for Bobby Bowden's first title. (Jan. 1, 1994)

52. Well Dunn: 79-yard TD catch/run by Noles Warrick Dunn seals Florida's fate. (Nov. 27, 1993)

60. Wide Right I:: Trailing Miami by 1, FSU's Gerry Thomas misses 34-yard FG. (Nov. 16, 1991)

84. Road Kill: Nebraska fans applaud FSU after Noles upset Cornhuskers. (Oct. 4, 1980)

86. Death Valley Deception: Florida State's puntrooskie to topple Clemson. (Sept. 17, 1988)

Friday, June 29, 2007

S.I. Is Nuts


Sports Illustrated has a Mascot Power ranking on their site. Chief Osceola and Renegade only rank eighth in the poll below a fake alligator(Albert), a poisionous nut (Brutus Buckeye), and one of the ugliest dogs ever (UGA). Are they out of their minds?

Thursday, June 28, 2007

"They Are Going To Tell Me What I Need To Hear"


"I'm pretty intelligent, I like to think. So (offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and I will see eye to eye. I'm a competitor. I'm not going to be afraid of playing in the Miami game or anything like that. I see a lot of similarity (in Fisher) that I see with coach (Darnell) Moore at my high school. They are going to tell me what I need to hear not what I want to hear.”
E.J. Manuel regarding his commitment to the Noles

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Noles One Two Punch Secures Manuel Commitment


E.J. Manuel becomes the 12th commitment for FSU's 2008 recruiting class. It goes without saying that his commitment will be a big boost to the Noles recruiting and their pitch to other recruits.

Manuel's high school accomplishments are impressive. He passed for almost 2,000 yards as a junior and completed 56 percent of his passes last season for 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions

This illustrates that Bobby Bowden is still a terrific recruiter and the fact that Jimbo Fisher is the offensive coordinator was certainly a great attraction to the 6'5", 210 pound Manuel. It was thought until recently that LSU was the school to beat. The Bowden mystique and the Fisher asset were a perfect fit to attracting a five star athlete and from all accounts a great kid.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Greg Carr Among Four Seminoles On Watch Lists


Four more Seminole football players landed on watch lists for major awards on Monday. Greg Carr headlined the group as he was the only FSU player named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which is presented to the outstanding player in college football. Tony Carter, Andre Fluellen and Myron Rolle were all named to the Bednarik Award watch list given to the best defensive player in college football.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Colorado Hit With NCAA Penalties And Saban Gets Dissed


Colorado's loss of one football scholarship per year for the next three seasons isn't expected to impact the football team according to head coach Dan "This Ain't Intramural Football" Hawkins. The NCAA handed down its ruling on June 21.

The infractions involved CU undercharging walk-on athletes for meals. Despite calling the infractions "limited in nature and narrow in scope," the NCAA hit CU with a $100,000 fine — nearly $40,000 more than CU recommended — along with two years' probation and the loss of three football scholarships.
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Quarterback Jimmy Barnes' decision to leave the University of Alabama football program had nothing to do with the California native being homesick or disgruntled over a lack of playing time, according to his father.

"To be honest with you, it's the way (Alabama head coach Nick Saban) is treating kids," said John Barnes, a longtime head football coach at Los Alamitos High in Southern California. "What Jim told Saban was he was not going to give up his dignity and be treated like that."

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Manuel To Announce Choice On Wednesday


The visit by E.J. Manuel is over. Escorted by Myron Rolle among others, Manuel was pleased with his weekend visit and liked the family atmosphere at FSU. The highlight of the visit was with Bobby Bowden. According to an article in the local paper, Manuel stated, “Coach Bowden was awesome. At first, I was hung up on the glitz and glamour of meeting a legend. I like all the things he has to say to me and my family, too.”

He will announce his commitment this Wednesday. Stay tuned.

"Manuel Hasn't And Won't Change


"I've seen many recruits turn from humble to haughty overnight based on attention, but Manuel hasn't and won't change.College coaches, as jaded as they come, continue to rave about his rare character."
Mike Farrell in Sports Illustrated article regarding E. J.Manuel who visited FSU this weekend

Saturday, June 23, 2007

FSU Schedule Creating Buzz


This time of year we see lots of polls and conjectures about what teams will do for the 2007 college football season. Not to be outdone, Sports Illustrated has compiled it's top 25 toughest schedules. FSU is ranked as having the third toughest schedule in the nation.It is also important to note that FSU is one of the rare BCS teams that didn't schedule a Division I-AA opponent. Compare that to the Gators scheduling of Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic this upcoming season. Sports Illustrated ranks the Noles as having the toughest schedule in the ACC.

Friday, June 22, 2007

"People Are Happy, And We're Happy"


"People who were Golden Chiefs are double Golden Chiefs. In terms of people who have said, in terms of when X happens I'll become a million-dollar donor or we'll give a scholarship, we've seen a lot of that. One guy called one of our fundraisers and said 'I told you I'd do it. Come pick up the check.' People are happy, and we're happy."
Seminole Boosters Inc. executive director/senior vice-president Charlie Barnes comments regarding Booster reaction to FSU coaching changes

Thursday, June 21, 2007

1987 FSU-Florida Game



On June 23 at 10 P.M.,Sun Sports will air a new "Gridiron Great" featuring the 1987 FSU-Florida game played on 11/28/87.

Down 14-3 after nearly two quarters of play, FSU mounted a second-half comeback to beat Florida 28-14. The win broke a six-game losing skid to the Gators. This was a pivotal year in that FSU has been 12-7-1 since that game against the Gators.

There will be commentary by former Nole players Danny McManus, Sammie Smith, Dane Williams and Herb Gainer.

“What you’re seeing in 1987 is the berth of something special at Florida State from the class of 1985. In 1985 we had a recruiting class featuring Odell Haggins, Eric Hayes, Pat Tomberlin, myself and Deion Sanders. We knew it was just a matter of time before we were a national powerhouse.”
Former Nole running back Sammie Smith

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

"Without Losing His Platinum Legacy"


"The reality is this: Bowden's gutting of his longtime, like-minded staff will allow him to gradually and gracefully walk away from the game a winner instead of going out kicking and screaming -- and losing. All without damaging his platinum legacy."
Matt Hayes, Sporting News

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

"I'd Rather Be Playing Middle Tennessee"


"I hear people say,`Coach Bowden is so happy, he gets to play Alabama'. I tell'em, `I can pick someone a lot easier for us play than Alabama.' This was set up by our athletic director, an Alabama grad.

"Me? I'd rather we be playing Middle Tennessee."

Bobby Bowden comments to The Birmingham News columnist Ray Melick

Monday, June 18, 2007

Saban Contract And Gator Charged


University of Alabama trustees approved the eight-year, $32 million contract for football coach Nick Saban late last week. Under the contract, Saban does not have to speak or appear at more than 15 engagements unrelated to endorsements, such as alumni and booster clubs.

Among other contract incentives are a country club membership, two cars, a luxury box at Bryant-Denny Stadium and up to 25 hours of yearly flight time for personal travel in a noncommercial plane.
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Prosecutors have filed two charges against suspended Florida player Ronnie Wilson in an early April shooting incident.

Wilson, 19, allegedly fired a semiautomatic weapon into the air after being chased following a nightclub incident. He was charged with battery and discharging a firearm in public. Arraignment was set for July 3. Wilson was a redshirt freshman offensive lineman for the Gators last year.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Top Ranked QB Visits FSU June 23


Ranked by many as the number one quarterback prospect in the country, E.J. Manuel from Virginia Bayside High (Va.) will visit FSU on June 23. The five-star quarterback will receive the red carpet treatment as he, his dad, mother, and grandmother can't wait to make the trip from Virginia Beach to Tallahassee. He will meet with Bobby Bowden and FSU President T.K.. Wetherell. Several sources are saying that FSU is his top pick and he should make his decision known shortly after his visit to Tallahassee.

Among the schools he is considering are Alabama,Florida,LSU, and Miami.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

"You'll See A New Swagger Out There"


"It was my childhood number, the first number I had when I played Pop Warner since I was 7. I came here and I was disappointed that I couldn't get number 4, but I saw the number open up and I just had to get it. Hopefully you'll see a new swagger out there."
Cornerback Tony Carter on getting "his" number 4 back

Friday, June 15, 2007

"Everything Else Will Happen"


"Basically, just stay healthy. That's one of the things you really can't control, getting hurt, so I'm just going to come out and bust my butt every day. If I go down, I'm going to go down fighting. I don't have any numbers I have to put up, no touchdowns or anything. I'm just going to work hard and everything else will happen. "
Running back Antone Smith regarding season expectations

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Fluellen Outland Nominee And Noles Road Schedule Toughest In Nation


Seminole senior Andre Fluellen was one of 41 linemen named to the watch list for the 2007 Outland Trophy. The Outland Trophy has been awarded to the best interior lineman in college football since 1946. The winner is selected by the FWAA's All-America Committee, which selects the association's 25-man All-America team and picks the three Outland Trophy finalists and the winner. The Outland Trophy is named after the late John Outland, a lineman at Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas won the 2006 Outland Trophy.
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Yahoo Sports has ranked the Nole's road schedule as the toughest in the nation for the 2007 season. It is not surprising given the fact the Seminoles must travel north to Boston College and to the Rockies to Colorado.They face four teams (Wake Forest, Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida) that won at least 10 games last season.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Coker Haunted By Fight And Nagurski Nominee





Larry Coker, former head coach for the Hurricanes, admits that the brawl between the Hurricanes and FIU has impacted his getting another football job. "The image that created was a big thing," he told Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post. "I'm going to have to remove myself from this incident with FIU. It takes time."
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North Carolina State Wolfpack and Nevada Wolf Pack officials are planning to meet via conference call this week on issues regarding infringement of similar logos. N.C. State trademarked its logo, "Toughie," in 1984, but Nevada officials say its logo dates to the 1950s. By the way, the logos are almost identical.
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Amid the discussions about where the University of Miami will play its football games, Greg Cote of The Miami herald says the following,"At the Orange Bowl, UM is king. At Dolphin Stadium, UM would be the third tenant, after the namesake NFL club and the calendar-dominating Marlins."
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University of Maryland linebacker Erin Henderson was named to the preseason watch list for the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Tuesday in an announcement by the Football Writers Association of America.

The Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the best defensive player in college football and is sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.