ChantRant.com

Answers to your Emerald Bowl questions by Executive Director Gary Cavalli

ChantRant: Will FSU fans find hotel rooms in the Bay Area during the holidays?
Cavalli: "One of the reasons this bowl was created in the first place was to provide the city and hospitality industry in the city with an anchor event between Christmas and New Years, which had traditionally been a very slow time here. So we have a number of preferred hotels which participate in the bowl game and provide attractive rates and packages that include tickets to the game. They can all be accessed on our web site.

"If you want an entire package including airfare, click on the Champion Sports Tours logo on our website and they'll be thrilled to put a total package together for you."

ChantRant: Can you get to the stadium (AT&T Park) and around town without a car?
Cavalli: "Yes, this stadium is a marvel when it comes to mass transit. There's all kinds of BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) access and train access. So you don't have to drive to the game. That info is on the website, along with a whole section on visiting San Francisco."

ChantRant: How about bowl-related activities for the team
and fans?
Cavalli: "Most of our events are geared for the teams and official parties. We take them on a tour of Alcatraz, and they have a video game competition. But a couple are open to fans. There's a rally on Union Square the day before the game — at 11 am on the 26th. After that is a welcome lunch for the teams at the historic St. Francis Hotel. That has limited space, unfortunately, as the teams and official parties take up most of the spots. But if people who are interested jump on it quickly, they may be able to obtain a ticket for the lunch.

"Of course, there's so much for FSU fans to do in San Francisco. You've got the Bridge, cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Union Square, North Beach, Chinatown, as well as some of the greatest dining in the world."

ChantRant: What can we expect for the weather?
Cavalli:  "Temperatures are typically about 55 degrees, so you'd bring a sweater or jacket. And we have had rain, so it might be good to pack a small umbrella."

ChantRant: Where will the teams practice before the game?
Cavalli: "The Florida State team will be practicing at Laney College, in the East Bay about 20 minutes from their hotel. UCLA will be practicing at the City College of San Francisco. Both are junior colleges with new field turf fields."

ChantRant: Why did the bowl committee pick a team with
a 6 - 6 record?   
Cavalli: "When we made the arrangement with the Pac 10 and ACC, I honestly never thought we'd have a chance at Florida State or Miami. And here in the first year we actually had the chance to choose between the two schools. Nobody's going to get hung up on the fact they didn't have a great season. They may have been down a little bit, but they're still one of the great programs in the country with the winningest coach of all time. So we consider it an honor to have Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles here.

"And we've already been getting stories around the country that the Emerald Bowl has the best matchup outside the BCS, so we're pretty excited about it."

Little Things Add Up To Big Frustration

1. Center snaps. The 12th game and Drew was still picking center snaps off his shoelaces. This ongoing problem has cost us in several crucial situations
(like the final moments against B.C. that might have changed the outcome). How could coaches let this continue to kill drives?

2. WR drops. Two more on Saturday, both costly. Carr's drop while trying to split two DBs might have been a game-changer.

3. Carr used only as a jumping jack. It's time to use Carr the way Southern Cal capitalizes on 6'-5" Dwayne Jarrett — all over the field. Number 89 is more than a jump-ball specalist. Did you see his TD catch on a slant against Duke? He snagged it, did a stop 'n go and left the DB in the dust. Maybe a new O.C. will develop and exploit Carr's full potential.

4. Delay of game penalties at the worst times. Like on Saturday, when a makeable 3rd and 4 became a doomed 3rd and 9. Result? Another momentum shift.

5. No apparent offensive coaching on the sidelines. With Jeff and Dickey upstairs, nobody is keeping the offense organized and energized on the sidelines. Contrast that to the defense, which has Mickey and Steele constantly involved.

6. Back-up QB detached from the game. Most teams at least keep their backup on the headsets and his head in the game. X. Lee is left to chat with his buddies and check out chicks in the stands.

7. Bobby Bowden totally uninvolved. Have you watched Bobby during a game? He's 30 yards downfield from the bench and appears to be a disinterested bystander. He rarely talks to an assistant and pretty much never approaches a player. Letting your assistants do their jobs is one thing. But this is not the way he became College Football's Winningest Coach. Even JoPa is still in-charge and intense on the Penn State sidelines.

8. Wrong QB running draws. Note to coaches: Drew is your dropback passer. While not quite a cigar store indian-type QB, he's a sitting duck for most DL and linebackers.

9. Kickoff return men. We struggled here throughout the season. Garvin is beginning to show promise. Too bad it couldn't have been sooner.

10. Fans who sold tickets to UF'ers. Thankfully, Saturday's crowd was fracas-free. Still, there was far too much orange and blue in the heart of the alumni/season ticket section. Anybody who knowingly sold or gave their tickets to reptile fans needs to personally explain their concept of fan support to Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons.

What Was Urban Thinking?

With Urban bringing his reptiles to play what he likes to call "that team out West," we thought we should get to know Coach Meyer a little better.
So while digging through past interviews, we found an eye-opening quote about how he treats his players The following is a word-for-word transcript of one
Q & A during a pre-season interview with CSTV.

Interviewer:  "So the reward for the Florida players if they're doing well is, you investing more in them."

Urban:  "Absolutely, you can see, uh... You can see...you walk through the locker room and watch what kids are wearing. You can tell the ones that are doing well in the classroom and on the field. I mean, they get the nicest stuff you can. If you're struggling in the classroom and not really doing what you're supposed to in the weight room, you don't get the nice, uh...you know, they don't get all the...uh, extras that some of the other guys get."

Hmmm, why would a savvy coach like Urban make a statement that could set off alarm bells at NCAA headquarters? Is Mr. Intensity really dressing up his favorite players while dressing down the slackers?

BREAKING NEWS NUGGETS

Chest pains too much for N.C. State? A Wolfpack fan site is reporting a wildfire rumor sweeping the campus that Amato is about to be whacked. Calls to North Carolina media confirm that it's only a rumor.  However, Carlton Tudor of the Raleigh News-Observer wrote what amounts to a death sentence for Chuck:

"…this situation isn’t all that complicated. Amato, today, is where Bunting was after UNC dropped successive games to South Florida (37-20) and Virginia (23-0) in mid-October. He was fired three days later. It’s right that Amato should be in this trouble, too."

Meantime, 850 the Buzz in Raleigh suggests Amato may survive:

"At the very least, next season will be similar to what John Bunting went through this past season with every game becoming a referendum on job status."

Jimbo Fisher may be too rich for FSU's blood. Tony Barnhart of the Atlanta Journal-Contitution revealed some interesting facts about the salary structure of FSU's assistants:

"Is Jimbo Fisher going to be the next offensive coordinator at Florida State? Not unless FSU is prepared to pony up some serious cash. Fisher, the offensive coordinator at LSU, is one of the highest paid assistants in the SEC at $400,000 per season. He has a three-year contract at that figure. No assistant at Florida State, including defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, is close to that. And a little bird told me that no assistant at Florida State is going to make more than Andrews."

Spurrier to Miami? Not so fast, my friend. Omar Kelly, the All-Canes-all-the-time writer at the Sun-Sentinel, says The Visor-ed One's move to Coral Gables may be more smokescreen than smoking hot news:

"I do know one things for a fact: The search hasn't begun. Research is probably being gathered, but the search hasn't begun. Dee is not a liar, and he said it hasn't begun and I believe him. Now, with his job security in question as well I'm not exactly sure he's the best authority (Donna Shalala is), but who better to talk to Spurrier than his frat brother."

Noles Cruise, Tune-Up For Gators

By "Bill From Tampa"
The game was never
in doubt with FSU leading at one point in the first half by 31 points. Right from the start of the game the Seminoles took control easily beating the New Orleans Privateers 69-50.

Had it not been for a sloppily played second half by the ‘Noles, the margin would have been much larger.

Coach Leonard Hamilton called it a “disease of complacency” in describing his team’s performance over most of the final twenty minutes.

“We had a little bit of a letdown” Hamilton said. “The second half we did not have a good mental effort. This is an area we need to work on.” Hamilton added “We need to grow up and realize this is a 40 minute game”.

Hamilton certainly was not disappointed with the first twenty minutes reversing the trend of slow starts seen in the first three games. The Privateers were no match for FSU’s  superior athleticism as FSU led 12-0 before New Orleans got their first basket at the 14:25 mark.

Before six more minutes elapsed, Jason Rich’s steal going 70 feet for the highlight slam dunk, the ‘Noles led 29-4. With 3:12 left in the half, Florida State had its largest lead 38-7.

The ‘Noles completely dominated the first half on offense as well as on defense forcing New Orleans into 17 turnovers.

The second half FSU found it difficult to sustain that same intensity. A four on one break that resulted in the ball being fumbled out of bounds characterized the sloppy play of the ‘Noles in the second half.

With the ‘Noles out of sync, the Privateers chipped away at the lead. A three ball from Reynolds closed the gap to 56-41 with 7:54 left in the game. That seemed to spark the ‘Noles somewhat who went on a 9-0 run highlighted by a two hand jam by Rich.

Second teamers predominately finished the game as FSU cruised the rest of the way for the 69-50 win.

Leading the way once again for FSU was Al Thornton who finished with 12 points and 4 rebounds despite fighting the effects of a cold.

Joining Thornton in double figures was Rich with 11 points and Toney Douglas with 10.

More importantly all nine players scored for FSU.

Hamilton gave special note to Ryan Reid saying of his play “he is farther along than we thought he would be”. The freshman scored 7 points and added 9 rebounds as well as once again drawing a couple of charges. 

Being the perfectionist he is Hamilton focused more so on the things he felt needed improvement such as the intensity factor over 40 minutes and the number of air balls shot despite getting good looks at the basket.

Also an issue was free throw shooting specifically the number of times FSU went to the line. “Going to the line just 8 times, that concerns us” Hamilton noted.

But the team did play better than the coach might let on displaying its athletic talent, working the ball unselfishly on offense, and playing strong defense in creating 26 turnovers for the game.

One aspect that did please the coach was its own turnover problem. Hamilton stated prior to the game that that aspect had been a point of concentration in practice over the last week. The Seminoles decreased the number of miscues to 15 for the game.

Next up for FSU is the meat of the out of conference schedule. “The tune up is over” said Hamilton. “We don’t have luxury of playing half a game.”

FSU will play at Pittsburgh on Friday at 7:30 followed by Wisconsin on Tuesday and returning home to host Florida on Sunday.

“Never in my career do I recall having to play the 4th, 7th, and 1st ranked teams in a row.”

Western Michigan: A Get-Well game, or another painful day at Doak?

Our WMU preview with the Broncos only full-time beat writer. Graham Couch of the Kalamazoo Gazette knows Western Michigan about as well as their coaches. After all, he's at practice each day, and travels to every road game. Before leaving for Saturday's game at Doak, Couch gave us a preview of what to expect from
the 7 - 3 Broncs from Kalamazoo.

Is WMU down after losing 31 - 7 to hated rival Central Michigan? Couch says, "It was in atrocious weather — a driving, freezing rain that left only 3,000 in the stands at the end of the game. A lousy day for a team that loves to throw the ball and depends on speed. WMU is a young team that's often played above their level this year. But when things go wrong, they tend to spiral out of control."

A sixth-year QB at the reins of the Broncos. He's Ryan Cubit, the son of Western's Coach, Bill Cubit. Couch told us "Cubit is the key to the offense. He's smart and experienced and has made lots of big plays on audibles. He's got a strong arm but is prone to interceptions."

As for his Dad, Couch reports that this is Cubit's first D-1 head coaching job. During the 80's the older Cubit was an assistant at Florida, and spent three years at UCF. "He's offensive-minded and runs a spread offense that's not traditional, as the QB often lines up under center" says Couch. "He's also adapted the offense well to the talent."

Four receivers will test Nole DBs. Couch reports that Florida boy Joe Chapple is the Broncs possession receiver. Jamarko Simmons is a 6-2, 231 lb. RB turned WR who's dangerous on slants and swing passes. And speedy Herb Martin is a 6-2 deep threat. But their go-to guy has been 6-5 TE Brandon Ledbetter. With WR speed, the big sophomore from Ft. Lauderdale leads all receivers with 31 catches and six TDs.

Running backs: The Broncs balanced offense features freshman speedster Brandon West who got 117 yards last week on a wet field. Chances are West will be tackled by former teammate and Nole DE, Kevin McNeil. Both played last year at Camden County in Brunswick, Georgia. But West isn't the only weapon. WMU's downhill running threat is 215 lb. junior Mark Bonds.

Defense ranked 16th nationally. And that's one notch above the Gators in Total D, allowing just 286 yards per game. Says Couch: "It's really the strength of the team. They have just okay size, but are fast, they attack, and disguise things well. They totally shut down Virginia early in the season.

"Their linebackers get a lot of sacks by blitzing (WMU ranks 4th nationally in sacks). Ameer Ismail is a vicious hitter who tied an NCAA record with six sacks in one game this season." 

Couch says the secondary is all sophomores and freshman, "but they're fast and talented. Cornerback Londen Fryar is the son of former NFL receiver Irving Fryar."

How much does WMU want it? Couch believes a trip to Florida is just what the Broncos need to shake off last week's painful loss. "They'll be fired up — especially the 13 players from Florida, who'll have family at the game. With good weather (68 degrees and sunny) and a fast track, Cubit will run the full offense, probably throwing 30 to 40 times. And Western can really help their bowl prospects by beating FSU."

ESPN's Jim Donnan: "Don't expect Bowden to pick Hatcher as the new O.C."

ESPN college football analyst and former Georgia coach Jim Donnan said today that he doesn't expect Bobby Bowden to pick Valdosta State's Chris Hatcher as his new offensive coordinator. According to Donnan, he believes Hatcher's high-scoring spread offense is just "too different" for Bobby's tastes.

Who does Donnan think are the front-runners for the job? "Somebody who's been with the program, like George Henshaw. Or who's been around and would be a good fit, such as Jimbo Fisher at LSU."

Whomever it is, Donnan said, "Bobby wants to get it right because this will probably be his last offensive coordinator."

Donnan made the comments Thursday afternoon on 680 the Fan in Atlanta.

"CH-CH-CH-CHANGES"

In one brief announcement today, Jeff Bowden went from everybody's favorite whipping boy to a true Hero in the minds of FSU fans. It takes guts to take one for the team, step down and perhaps never coach again. So, thanks, Jeff. And we salute you with your own special ChantRant remix of David Bowie's classic. The perfect theme for this landmark day of Ch-Ch-Changes.

Quit Is A Four-Letter Word

Some say the players have quit.
Many say the coaches should quit.
So what about the third party in this triangle? The fans?  All of us who profess to be hard-core FSU loyalists?

Now is when we show our true colors.

Are we Garnet and Gold or Garnet and Gone? Do we show up and cheer or sit home and boo?

Simply put, we can't quit. We can blast the coaches and pray for changes, but don't turn your back on your team. And that includes:

Attending the final two games. The coaches
can only do so much to help players get their confidence back. We can do our part by being the 12th man. A sea of Garnet speaks volumes in terms of support. Thousands of empty seats say, "we don't care if you win or lose."

If you can't attend, get your tickets to somebody who can. Give 'em to friends and family. Or send 'em to Big Brothers and Sisters of Tallahassee. They'll mail you a receipt that the I.R.S. accepts as a tax deduction. But whatever you do, please don't sell or give your Florida game tickets to Florida fans. You want a TV audience to see more people doing the chomp instead of the Chop in our stadium? 

Don't publicly wish for the worst. Would you believe some so-called fans are actually hoping we lose to Hogtown U. to hasten changes in our coaching staff? Even worse, misguided message board miscreants are saying they hope certain players transfer because "they deserve better." This is tantamount to telling a solider in Iraq, "you know, you really oughta desert." Either one is flat-out being a traitor to the cause.

Believe it or not, we've seen worse. Anybody who was around for 1973 and '74 when we went 1 - 21 knows the true depths of fan despair. It was so bad that a three win season in '75 looked like FSU had turned the corner. Turns out we did. Within five years the Noles went from the outhouse to the penthouse of college football. Damn straight we can do it again. All true Noles know that Renegade ain't a one-trick pony.

It's No Longer "Cake Forest"

Deacons linebacker John Abate said it after beating B.C. And in his weekly ACC media conference call, Coach Bowden talks about the challenge of playing a team that's never been a cupcake for the Noles — especially this year. He also remembers the death of Pablo Lopez, on the heels of the tragedy this week at the University of Miami.