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"FSU Can Beat Boston College" - Tony Barnhart

Tony's been down on the Noles much of the season. His Atlanta Journal-Constitution column recently questioned how FSU was able to beat Bama.

But today's "Mr. College Football" blog at the AJC sees the potential for a Saturday night Seminole uprising:

"Florida State can beat Boston College: Yes, you read that right. The Seminoles have been a strange team this season but they have a lot of athletes on defense. They have more speed than BC has seen all season. Florida State is just due to play a complete game. Will it be Saturday in Chestnut Hill?"

Leonard Hamilton's Season Sneak Preview

By Bill from Tampa

Jeff Cameron of
1270 AM did his Tuesday show from the FSU basketball facility. Cameron had
a chance to sit down for a lengthy chat with Leonard Hamilton as well as some short interviews with some of the team.

Here are some highlights of those interviews.

Hamilton looks for his team to be a little more uptempo this year. Not necessarily to shoot the ball however. In the past that was the goal of the transition game particularly in out of bounds plays where scoring right out of that was the objective. This season while they will look to shoot quicker and not milk the shot clock as much we should expect to see a team more focused on the primary and secondary breaks strictly to force the tempo of the game in the Seminoles’ favor.

Once the ball is up the floor Hamilton will  want his team to move the ball more than last season where FSU utilized far more set plays that the coach likes to use. “We run a system that is difficult for us to defend in practice,", said Hamilton. Translation: it will be difficult for opponents to defend as well. To run that motion offense expect a rotation of at least nine players.

Hamilton believes his team is buying into the concept of “if I create for you, you create for me." Using that concept his hopes are that FSU can have a team of possibly five players averaging
10 to 15 ppg.

Right now he feels the team is a good catch-and-shoot team but not as efficient shooting off the dribble. That’s where new assistant coach Corey Williams comes in. He has been working exclusively with the players in learning to shoot the ball off movement. Williams also brings knowledge of the Macon, Georgia area, a location where Hamilton would like to strengthen recruiting ties. Williams came to FSU from Oklahoma State, played for the Chicago Bulls earning a ring. He was also drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs despite never playing football. His 4.2 forty speed was a factor in attracting the Chiefs attention.

Andy Enfield meanwhile works with the team in shooting off the catch. As has been the case since coming to FSU Stan Jones works with the post players.

The head coach feels his team has improved in many areas including shooting and turnovers. And while improved Hamilton thinks the team could do a little better in finding the open man. The understanding  of the principles appears to be there in his estimation. It just lacks the execution Hamilton desires.

FSU begins Hamilton’s sixth season starting Wednesday night October 31, tipping off in an exhibition  game against the University of West Florida. Though it's an exhibition game Hamilton will ask his team to treat it as a practice but with the goal of winning as well. Tip off at the Civic Center is at 7:00 PM.

Touching on this season’s schedule the staff scheduled teams
they felt would give them a chance at making the NCAA tournament. While it may not appear to be the toughest schedule there are various obstacles on it. But to address the weakness issue Hamilton explained there were no returning scorers over 10 ppg. His thought was that the team did not yet deserve or had earned a schedule of that caliber. The Seminoles will have home games against Pittsburgh, Providence, and of course that team from Gainesville. Some of the road schedule will feature games
at California and at Cincinnati.

Hamilton likes the senior leadership of Toney Douglas, Isaiah Swann, Jason Rich, and Ralph Mims. Add to that the returning players of Uche Echefu who you can expect to see used at the perimeter again on offense and Casaan Breeden. Breeden will see his role expanded and be used at the three spot unlike last season where he backed up Al Thornton. It was not a position suited for Breeden. According to the coach, Breeden will see time mostly coming off the bench.

As for the freshmen, Solomon Alibi, Julian Vaughn, and Jordan DeMercy should be expected to make significant contributions. The coach said the other  freshman, Chris Blake, is not quite ready yet and will be brought along slowly.

Breeden, Swann, and Douglas, were all upbeat about the upcoming season. Breeden is excited about his role. Swann was his usual confident demeanor. And Douglas who knows he can shoot will look to get everyone involved in the offense. Mims noted that in pick up games over the summer how much harder Douglas is to defend now.

Lastly, Hamilton understands the fans frustration with not making the NCAA since 1998. Not using it as an  excuse Hamilton admitted that they just were not prepared for the departure of two players to the NBA and one player who never made it to Tallahassee. The program just unfortunately was not in a position to absorb those kinds of personnel losses like say a UNC could. But they are working to avoid that kind of situation in the future.

It's Official: Xavier Lee is High Maintenance

As if the '07 Noles didn't have enough problems with a penalty-plagued struggling offense, learning a new system and key injuries.
Now we add the glaring spotlight of a major distraction.

Whatever Xavier
Lee did -- or more appropriately, didn't do -- in his academics, this sudden two-game suspension diverts the attention of players and coaches at the worst possible time. So immature. So oblivious to the negative impact it would have on the team.

And remember Bobby's punishment policy. It's progressive.
A two-game suspension seems too much for one academic infraction. Meaning there was probably more in the past to bring Judge Bowden's gavel down with such force. We can't help but believe X.L.'s missing a vital practice before the Wake game is part of the reason.

Will Lee ever start again for FSU? Will he stay with the team or transfer after the season? Will we ever know the details of the suspension? Yep, it sounds like a "tune in next time" teaser at the end of a soap opera. Come to think of it, the adventures of Xavier have become just that.

A soap opera this team didn't need.

Photo credit: The Tallahassee Democrat

Tomahawks and Smelly Socks: Best and Worst of the Duke game

Tomahawks to Drew, Preston, Antone, and R. Goodman. Once the offense got gellin', it was almost like a Dr. Scholls commercial with everybody chiming in.

This weed is legal and lethal. Props to Gary C. for hitting more 3-pointers than most of guys on the basketball team will score.

And a big thanks to Ron Cherry. For not being there, that is. With any luck, Ron won't turn up in Boston next Saturday, either.

Pee-eeew

Shades of Halloween. Whenever the offense enters the red zone, it puts on a Jason hockey mask and quickly kills the drive (making us scream like Jamie Lee.)

At least they're consistent. FSU fans have seen more flags this season than a trip to the U.N. Last night, eight penalties for 60 yards.

Arrrrggh. Didn't you just know Antone Smith was going to get dinged late in the game when Edwards or Russell Ball should have been getting experience? Pray for a miraculous recovery.

An XXL pair of smelly socks to the genius who created the Blackout. First, because it's just a dumb gimmick. It's not like a throwback uni with any tradition linked to it.  Second, how is wearing black a tribute to the Seminole tribe? Most of all, it just doesn't feel like we're watching FSU. It's like the Yankees wearing pink pinstripes. Finally: Memo to the new A.D. The fans don't seem to dig it, either, judging by the lack of black at Doak.

Forget Trick or Treat. On Saturday night many Seminole fans will be asking:

Wake Forest was to be a redemption game. Miami a statement game against a stumbling team. Now FSU is the one that's stumbling. Which makes Duke a circle the wagons game.

Duke is dangerous, at least on offense. These Devils nearly beat Wake, while hanging 36 on the Deacs. They were in the Miami game til the end. And their go-for-broke aerial attack will try to wear out Seminole DBs. Unlike most Duke teams of the past, if FSU plays sloppy and gives these guys reason to think they can win, they just might. In which case, Nole fans will keep wearing black the rest of the season. In mourning.

Will this be the game? The game when the team finally gets it right most of the time? Is penalized only half as much? Doesn't turn the ball over at crucial times? Remembers how to put opponents away-- instead of giving the game away?

Best possible scenario. Eeking out a win will do little for the team's confidence or satisfy the fans. And it doesn't need to be a blowout. Just a win by a comfortable margin by a team that takes control from the start and never lets go. That more than anything would give the '07 Noles the momentum and determination to tackle three heavily favored opponents. And a fourth, Maryland, will be far from a creampuff.

Will it be Back To The Future for Drew? Weatherford played loose and was more effective his redshirt freshmen year. By the middle of his sophomore season he was tight and tentative. This week Drew said something to the effect that watching a couple of games has made him less worried about making mistakes. Here's hoping we see the cooler, more confident Drew that beat B.C., Wake, Va. Tech, Penn State, UCLA and Miami -- twice.

Duke Preview with the Voice of the Blue Devils

After 31 years as Duke's play-by-play man, Bob Harris is the ultimate insider. Which is why we're proud to have him as our guest, answering questions about how much of a handful an improving Blue Devil team will be Saturday night.

How much has Duke improved on offense this year?
"We saw them improve toward the end of last year, especially Thad Lewis the quarterback. And that's the real key, he's gotten more confidence in himself as the season has gone on. Lewis has had a pretty phenomenal start to the season with some strong individual stats. But Duke still has to find a way to win games. They're not going out to play close games, they're going out to win games."

How much impact has Peter Vaas your new offensive coordinator and QB coach had on Thad Lewis?
"One of the reasons Thad has improved so much is Peter Vaas. Vaas put it pretty well when he likened Thad to Brady Quinn.
He said they both have pretty equal arm strength, though Thad (a sophomore) doesn't have the same experience. But most people don't realize that both are pretty doggone good runners and scramblers when they need to be. "

What sort of offense does Duke run?
"They've tried to balance it up. But at times they've had to throw first to set up the run -- what a lot of teams do that don't have the big physical running back or tremendous breakaway threat. Coach Roof is trying to take advantage of all the weapons, with the wide receiver corps being the most talented. When you've got kids like Elon Riley (first in the ACC and 11th nationally in TD catches) and Jomar Wright then you've got playmakers. They know how to go up and get the ball in traffic and both have pretty good height."

How will Duke attack FSU?
"FSU has been so good against the run and that's our weakness -- even though Duke has three running backs who played a lot last year. So Duke's going to have to throw the ball to loosen things up in the middle. Then pick their way and get some decent yardage to have some semblance of a running game. But they're going to have to throw the ball to have a chance to win."

It looks like Duke is struggling on defense.
"It was improved, but then we lost John Tally, all-ACC cornerback. And this year we've lost two defensive ends. Patrick Bailey who was our best rush end is gone for the year. When you lose kids like that it's tough to find somebody to fill in for them. But upfront you've got Vince Oghobaase and Wes Ogelsby. Then the linebackers have been the real strength of the defense. Michael Tauiliili, a junior, led the team in tackles as a junior and sophomore. And now you have Vincent Rey who's the leading tackler this year."

After a week off is the team pumped to upset an ACC opponent?
"They've felt all along they're ripe for beating teams, whether it's an upset or not. So many games have come down to the last couple of possessions. Two years ago Duke lost to Miami 52 - 7. A couple weeks ago with three minutes to go in the Orange Bowl, Duke was driving for what would have been the winning TD, but just couldn't convert a third and a fourth down situation. They should have beaten Wake Forest and Navy -- lost on a last second field goal there. So they've got to get over that hump. They've got to win a game they're not favored in."

"I feel good about Drew to be honest with you."

Comments from Bobby Bowden and Duke Coach Ted Roof during Wednesday's ACC teleconferences.

"We haven't dropped off as much as you would think. I do think we have dropped off some. But it's the fact the other people have gotten better too. Including Duke."

(Pressure on coaches and players)
"I think the pressure goes to the offense coordinator, the quarterback and the coach. I really think that's what Jimbo Fisher's going through right now. Here's a guy that's been ultra-successful anything he's ever done. And now we've struggled. But we know it's something we'll get worked out sooner or later."

(On the QB change)
"I feel good about Drew to be honest with you. Drew has beaten Duke before. Duke has beaten Virginia Tech before. Drew has beaten Boston College before. Still, you're searching for answers."

Ted Roof

(On what to expect from FSU)
"They're a lot like Virginia Tech in the fact
that they're so explosive and they have so much speed, so much athleticism that big plays come
in bushels for them, and points come in bushels for them. 

(On Drew Weatherford)
"He can throw the football and he can run the team. He makes good decisions. There is some common offense when Lee's in there or when Weatherford's in there. But there's also some things exclusive to each quarterback. And we're having obviously to prepare for all of it."

Blue Devils Rested and Ready To Knock Off First ACC Opponent Since 2004

Duke Coach Ted Roof from Tuesday's press conference on the advantage of having an off week:

"...we’ll take a relatively fresh football team
to Tallahassee on Saturday night. I also think that as much may come from just a couple days mentally of refreshing and refocusing. I’ve seen a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm on the practice field this week.”

On the defensive scheme for Saturday versus FSU:
“Even though it’s the same team, it’s two distinctively different offenses. They do things with Lee that they don’t do with Weatherford and they do things with Weatherford that they don’t do with Lee. Based on the comments we’ve heard, I expect Lee to come off the bench at some point so we have to work on all of it...but I think we’d be fools if we didn’t.”

DT Vince Oghobaase on defensing FSU:
“They do like to pass the ball. Like I said, we have to rush the passer and get after it. They’re going to big-on-big us and we’ve just got to get there. There’s nothing more to it, we just have to rush the passer.”

WR Eron Riley on how Duke’s receivers have prepared for FSU's defense:
“As receivers, we just have to run good routes and make sure we know what we’re doing it. We need to read coverages because a lot of our plays are based off of reading their coverages.”

Meet the Blue Devils scheming to stick it to FSU's secondary on Saturday

Peter Vaas

Duke's new offensive coordinator spent '06 coaching a QB you might have heard of. Does the name Brady Quinn ring a bell? Before that, Pete's coaching resume was literally all over the map. Besides Notre Dame (two stints) and other college stops, he won two World Bowls as head coach in NFL Europe, plus time in the Canadian league.

Vaas's latest act is molding the raw talents of Thaddeus Lewis into arguably the most improved QB in the ACC. Says Lewis of his teacher:

"He comes out and doesn't fear anybody. He comes out with aggressive play-calling and tries to take shots, and he doesn't care who the defense is. He feels our offense can win in any situation. That's how he coaches -- fearless."

Thaddeus Lewis

The kid from Miami gets it. Yep, Lewis is another of those South Florida phenoms (Miami Lakes). But one with the brains to join MENSA and be a Dookie. This year he's been cramming on his delivery, reading defenses and playing mistake-free.

"When you throw that interception, you never want to go back and face him," Lewis said of Vaas. "Because he told you not to do it." Lesson learned.

Proof that Lewis gets it. Look no further than the ACC passing stats. The kid is #4 on the list with 1610 yards and 16 TDs. That's just one less touchdown than potential Heisman winner Matt Ryan.

Don't you know Lewis has spent every waking hour between Calculus 201 and Western Civ. 110 watching video of each move and tendency of FSU's secondary?

Tomahawks and Cinderblocks: Best and Worst of the UM game

Tough to see the bright spots through the gloom, but looking back there actually were some.

• Missing Link. The run game finally emerged, with the OL opening holes and Antone zooming through them. And a big tomahawk to Seddrick Holloway, showing he can be the battering ram that moves the pile and breaks tackles for extra yards.

• The Caz Connection. Sure hands and a handful to bring down. This guy can make the TE position a weapon. Too bad he got lost in the play selection after the first half.

• So Much for Wide-Right Blight. With five dead-on 3-pointers by Cismesia, nobody can say field goals cost FSU this Miami game.

• TD by Toddrick. Maybe Verdell should get regular playing time at Safety.

• Fisher Out of the Box. Did you notice Jimbo moved to
  the sidelines? Hands-on coaching and face-to-face communication can only help a struggling offense.

• As Ugly As It Gets. The final minutes became
  the worst meltdown since Chernobyl. We've never seen FSU lose its poise like that, from having the game in hand to literally handing it to the opposition.

Practice Priority For Next Week. Apparently the Two-Minute
Drill gets less emphasis than Amato's orderly locker campaign. After UM's gift TD, there was a chance -- albeit a slim one -- to drive for a touch and 2-pointer to tie the score. Instead we saw a Chinese fire drill: out-of-sync passing game, no attempt to use the sidelines to stop the clock, and no clock management by coaches.

Most Telling Stats of All? Penalties - 7,  Turnovers - 5. This team keeps the score close but finds creative ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

When the offense isn't shooting itself in the foot, you can see
the potential. But there's a lot more work left in this "work in progress." And Duke is no pushover (more on that in coming days). Nonetheless, it's the Noles last chance to jell as a team, and get an ACC victory, before the late season murderer's row.