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5 things to take away from the G & G Game

by Seminole Sleuth

1. Don’t read too much into the spring game stats: Both the Garnet and Gold offenses struggled. With the rosters split up in an attempt to even out the squads, the cohesion was often lacking. So don’t read too much into EJ Manuel’s numbers or that of a specific receiver, rusher or tackler.

2. That said … there were plenty of positives: James Wilder had some punishing runs. Middle linebacker Telvin Smith saw significant playing time and was all over the field. Terrence Brooks simply continues to impress with his instincts. Tank Carradine was able to bring heat off the edge.

3. Clint Trickett is still ahead of Jacob Coker: Neither solidified the No. 2 job this spring, but Trickett has a better grasp on the playbook and for the time being is ahead of Coker. Fisher made it a point to praise both quarterbacks after the spring game, and he said the competition will go into August. Coker may have more talent but Trickett has three full years with Fisher’s playbook and has a step up.

4. Cameron Erving can hold his own: He wasn’t blocking for EJ Manuel, but he was going up against Brandon Jenkins on Saturday. Erving looked like a veteran left tackle and not a guy with four weeks’ experience. Coach Fisher wanted to know if Erving could do it play after play after play. Erving did it.

5. There’s plenty of room for Cason Beatty to improve: The good news is that he had a 46-yard punt and a 41-yard punt. But the bad news is that his first three punts were for 30, 30 and 21. Maybe it was nerves, and that’s understandable. He certainly has the talent, however. And he also showed his ability to hang the punts high, too. Beatty is a freshman, but there will surely be growing pains as he replaces Shawn Powell.

2012 Garnet and Gold Game Photo Gallery

All photos by Tallahassee sharpshooter, Chris Holder.

Will Nick Moody be the impact player Mister Alexander was in 2010?

There's no bigger reason to get a good seat for the Garnet & Gold game than seeing how good of a fit several players are at their new positions. Can Cam Erving become a game-changer on the OL? Will Dan Hicks provide more than quality depth at TE? Will Kelvin Benjamin shake up the WR depth chart? And does Nick Moody find his natural position at LB? That’s the one we’re most fired up about.

Should Moody have a breakout final season like Mister Alexander did in 2010, Nole opponents are in for some painful Saturdays. The parallels between Moody and Alexander are hard to miss.

Both had their careers slowed by injuries. Both spent seasons at safety before moving to linebacker. They’re from the same mold physique-wise. Oh, and they both hit like a runaway train (witness Moody’s lick on Jeff Demps in the video above).

Moody’s hits may become even more explosive. In an interview early in spring practice Nick said he’s been lifting heavier weights now that he “can do everything,” explaining that during his days at safety he didn’t lift “real heavy squats and benches.” Pumping more iron has helped Moody bulk up to 243 lbs. from 225 to 230 last year. So if he appears physically larger and more intimidating in today’s G&G game, your eyes are not deceiving you.

As for the mental side, Moody’s said that while he’s been working at SAM, he’ll be learning the other two LB positions, since Greg Hudson likes his guys to be versatile and interchangeable.

So keep your eye on number 10 today. If Nick Moody maxes his potential, a Seminole LB corps that appeared to be a question mark might just be even stronger than the 2011 headhunters.

Antwan's sudden departure leaves Space on Florida State's roster

Whoa, just because of limited P.T. last season, Antwan Space is packing his bags for Aggieland. A big hit to next year's Nole roster or no big deal. Our basketball guru Bill from Tampa weighs in with his view.

A typical case of wanting to be closer to home.

Personally I think he is making not an especially good decision. With the injury this past season he only played ten games. Now he won't play next season at all. That is essentially two years not on the floor at all. At FSU he would have seen playing time for sure next season. At what position would be a question mark.

Unless Leonard tries to squeeze Okaro White into the SF spot like he did last season for a while before moving him back to the four spot, Space is noted for his mid-range shot and could have been slotted for the three. But if Okaro was put in that spot, Space could have seen time at the four because of his size.

Either way he would have seen some time on he floor right away. Now he will have to work the rust off his game once he finally does see the floor.

What I find disingenuous about this whole thing is the comments by Space about how he loves his coaches and teammates and will have 16 more days with them. Then why did he decide to skip last night's banquet?

The $64,000 Question of the Spring: How's the OL shaping up?

With less than a week to go before the end of spring practice, the jury is still out on the Noles weak link in 2011. So we asked our practice field connection if, at this point, can you tell if FSU's offensive line will be a little improved, a lot, or still a work in progress? His answer:

Maybe a combination of both here, but let’s lean toward improved significantly. And it would be a dramatic turnaround considering that FSU’s defense recorded 40 sacks while EJ Manuel and Clint Trickett were sacked a combined 41 times. I’d be stunned if FSU’s line doesn’t cut that number dramatically in 2012.

So FSU loses Zebrie Sanders and Andrew Datko, but coaches have plugged a big hole by moving Erving over to left tackle. Austin Barron appears to have solidified the job at center. Daniel Glauser appears to be developing well and will likely fight for the right tackle spot with Bryan Stork. The guard spots are really a wild card. There’s lots of talent on FSU’s line, but the guess here is that Rick Trickett is still be trying to figure out who to start at guard.

Is Jeff Luc staying a Seminole?

Former 4-Star Jeff Luc overcame a nasty injury but he's never quite risen to the top of FSU's depth chart at linebacker. Now come rumors of his possible transfer, along with message boards from UGA to the U. of Oregon buzzing about where he might land. Here's what our practice field connection has to say about it:

Jeff Luc will have a decision to make but I think it will come after the spring game - not before. He should stay because I still think he will play a bunch this year, but only because FSU is so thin at LB.

Sounds like his brother is tweeting about an open recruitment again. It is silly that they are doing it out in the open and not keeping it private.

But the fact that he never has developed at MLB or WLB must be frustrating for him and the coaching staff.

Impact Report: Who's making the biggest impression on both sides of the ball

We asked our practice field connection who's caught his eye the most this spring, both on offense and defense. Here's his report:

OFFENSE

The biggest – and most positive development – this spring has been Cameron Erving’s move from defensive tackle to offensive tackle. He’s battling every snap with Brandon Jenkins, who will push Erving and prepare him for the fall. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher wasn’t joking when he said that Erving won’t know what hit him come September, because the best pass rusher he sees all year will be Jenkins.

Another positive has been the weight loss and progress shown by wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. He’s back to a respectable playing weight and is running routes better. As EJ Manuel said, throwing to the 6-foot-6 Benjamin is like throwing an alley-oop to LeBron James.

DEFENSE

FSU’s linebacking corps is thin on depth. The move of Nick Moody from safety to linebacker serves many purposes and could help both him and Christian Jones. Fans should see Jones make more plays now that he’s the weakside linebacker. While last year he was often forced to cover wide receivers, Jones is now more of a stay-in-the-box linebacker. And that should allow him to take advantage of his skillset.

Moody slides into Jones’ old spot, and he’s going to be the same thumper he was at safety now that he’s moved up. Moody will also be able to use his coverage skills, and this may be the best long-term move for Moody as far as his NFL prospects.

You don't have to be an older Nole fan to know Joe Avezzano

Joe Avezzano is old school. He played on the first FSU team to beat the gators. Then was a Dallas Cowboy assistant coach during their heyday. He later ran a popular Dallas nightspot. Recently Joe was off to Italy to coach football in an unlikely place. Quite a life -- until yesterday, that is. Avezzano passed away while running on a treadmill. In tribute, here's a feature interview from a few years ago on our sister site, Garnet & Great.

How do you top the thrill of three Super Bowl rings? You don't. But Joe Avezzano -- who anchored the OL at FSU from 1963 through '65 -- is equally proud of the less glitzy awards from his peers. He's the only three-time winner of the NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year award voted by NFL special teams coaches. His Dallas Cowboy units consistently finished near the top in all four major kicking game stats, while blocking 23 kicks and returning 18 punts and kickoffs for TDs.

Joe's long relationship with the Cowboys covered 13 years and three Super Bowls ('92, '93 and '95). In 2002, he served as Head Coach of the Arena League's Dallas Desperados' as well as Cowboys' special teams guru. Among Joe's coaching stops at the college level were FSU in 1968, Iowa State from 1969 thru '72, and head coach at Oregon State from 1980-84.

After finishing his career with the Raiders, Joe hung up his whistle in 2006. But he never slowed down. He and his son Tony own and operate two sports bars in the Dallas area -- gruelling work as you can tell by the photo above -- and he talks Cowboys on the radio during the season. Joe recently took time out to chat with us about his playing and coaching career.

What's your best memory of FSU's breakout season of '64?
"Sure, I enjoy the memory of the wonderful '64 season. But it's the people: me and Freddy (Biletnikoff) and Steve (Tensi) and George D'Allessandro and (Phil) Spooner and (Terry) Gavin and (Dale) MacKenzie and (Tom) West and (Jack) Edwards -- we all came in as Coach Peterson's first recruiting class. And we just had a bond as a freshmen team. We were cocky. We believed in each other, we liked each other. And we just knew we could be good. And the journey with those guys, and Coach Peterson, the coaches that we really enjoyed... Winning that Gator Bowl in '64 was the destination, but if you don't enjoy the journey then you really can't enjoy the rest of it."

How was it rooming with Steve Tensi your freshmen year?
"I moved into my room, waiting to see who my roommate would be. And it's this gangly 6 foot 5" guy from Cincinnati Elder High School, which I'd never heard of. He was an absolute Elvis Presley freak, and had every record, knew every word of Elvis's songs. Could imitate him. And I had to deal with that until finally he got married. But I loved it."

Like other players from that era, you must have some Bill Peterson stories.
"Bill Peterson hired incredible coaches for his staff. And by good fortune we ended up with a very good group of players that were really tight personally and physically talented to make a mark for themselves. Along the way we found we had one of the most entertaining and colorful coaches you could ever have. His misuse of the English language was classic, and we looked forward to every meeting because we never knew what we were going to hear. The great thing is you never have to exaggerate. Just tell the truth and it's automatically a good story."

Talk about Peterson the Coach.
"Coach Pete was very intense about his desire to win, his willingness to work and to be inventive. He was totally dedicated to the passing game and learning as much about it and creating something that made a niche. One that he could recruit to and attract QBs and receivers to his style of game.

Clemson hoping Brent Venables can do for the Tiger D what Chad Morris did with the offense in 2010

Long before the final gun in January's Orange Bowl game it was apparent that Kevin Steele was a goner. When your defense gives up 70-points in a BCS game you pretty much know you'll be cleaning out your desk.

Enter Brent Venables, the guy whose Oklahoma defense got the job done last year. Venables is already making an impact, but does he have the same calibre talent to work with at Clemson? He talked about the challenges on 790 the Zone.

On what Dabo Swinney told him he wants done.

"I don’t think his philosophy changed from one coach to another. He wants guys to play with discipline. I’m a foundation of discipline, toughness and effort. And I wanted them (defensive players) to know that there’s a fresh start."

On a Clemson D-line that lost four of its six top players.

"We’re thin at defensive end. But we’ve got a couple of guys like Corey Crawford who played last year as a true freshman who’s got good size, good upside. He’s learning how to play with consistency like all young guys. That sense of urgency and desperation you want your guys to bring to practice and the weight room every day. The model of consistency is what you’re looking for, like with all the great players.

"And then I really like our young D-tackles. I don’t know all their names yet but I know them by their numbers. But there’s Grady Jarrett, Deshawn Williams, Josh Watson, and Tavaris Barnes. They’re athletic, they can bend, they’ve shown toughness. And now we just want to put it all together and be able to bring it everyday. And (assistant coach) Dan Brooks is as good as there is at coaching D-tackles. That’s the position on paper that lacks the most experience. But watching them through seven practices I haven’t been overly concerned that way. And these guys are showing more than just the ability to stay in the gap."

On linebacker Tony Steward (who FSU fans thought was a lock to the Noles), but was injured about two-thirds of the way through last season.

"Our 4-3 scheme is really tailor-made for linebackers to use their ability as runners and hitters. And he’s an instinctive guy that’s got great, great explosiveness. I actually knew of him but couldn’t get him when I was at Oklahoma, and thought he would stay in Florida. So I knew of him and Stephone Anthony as well. When I came I knew he’d had two ACL’s, but I wanted to see him at his best, so I YouTubed him. And holy cow! I can see why Nick Saban said he was the best high school linebacker he’d seen in a long, long time.

"The thing I like is that he’s got an incredible attitude. A lot times when a guy’s been hurt and not playing right now, they’re in a funk and got their lip stuck out. He’s eager to get back out on the field and I think he’ll be fully released at the end of May."

Meet your personal sales rep for FSU tickets

FSU's ticket office is doing a better job of reaching out to Nole fans, caring for current customers and helping first-time ticket buyers find a good spot at Doak. As part of that effort, meet Kris Dolen (that's him on the right). He's a full time account exec in the ticket office and our rep for ChantRant readers -- and he's available by phone or email (contact info follows) to help the best way he can. For starters, Kris answers many of the questions about 2012 ticket packages, Booster contributions and one very important road game.

For first-time season ticket buyers, what level of Booster contribution do they need to buy seats?

A: First-time season ticket buyers don’t necessarily need a Booster membership to purchase season tickets but I HIGHLY recommend it as your Booster Level and cumulative priority points determine where your season tickets will be located, where you'll be able to park on game day, give you the best opportunity to secure away game and bowl game tickets, and many other perks including the social networking opportunities that come with “BOOSTER LIFE”.

And it's important for all of our fans to know that their Booster membership makes a difference for our program, funding more than $10 million of the annual athletic budget!

I always recommend coming in as at least a Warrior Booster, which is an annual $600 contribution. By doing so, you're entitled to at least two of the best seats in the stadium (Priority 1, 2, or 3). You're also getting on-campus parking on game day and building up a good deal of priority points to be used towards seating upgrades and away/bowl game ticket opportunities.

Higher Booster contribution levels give you access to more priority seating, closer and even assigned parking on game day. This link details each Booster membership. You can also call me directly at (850) 645-9771, my cell, (954) 816-6738, or email me at [email protected] and I can answer any questions and go through the priority point process in greater detail.

Do you have discounts for recent graduates to get involved with Seminole football?

A: Yes! Absolutely! Any recent graduate (3 years removed from graduation or sooner) is eligible for 2 season tickets at only $199. These are actually in the top of section 12 on the sideline. This is the absolute best offer available for anyone recent graduates looking to stay involved with FSU athletics.