AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFlorida State a lot like Alabama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tallahassee, Fla.-Our preseason tour continues at Florida State where Jimbo Fisher is the head coach in waiting for Bobby Bowden, Division I-A football’s all-time winner.
Later this summer we will do a Q&A with Fisher as he walks us through what the season will be like for him and for Bowden. But on Tuesday I spent time hanging around the football offices trying to pick up some nuggets about the Seminoles, who have gone 7-6 the past two seasons. Here are a few:
1. Florida State, Alabama programs are similar: Florida State’s success has tailed off the last three season (8-5, 7-6, 7-6) for one reason only. The Seminoles’ simply don’t have as many great football players as they did during the great run of 1987-2000 when they finished in the top five of the polls for 14 straight seasons.
Why did recruiting drop off? There are a lot of reasons but here’s two: Georgia’s program was elevated under Mark Richt (who came in 2001) and LSU’s program began locking down the best players in that state when Nick Saban got there about the same time. Before that Florida State would routinely go into Georgia (Charlie Ward) and Louisiana (Warrick Dunn) to cherry pick great players.
Like Alabama, Florida State is convinced that this incoming recruiting class will be the foundation for the resurgence of the program. This season will be spent trying to blend these talented, young players with the veteran players.
“We could be wrong. But if we evaluated these players properly, they will be talented enough to push a lot of our older guys,” Fisher said. “We think that’s a good thing.”
2. The first three games will be interesting: Florida State will be without seven starters in the first three games (Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Wake Forest) because of the academic cheating scandal that was revealed last December. The coaching staff has a dilemma. You have to get the new guys ready to play the first three games but you also have to the get suspended guys ready for the rest of the season after they come back.
So the question is: How do you practice? Who gets the most reps?
Fisher and defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews have a plan.
“We’re going to put the suspended guys in their regular spots for the first 3-4 days of practice,” Fisher said. “We will get them settled. Then we will move them back and bring in the young guys in order to get them ready for the game. And we’re going to ask the guys who can’t play to help us coach the new guys. If it works like we hope, we’ll get to the fourth game with some proven depth.”
But Andrews, in his 25th year as defensive coordinator, adds this: “We may have some suspended guys who won’t be starters when they come back. Some of these young guys are pretty good.”
3. Three JUCOs will make an immediate impact: Defensive end Markus White was the national junior college defensive player of the year and led the country in sacks (26). He will team with Everette Brown at the other end to give Florida State the kind of players off the edge that the Seminoles have been lacking the past few seasons.
“Markus just came to us this summer but we think he has a chance to be outstanding,” Andrews told me.
One of the things Fisher wants to do is sign bigger, more durable backs for Florida State like the ones he had at LSU. Antone Smith (5-9, 188) is still the starting tailback but he will be pushed by JUCO transfer Tavares Pressley (6-1, 215). Pressley averaged less than 10 carries a game at El Camino (Calif.) Community College but ran for 832 yards.
Wide receiver Corey Surrency is big (6-5, 210) was recruited by LSU and West Virginia.
“We expect all of the JUCOs to have an immediate impact,” Fisher said.
4. Florida State will be stronger and better-conditioned: One of the problems Florida State has had during its recent slide was an overall lack of physical conditioning. No one will say this out loud, but I have always believed that the death of Devaughn Darling in 2001 had a psychological affect on this program. Darling, just 18, collapsed and died during off-season conditioning drills in March.
Todd Stroud, a former Seminole football player, came here in 2007 to take over the strength and conditioning program. He has now had time to put his program in place and start getting results.
The off-season conditioning program is vital to the success of a football team in the fall. The conditioning coach has to be willing to push players, but be smart about it, in order for them to improve. It’s not easy, but it is very important.
“It’s made all the difference in the world,” Fisher said of the off-season program. “Our guys are much stronger.”
5. Keep your eye on Christian Ponder at quarterback: Senior Drew Weatherford has started 33 games at quarterback for Florida State and deserves to be the starter when the season begins. But don’t be surprised if red-shirt sophomore Christian Ponder makes an impact pretty early in this season.
“Drew has done a good job for us but so has Christian,” Fisher said. “He is now mentally ready to play.”
How smart is Ponder? He graduated from high school early and enrolled at Florida State in January of 2006. He will graduate this week (in less than three years) and start pursuing his Master’s degree this fall.
Weatherford will also be pushed by D’Vontrey Richarson, a red-shirt sophomore from Leesburg, and true freshman E.J. Manuel from Virginia Beach. Manuel, Fisher told me, will get his reps in preseason practice and get a chance to compete for the job.
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Comments
By Dallas Dawg
August 6, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Yawn……….
Tony, go back down and ask Tuberville why he allows players to gang up and beat the hell out of other players? It’s amazing how this is being covered up down there in armpit auburn. It would be front page news and on ESPN if were happening at UGA.
By Roswell Ed
August 6, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
The kid had a bad attitude, he had to go. We recruit high character kids at Auburn. Kids who go to class, kids who graduate with legitimate degrees, kids who play championship football. Nothing like what they do in Athens.
WDE
By Gadawg
August 6, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed,thanks for the laugh.Its nice to see Bloggers telling Jokes this early! Go DAWGS!!!
By ATLnole0731
August 6, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
Tony, FSU couldn’t recruit great players on offense because Jeff Bowden was in control of the offense. Who wants to come play for a team to get coached by a Z rated offensive coordinator and a head coach who admits he’s nothing more than a recruiting figurehead.
Sure it’s pretty cool when Bobby walks into your living room, but in the end, itst the ‘what can you do for me’ mentality that counts.
Its no coincedence that FSU’s slide began when Richt left and Georgia’s rise began. Richt was a super offensive coordinator and now that the ship has been turned (I’m refusing to say righted just yet), hopefully we will see some better results!
By bill
August 6, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
I see no mention of the Letter of Allegations FSU recieved from the NCAA in June.This academic scandal is by no means over.
By stupidmutts
August 6, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Gadawg, shut up your dawgs have noooooooo room whatsoever to talk. Everyone in the whole country is laughing at your so called football program. Give me a break, the team keeps getting into trouble and you call out other teams? PLEASE! Trust me, we are all laughing at that pathetic school in Athens. The joke is on you.
By Mikey in Sav
August 6, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
No program is without “trouble”. Even the sacred Joe Pa has had some kids in trouble recently… These kids are going to do what kids do -drink and party… Do you recall your college days ?
By SecIsFootball
August 6, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed….So AU recruits high character kids? Does this high character include several player ganging up on a freshman and beating his a$$? Does it also include freshman who get their a$$ kicked and then quit the team? With AU’s new angle of recruiting only “high character” kids (probably because he knows he cannot beat Saban for the top players in AL), it is going to show in the long run when AU football takes a nose dive.
By Haywood Jablowme
August 6, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
1). As long as it’s Jimbo, and not Bobby evaluating talent, I agree. Their recruiting class is strong. It remains to be seen if they will pan out. Injuries, academic trouble and (maybe) brushes with the law will trim the heard. Of course, there is also the possibility that some of these young men will also just not live up to their hype. It happens all the time. Jasper Sanks, anyone??
2.) They will win at least 2 of the first 3, academic scandal nonwithstanding. The Wake game may prove to be problematic, however. Wake beat them the last 2 years in a row, even with all their players.
3.) The problem with JOCOs is that they have only 1 or 2 years to play. The reason that they came from JUCO in the first place is likely because of academics…..which may or may not be another problem.
4.) Of course, things are better if you are better conditioned than the opponent. FSU will be better conditioned and stronger. The question is, do they know HOW to win the close games? The problem over the last 3 years is that FSU didn’t know how to win close ones, and often panicked when trailing late in a game. Most FSU people will tell you that they dread seeing Bobby put on the headset and begin calling plays in a game where FSU is trailing. The last thing they want to see is Bobby calling a WR reverse like he used to do when he actually did coach the team.
5.) Anything is better than the Weatherford/Lee combination at QB. He11, anything is better than just Weatherford back there. That’s another big problem FSU has had. They haven’t had a real playmaker at QB since Weinke was there back in 2000.
By Jim
August 6, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed, How much did Furr get to keep his mouth shut? Probably wasn’t the same as Wayne Hall got, but I would imagine it’s a lot considering he could easily file criminal charges. Nice program. Tell Tommy to keep up the good work, I know if there is a 2-star recruit that no one else is recruiting, Tuberville will snatch him up!!!!!
By joe
August 6, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Uh oh, if FSU is alot like Bama, they are in for a loooooonnnnnggg year at 5-7…
By JD
August 6, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Hey Jim, Tuberville picking up 2 stars is not bad recruiting, its great scouting. Ever heard of two star Sen’Derrick Marks. The kids a projected Top 10 pick in the NFL Draft next year. Seems to have worked out real bad for Auburn
By BC
August 6, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
FSU will be better this year, i see 8 or 9 wins. Jimbo and his crew are doing a great job and have the program on the right track.
By HomeDawg
August 6, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
stupidmutts: “Everybody” is laughing? That’s mighty absolute. Apparently doesn’t include all the sportswriters and coaches who are fairly impressed with “the so-called football program”. How does your program stack up (if you are willing to admit to one)?
By PTC DAWG
August 6, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I know my friends in DEEP south Georgia who haven’t already given up on the Noles, are ready for a turn around. I think the quicker ol Bobby leaves, the better off FSU will be.
And believe me, from a UGA fan’s perspective, a STRONG FSU is good for UGA, as they compete heavily with FU for the players.
By JB
August 6, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I agree FSU will be better this year and much better in 2009. Jimbo is a great coach and is doing great things in Tallahassee. Bobby is really just a figure head now, it seems like Jimbo has complete control of the X’s & O’s.
I am sure the Penn State fans would love to have a Head Coach in Waiting in place, is has been nothing but positive so far for FSU.
By AUtiger
August 6, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Obviously no these idiots who are making comments about Furr have ever played football. Fights happen ALL the time in practice and for this kid to quit after scuffle doesn’t say a whole lot about his toughness. I’m glad he is gone. I’m sure his punk attitude will fit right in with the thugs at UGA.
By SecIsFootball
August 6, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
JD….ahhh…the old trusty Tuberville is a great evaluator of talent. These coaches who sign top flight classes and play for NC’s (Carroll, Stoops, Tressel, Richt, Meyey, Miles, Brown, ect.) are just lucky every year, right? Give that stuff a rest. AU was averaging a #11 recruiting ranking by Rivals prior to Saban’s arrival. He was completely shut out of the top in state players last year (count event sign a top kid out of Auburn HS) and what is really sad, he was shut out by a team that has lost to AU six years in a row!!!! If telling yourself that Tubs and staff are these great evaluators of talent makes you feel sorry about the joke of a class you have committed now, hey, knock yourself out. But these players Tubs is bring in are below par in comparison with most of the guys Tubs recruited in the past and it will show on the field very quickly!
By Diamond Dawg
August 6, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed, Knowshon says come and pick up your “championship caliber” player’s jock strap, it’s still on the turf in Sanford stadium.
By Roswell Ed
August 6, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Someone has again hijacked my name!!
Can’t the AJC figure out how to register US so that this doesn’t happen?
Probably not. They can’t figure out how to hold onto their best sports writer TB.
I can’t believe the AJC is keeping the race baiter Moore and the biggest suck up in the world MARK BRADLEY.
Oh never mind. Yes I can.
Terrence Moore’s next article on Ken Griffey JR will be his hundreth and I’ll bet you 10,0000 that Bradley will pick the Dogs #1 in 2009 again and that he will dust off that article about how great Richt is at the same time.
The saddest part about this is that its not that the AJC has gone down recently.
It’s always sucked.
The big reason is that the leftists that run the paper can’t figure out that if they geared the paper to the mostly conservative audience that actually might read the paper or at least paid them some attention they would be just fine.
You pick up the AJC and you’re more likely to see an article on the Atl hip hop community than you are about Nobama or McCain.
The AJC SUCKS.!!
By SecIsFootball
August 6, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed….if you name was hijacked, I will apologize for me comments directed at the post from “you” above.
By JL
August 6, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Why has FSU declined? Four words, Bobby Bowden….Urban Meyer.
Only time well tell if Jimbo is the answer. He is the same guy that scored 3 and 10 points repsectively against Auburn and Florida in 2006 with three first round 2007 NFL draft picks, and numerous other high draft choices on up and down his LSU roster.
I don’t know of a single LSU fan that would trade you Crowton to get Jimbo back.
By Diamond Dawg
August 6, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Should have known it was not Ed. No bolded type. Apologies. Agree with the comments about the leftist paper, TM and Bradley. Spot on.
By Big Dawg
August 6, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed may have just had a brain hemorrhage!
By Mooky V.
August 6, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
FSU declined because a dirty program doesn’t pay off in the long run. Suggestion for His Phoniness: go recruit the real thugs that put your puppies in the hospital. By the way, Paterno didn’t sit his bad boys out for two meaningless games. He kicked them off the team.
By Roswell Ed
August 6, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
I am soooooo gay for Tubbs
By bama_12titles
August 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed is right in one respect.They have had much fewer discipline problems at Auburn overall. But to say they have legit degrees is a joke. Its common knowledge at Auburn that the football players are all steered into 2 easy majors, family & child development and sociology. Everyone steers poor academic players to some degree though so lets be honest about it. Bradley has it right on in recruiting. The rise of UGA under Richt and LSU under Saban was due directly to those 2 coaches locking down top instate talent that was going to FSU and elsewhere. Dominate your home state talent and you will be a nat’l power. The mantra at Auburn now is that they recruit “high character” kids because Saban is destroying Tubbs in head to head instate recruiting. We got the nation’s #1 recruiting class last year mainly because we beat Auburn 14-0 in head to head battles for the top instate players. Same thing is happening this year as we will sweep the top 7, 8 of the top 10, and basically take all the top instate recruits that we want from Tubbs. Its pretty much over for Tubbs. He used to dominate Shula in recruiting but now he can’t even snag an occasional player from Saban. He’s getting a bunch of 1 and 2 star players where he used to get 4 and 5 star players against Shula. The talent differential will show itself on the field very quickly.Stick a fork in Tubbs. He’s done.
By USAFCCF
August 6, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that Mr Tony is leaving the AJC! The college football coverage is gonna suffer. Who’s running this paper anyway??
By KR
August 6, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I can’t remember… what trophy does a team get for winning the recruiting class competition?
Every time ‘Bama gets a new coach (and lately, that’s pretty often), their fans declare Tuberville to be done. How many guys have tried and failed to wear the houndstooth hat while Tuberville has remained at AU?
Maybe you guys should take baby steps first. Maybe go for 7 wins in the regular season? Heck, with that highly touted recruiting class, it should be within reach.
Tony, FSU is like ‘Bama in that their fans are still clinging to a memory of dominance, which will probably never come around again.
WAR EAGLE!
By bama_12titles
August 6, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Hey KR, We just went through our bad coaching carousel the same way other programs went through several coaches before they found the right one. UGA went through Goff and Donnan before they found the right guy, LSU went through a series of coaches(8 losing seasons in 11 years)before Saban resurrected the program in 2 years. You’re just ticked because the writing is on the wall. We got the right guy with a proven track record and Tubbs is getting his clock absolutely cleaned in terms of recruiting. Its only a matter of time before the immense talent differential really starts to show on the field. And BTW, we don’t have to go that far back to our glory days. We were the 5th winningest program of the 90s before the probation days of the 2000s. You had a great run but if you can’t even snag one recruit from Saban after beating us 6 in a row then what direction is your program heading in? 6 in a row is nice but those days are in the past. Start thinking about the future KR and quit living in the past. Start thinking about my 4 and 5 start recruits going up against your 1 and 2 star recruits from this year forward. Deal with it! Its coming and there aint nothing you can do about it!
By BravesFan79
August 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
By Mikey in Sav August 6, 2008 8:20 AM No program is without “trouble”. Even the sacred Joe Pa has had some kids in trouble recently… These kids are going to do what kids do -drink and party… Do you recall your college days ?
Sorry Mikey but this is different. These loosers now rap about killing people and are dumb enough to make videos saying so… and how about the AL freshman football player from college park that pulled a gun and robbed 2 other college kids at a dorm. Over 20 BUCKS!!
This isnt a “college kid” issue… its a young black male issue! A good # of these cats have NO morals and values. Its the trademark of their culture… all about $$… no respect for anyone but themselves
As someone whos survived carjackings, robberies, and set up attempts by gangs while working my job in apts thru atlanta i know black culture probably better than anyone else here. Trust me… its NOT WORTH A DAMN!!
Damn why are white people so passive and scarred to say the truth these days!!??
If a race of people leave over 70% of their kids with NO fathers, and are 11 TIMES more likely to have AIDS… SOMETHINGS WRONG!!
Ive seen it with my own eyes, from decatur, to clayton, from boulevard to MLK, roswell rd to clevland avenue. All the same, no respect for life, others, or themselves. And im no victim…. im one of the most streetsmart cats youll ever meet so if i can get setup it can happen to anyone!
Thank God that the good lord made me smarter than them cats because i thought my way out of every situation.
By KR
August 6, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure I’d declare Bama’s coaching woes over just yet. Unless of course, your goal was to have the highest paid coach in college football ($3.75 million last year) deliver a 7 and 6 season.
By Gosh Darn it
August 6, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
One name nobody talks about…Dave Van Halanger….
By Jumbo
August 6, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I think Crowton is a better offensive mind than Jimbo and I’m not saying that because he is no longer at LSU. In 2006 I was very frustrated with him. Like an earlier post I was perturbed we could only score 3 on Auburn but we were loaded with talent on offense: Bowe, Craig Davis, Hester, Doucet and Jamarkus,etc.
By TDawg
August 6, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony! When are you going to report that the NCAA has stepped efforts against FSU? They received their Notice of Allegations in June. They have been sitting on it, hoping that no one finds out. Well, guess what? It came out in the Tallahassee Democrat Sunday. There will be forfeitures for “Illegal participation” costing Bowden in his geriatric race with Paterno (speculation of course). Why is this not news??!!! Bowden’s legacy will come down to losing a race to Paterno over a cheating scandal. Seems important to me. I don’t know.
I figured I would ask, because if you WERE there, don’t you think this is something they MIGHT want to tell you? Before they used you like propaganda dishrag?
By SecIsFootball
August 6, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
KR…remind me again….what was Tubs record in his first year at AU? Last I checked, he didnt win 10 games. In fact, in his 10 years down on the pasture, he has won 10 games only twice and has ONLY 1 SEC title.
As for Tubs being at AU, wait and see what happens after his first loss to UA! Your AD (Bobby Lowder) hates Tubs and will have him removed very quickly when he loses to UA!
Enjoy your success over UA while you have it. All of the 2 star recruits will soon show you why they were only ranked as 2 star recruits!
By KR
August 6, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Tuberville’s 1st season at Auburn was pretty unspectacular. But in comparison to you ‘Bama fans, we didn’t go around screaming that we were going to dominate the SEC and your coach was going to get run out of town or anything like that.
I know it’s been a long time and you can’t remember, but ‘Bama actually has beaten Tuberville in the past. And he’s still there…
Lowder’s feelings about Tuberville and any actions he’s tried in the past have nothing to do with the win/loss record over ‘Bama or anyone else.
Good luck against Clemson.
WAR EAGLE!
By Gatorhound
August 6, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
So, When asked to use the word dictate in a sentence,Miles said,Jimbo say my dictate dood!
By War Eagle
August 6, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
bama12titles, first bama has not won 12 titles..YOUR COMMENTS ARE BRAVE FOR A TEAM WHO HAS LOST SIX straight, to Auburn,under .500PCT in SEC wins for last ten years, who lost to N.Illinois, LaMonroe, LaTech and beaten like a drum by LSU, Tenn and Florida… Get you Suitcast packed and win some games and titles before blowing your horn like Bama owns SEC…Enjoy your 3rd to4th finish in the West this year… Bama plus 5 1/2,Wow, betters dream
By Diamond Dawg
August 6, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Tony leaves.
Terrence stays.
That sucks.
By JaseAce1
August 7, 2008 4:23 AM | Link to this
So, When asked to use the word dictate in a sentence,Miles said,Jimbo say my dictate dood!
LOL……man that is hilarious! I didn’t know Miles had a speech impediment? LOL
By Mooky V. is an idiot
August 7, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Mooky,
I’ve got news for you. 14 straight top 5 finishes is the textbook definition of “paying off in the long run”.
Nice try.
By jeff curry
August 7, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
I cant believe how some of you dawg fans act. You play auburn, lsu, s.carolina, tennessee, florida, and arizona sate, with 4 of those games on the road. Just remember, georgia or anyone could EVER stay number 1, with a schedule like that. So don’t say things you’ll end up regretting later. get real.
By Crimson Dove
August 8, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
to WAREAGLE: In Fact, Alabama DOES claim ownership of 12 National Championship Rings, and 21 SEC Titles as well. Auburn on the other hand has 7…8 if you count the one you should have shared, and 10 SEC Titles. I may be an idiot, but the numbers pretty much say it all. Check your facts.