The College Gameday Network » 2009 Seminoles

Florida State Avoids Embarrassment, Looks Towards #7 BYU.

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:22:34 +0000

By Daniel Brommer |Florida State Gameday Correspondent

Florida State survived it’s biggest scare in school history, losing to Jacksonville State, an FCS team.. FSU trailed 9-7 late into the fourth quarter until the offense finally avoided a turnover plagued drive.

In the waning moments of a tiresome game, the offense found the will to win and Ty Jones drove in the dagger, but that wasn’t the final blow. On the ensuing offensive drive for Jacksonville State, Jacobi McDaniel sacked quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, yes the same Ryan Perrilloux two years removed from the National Championship LSU team, forcing a fumble only to be returned for a touchdown by defensive end Kevin McNeil.

So is there cause for concern? Absolutely.

No hangover lasts that long, especially when it comes from a hard fought battle and a loss that the ‘Noles suffered to rival Miami just five days prior.

The rust was worn off, the first game jitters were out the window. This was the home opener ladies and gentleman. A home opener against a much lesser opponent.

Sure the three turnovers didn’t help, nor did the poor defensive play by the secondary, but we’re talking about a powerhouse. Admit it or not, Florida State is still considered a powerhouse when it’s matched up against an FCS team.

How does the old saying go? A wins a win. Which is exactly the case in this scenario. The only problem is this was supposed to be a tune up game. Something to get the fans excited about for the cross country trip to BYU this Saturday. The seventh ranked team in the country which happens to be blazing hot at the moment.

Is there cause for concern? Again absolutely. The Florida State secondary still hasn’t gelled. Sophomore cornerback Dionte Allen displayed flashes of shutdown ability Saturday against Jacksonville State, but again that was against Jacksonville State.

The real test comes this weekend against BYU. A pass happy team that still has balance. Max Hall is one of the best pure passers in the country. He gets everyone involved in the offense as well.

The secondary for Florida State will have to find a chemistry and find it quick.

As for the offense, Christian Ponder looks more and more like he’s coming into his own. He didn’t have a touchdown against Jacksonville State, but he did have a career high 324 yards passing.

Richard Goodman is looking like he’s the go to guy for Ponder.

If Florida State is going to upset BYU they will need to have a more balanced attack. The running game was supposed to be ready to go by now, but it’s almost like they have regressed.

Jermaine Thomas will need to get healthy quick.

Turnovers will be the key to the game. If Florida State can avoid them, then an upset could happen. However if they don’t, then it could be a long night for the ‘Noles.

JSU Head Coach Jack Crowe On Florida State

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:46:58 +0000

Jacksonville State Head Coach Jack Crowe On Florida State

September 8,2009

“Watching ESPN they flash up this scroll of the top 25 schedule and I think we are the only team that is on the scroll two straight weeks by the teams in top 25. I would say we are in a unique position going from one to the next. What you have in Georgia Tech is about as powerful offensive team that led the ACC in offense last year, but right behind them is Florida State. Florida State is on the other end of the spectrum, which its all about speed and skill players. We are going to have to make a tremendous adjustment to play those different styles of offenses back-to-back and the offenses of that quality. Ryan (Perrilloux) being back this week really gives us a chance to maybe get to the style of play that we have been planning and working on.”

ESPN College Football Studio Show To Go Live From Doak Campbell Stadium

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:19 +0000

ESPN’s College Football Studio Show will originate live from the field at Doak Campbell Stadium on the campus of Florida State University on Monday, September 7, 2009.

The show features host Rece Davis and expert analysts Lou Holtz and Mark May and will build a set in the northeast corner of the stadium floor. Several live shows will originate from here throughout the day prior to the Florida State vs. Miami football game that is scheduled to kickoff at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN that night.

The gates to Doak Campbell Stadium will open two hours prior to kickoff and although the ESPN Studio Show will telecast several shows before the stadium is open, fans who enter the stadium early can watch the pregame show live. Ticket holders are reminded that Florida State does not allow re-entry to the stadium.

FSU’s entire student body will be seated in the north end zone this year and student seating all year long will be general admission for the first times in years. Florida State students must still register for a ticket on-line at seminoles.com and have a valid student ID with them to enter the stadium.

Seminoles Complete Final Football Scrimmage of Pre-Season

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:39:52 +0000

Courtesy of Seminoles.com:

Quarterback Christian Ponder completed six of 11 passes for 65 yards and one touchdown in the Seminoles’ final scrimmage of the pre-season Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium. The second-year starter completed five of his last seven passes including a 12-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Richard Goodman. He completed his longest pass of the morning (a 22-yard pass) to wide receiver Jarmon Fortson.

The scrimmage came only nine days before the Seminoles open the 2009 season against Miami on Labor Day night at home in a nationally televised game on ESPN. The game is set to kick-off at 8:00 p.m.

Running back Jermaine Thomas ran the ball well as he accumulated 41 yards on five carries for an 8.2 yards per carry effort. In addition, Ty Jones gained 11 yards on two carries and Tavares Pressley gained 11 yards on four carries. Freshman Lonnie Pryor had two catches for 52 yards including a scrimmage-high 49-yard reception from quarterback Will Secord.