big 3 news

[smazza]

Seminoles working on improving offensive line

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  A year ago, many of Florida State's late-season problems were the result of an offensive line that couldn't protect quarterback Drew Weatherford or give the running backs enough space to break loose for long gains.

And coach Bobby Bowden wants that situation remedied by the time the Seminoles kick off their season Sept. 4 at Miami.

"The main thing is that we are trying to get everyone playing where they are going to play," Bowden said after Thursday's 2½-hour practice. "We still have a long way to go."

Bowden also pointed out that most of the backups on the offensive line are freshmen and sophomores with no playing experience.

"Looking at the film it shows you how much work you have got to do," Bowden said after reviewing the team's first scrimmage Wednesday night.

One of the closest battles for a starting job is between sophomore Dumaka Atkins and junior John Frady at the important center position.

The team regained the services Thursday of defensive tackle Letroy Guion, who participated in all of the non-contact work for the first time this preseason on and hopes to be fully cleared to practice by Monday.

However, starting quarterback Tony Carter left practice after injuring his right groin. Carter, however, said he didn't expect to miss any more practice time.

Fullback Joe Surratt was excused Thursday to travel home for a personal matter, Bowden said.

[smazza]

Miami's Williams not going to Mississippi junior college

POPLARVILLE, Miss.  Former Miami linebacker Willie Williams will not transfer to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, head football coach Tim Hatten said Wednesday.

"He failed to reach some stipulations we set (for enrolling at PRCC and playing football) and I'll just leave it at that," Hatten said.

Williams asked Miami to release him from his scholarship in July, ending a saga that started in February 2004, when his record of 11 arrests was revealed publicly on the same day he signed a letter of intent with the Hurricanes.

He was allowed to enroll at Miami, provided he adhered to strict academic and off-field rules. He never became a starter with the Hurricanes, prompting his search for a new school.

Pearl River won the 2004 NJCAA championship, finished last season ranked No. 3 among junior colleges, and is the top-ranked team in this year's preseason polls.

[smazza]

Florida's Demps in doubt due to knee

GAINESVILLE, Fla.  Florida backup linebacker Jon Demps re-injured his surgically repaired left knee and could be out for the season.

Demps tore the graft tissue doctors used to repair his anterior cruciate ligament last year. Coach Urban Meyer said the sophomore from Pensacola will have a decide whether he wants to try to play through it or have another surgery.

"There is a percentage of players ... that brace up, strengthen their knee and play with it and there are those that have surgery," Meyer said. "It's up to Jon and his family, and our doctors are going to advise him what's best."

Demps played in four games last season before having season-ending surgery Nov. 28. He had been a candidate to claim a starting linebacker spot this fall alongside Brandon Siler and Earl Everett, but he quickly fell behind senior Brian Crum.

[SRQ]

Get off here with Big 3; its the Big 4.  Only four BCS programs in the state.

[DawgPound]

But only 3 legitimate schools. ;D

[SRQ]

USF didn't whine their way into BCS; they were invited.  One usually isn't invited where one doesn't belong.

[DawgPound]

Indeed they were invited.  That doesn't put them on the same level with FSU, UM and UF.  They all have conference titles, BCS bowl victories and national titles.

[E.T.]

But only 3 legitimate schools. ;D

Admitting UCF doesn't belong in the term: "legit"  ;D

USF is LEGIT !

[goodknightfl]

there is no big 4...  :  USF isnt  anywhere near the other 3... they all have nat title or titles... they all have conf champs and many bcs wins and visits.. USF has none of those things. :'(

[E.T.]

What is funny about FSU ... remember last season(I BULLieve) they were crying about depth on OL and injuries ... but they also always talk about their depth and how good their 2nd string is ...

LOL