Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael McGuffee

Bobby Bowden Steps Down, Florida State Moves on With Jimbo Fisher

Michael McGuffee — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:17:20 -0500

Today, Florida State says farewell to a living legend.

There will never be another Bobby Bowden, nor will college football ever witness another coaching tenure as long or as successful as his.

At Florida State, Bowden built a national powerhouse from scratch. His values not only shaped his football program and the many young men he mentored, but also the university that grew around his personality and his success.

Beyond football, Bobby Bowden has always been a class act and a role model.

There are no mysteries when it comes to Bowden—the definition of “down to earth.” He is a man of faith whose lighthearted, Southern charm can make anyone feel comfortable.

He’s a fighter who sees the best in every situation, and whose success has made him a college football icon—though you wouldn’t know it by looking at him.

In a perfect world, Bobby Bowden would coach forever.

Unfortunately, the real world is far from perfect.

In the real world, football is a business, and the Seminoles are on the verge of going bankrupt.

It’s not that the Florida State faithful are not thankful for everything Bowden has accomplished; they just don’t want their debts of gratitude to keep the Seminoles from investing in the program’s future.

As Florida State struggled through the six-loss seasons and the humiliating defeats at the hands of the team’s biggest rivals, Bowden’s goal, as he said it, was always to get back to the way things were.

But it can’t be done. Bowden may be a saint in Tallahassee—with a statue and a stained glass mural to prove it—but not even Bowden can turn back the hands of time. Not even Bowden can keep college football from evolving beyond his years.

The fact of the matter is Florida State needs to get to where college football is going, not to where it has already been.

In 2007, Florida State’s offense received a modern makeover with the addition of Jimbo Fisher—an offensive coordinator hand-picked by Bowden to retool a once dominant offense and, eventually, to take over as head coach.

But this season, with the offense finally starting to show signs of life under the leadership of junior quarterback Christian Ponder, it was FSU’s defense that uncharacteristically deteriorated.

With the retirement of Mickey Andrews, Bowden’s right-hand man and longtime defensive coordinator, Florida State will undergo yet another dose of reconstructive surgery—this time on defense—this offseason.

With so many developing changes on the horizon for Florida State, it’s only fitting that the Seminoles finally embrace the new era waiting in the wings with head-coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher.

Sure, Bowden could stick it out for another year, but why? What does Bowden have to prove? That he can still coach?

Being the competitor that he is, I know it pains Bowden to see Florida State struggle, and I know he would keep coming back year after year if he could in his determination to right the ship in Tallahassee. But I hope Bowden realizes his work is done at Florida State.

His legacy is cemented in place. The values and traditions he has passed on to Florida State will guide his program for generations to come—even in his absence—and there’s nothing Bowden could have done for better or for worse next season to change that significantly.

Sadly, for Florida State, Bowden’s retirement is exactly what FSU needed. The sooner Bowden stepped down, the sooner Fisher could begin to provide Florida State with a new and more ambitious vision for the future—a vision that extends well beyond a one-year renewable contract.

Though it’s disappointing that Bowden did not get the opportunity to leave on his own terms, I think—despite his more recent statements—this is the exit Bowden always talked about.

Bowden said he didn’t want to be the boxer who fought one year too long. He said wanted to leave his successor with a promising team, and he said he would leave when it was the right move for the program.

Well, that day has come. Sure, no one thought it would end like this, but that’s reality. We don’t get to pick and choose how our lives unfold.

I think for Bobby Bowden it took one more loss to Urban Meyer and the Gators to face that reality. After six consecutive losses to the team’s archrival, including three consecutive dominant performances by the Gators, Bowden realized he could still coach, but not at a high enough level to compete with Meyer and the other elite coaches whose programs have surpassed his own.

Today is a sad day for Florida State, but it is also a day in which Tallahassee will embrace a fresh start and an exciting new era.

Today is a day to celebrate and be thankful for everything Bowden has accomplished—achievements so glorified they do not need repeating.

Bobby Bowden is an icon for all the right reasons. He is one of a kind, a great man and an incredible coach, and he has left his mark on the world as we know it.

So thanks, Bobby. Thanks for being a person first and a football coach second. Thanks for making college football fun, and thanks for all the memories.

You will be missed, but never forgotten, and Florida State will live on.

Florida State Needs Prized Recruit E.J. Manuel in the Worst Way

Michael McGuffee — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:39:28 -0500

For Florida State, the success of standout quarterback Christian Ponder has been the saving grace for an otherwise dismal season. But even Ponder faltered last Saturday against Clemson, throwing four interceptions and suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in a loss that all but put the kibosh on the Seminoles’ 2009 campaign.

With a slim chance of becoming bowl eligible, a great chance of taking another pounding from in-state rival Florida in a few weeks, and an 80-year-old head coach who sadly doesn’t really know what’s going on anymore, FSU’s season is essentially over.

So, while the spotlight now turns to redshirt freshman quarterback E.J. Manuel for FSU’s final three (possibly four) games this season, does it really even matter?

Well, for Seminole fans, it certainly should.

No one expects Manuel to come in Saturday against Wake Forest and deliver the performance of a lifetime or make up for all the agonizing moments the program has endured this season, but what the Seminoles do need from Manuel is a sign.

More than anything, Seminole fans need a sign that not all is lost. Saturday’s game is a chance for Manuel to prove there is hope for the future at Florida State, and that he has the potential to live up to his billing as an elite quarterback and Jimbo Fisher’s first prized recruit.

Sure, Ponder will most likely forego the NFL to return next season, but what happens the year after that? Will Manuel step up and provide the kind of smooth transition Florida State needs to continue to build on the progress Fisher’s offense has made thus far? Or will the defense turn around under a new coordinator just in time to see the offense regress with Manuel under center?

Granted, Florida State won’t have all the answers after Manuel’s first start in garnet and gold, nor would it be fair to put that kind of pressure on him, but like it or not, Florida State desperately needs Manuel to prove he can play.

After all, there are plenty of reasons why Florida State’s football program has fallen from grace, but none bigger than the fact that the big-time recruits that have kept FSU’s recruiting classes ranked among the best in the country have not delivered the big-time performances Seminole fans trusted they would.

Whether it was failing to qualify academically, disciplinary issues, or a lack of development on the part of the coaching staff, time and time again, prized FSU recruits have failed to contribute—none more so recently than the last highly touted duel threat quarterback recruit that committed to Florida State in 2004.

For those of you who do not already have a bitter taste in your mouth or a lone tear welling up in your eye, his name was Xavier Lee.

But it doesn’t stop there. DiShon Platt? Callahan Bright? Fred Rouse? Brandon Warren?

If you’re an FSU fan and these names don’t ring a bell, you’re not alone. Florida State has suffered through numerous five star recruits over the last several seasons who never, ever came to fruition.

Ironically, Christian Ponder—the best thing going for Florida State this season—was a three-star prospect from Colleyville, Texas that not many thought twice about.

As grateful as Seminole fans are for Christian Ponder and what he has meant to Florida State as a person, as a student, and as an athlete, it’s about time a big-time recruit came through for Florida State in a big way.

Saturday’s game against Wake Forest is the first of several opportunities for E.J. Manuel to do just that.

It may not matter this season, and it may not matter the next, but if Manuel can prove he's ready and willing to take the reigns and make a difference, the program may just be one step closer to making a comeback.

Mickey Andrews Confirms Year-End Retirement Plans: Is Bobby Bowden Next?

Michael McGuffee — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:09:46 -0500

Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews announced plans to retire at the end of this season through a statement released by the university today.

The 68-year-old Andrews, who hinted on several occasions that he planned to retire at the end of this season, made that decision official after 26 seasons with the Seminoles.

Andrews' statement in full was as follows:

"After last football season I told Diane I wanted to coach one more year. For several reasons we agreed that was the thing to do.

"We debated on when it should be announced—before the season or after it. Because of a lot of speculation and questioning from friends, family and media, we decided to go ahead and do it now.

"This is my last year as a football coach at Florida State. It has been a wonderful experience. We have been blessed.

"I just want to thank Coach Bowden for giving me the opportunity to come to Florida State in 1984. It has been 26 great years working for him. I also want to thank all the outstanding coaches and staff people I have worked with through the years.

"I especially want to thank all the players who gave so much of themselves to make this program so successful through the years.

"And finally, to the fans who make FSU so special—Go Noles!"

The announcement came three days after Florida State (4-4, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) hung onto another narrow victory, outscoring N.C. State 45-42. The Seminoles surrendered 538 yards of total offense in the win, and are currently ranked 109th in the country in total defense.

“You're putting too much on the offense when you don't play defense better than that," Andrews said Monday. “I guess probably the thing that stands out—for us to overcome it—we have to play smarter and we have to play with more determination.”

Andrews’ once dominant defensive unit has fallen by the wayside this season, giving up 10 more points per game than last season’s average as well as an uncanny 49 plays of 20 or more yards through eight games.

Even with the high-flying Seminole offense averaging 32 points per game, Florida State got off to an 0-3 start in conference play and won just two of the team’s first five home games. Saturday’s attendance against N.C. State of 67,712 was also the lowest at Doak Campbell Stadium since 1993.

However, the overall success of Andrews’ coaching tenure at Florida State lies in two national championships and a storied defense that was a dominant force for the better part of two decades.

Former Seminole defenders hailing from the Andrews’ era have made their presence felt all over the National Football League, including 19 first-round draft picks and 14 consensus All-Americans.

"He's been here 26 years and we've had such success and you just have to credit him with the success we've had since he came," FSU head coach Bobby Bowden said. "He's done such a great job. We'll miss him and his wife and family. He's a good church man and a good civic man and always has his priorities in order and puts his family ahead of football. He's a guy that has never slowed down. He's just as enthusiastic now as he was when he came here."

Andrews and his wife Diane were honored as the Grand Marshals of Florida State’s 2009 Homecoming Parade last weekend, and with the expected announcement of Andrews’ retirement today, the longtime coach will likely be honored again at FSU’s final home game against Maryland on Nov. 21.

At this point it is unclear as to how Florida State would go about naming a successor for Andrews. Bowden has yet to announce a timetable for his retirement, and it is not known whether he and head-coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher would make a decision jointly or if Fisher would be given the autonomy to make the decision on his own.

Andrews will stay on staff until Feb. 10, 2010—the date Bowden hired him 26 years ago to take charge of the Seminole defense.

Andrews is expected to address the media personally following the conclusion of tonight's practice.

Florida State Football's Mid-Season Report Card

Michael McGuffee — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:59:52 -0400

Throughout Florida State’s struggles this season, an odd statement has made its way around Tallahassee that seems quite ironic—especially with FSU coming off a Thursday night win over North Carolina.

“At least it’s almost basketball season.”

Certainly such a comment seems much better suited for Chapel Hill, where Tar Heels’ basketball has always been a March Madness mainstay. The football town of Tallahassee, however, hasn’t exactly enjoyed the Seminoles’ 3-4 start to what many hoped would be a promising season on the gridiron.

Ironically, Florida State’s basketball team began stealing some of the spotlight in Tallahassee after beating top-ranked North Carolina last March to advance to the Tribe’s first ever ACC championship game and make its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 years.

Thursday night, Florida State proved all is not lost in 2009—at least Seminole fans have the luxury of watching a rising star in quarterback Christian Ponder—but Bobby Bowden and the Seminole football team have hardly done enough this season to keep the spotlight from wandering to other sports in Tallahassee.

So, without further adieu, let’s grade the Noles’ performance through the first half of the season.

Coaching: C-

Bobby Bowden is on the hot seat, and for good reason. Not even the second most difficult schedule in the country can hide the fact that Florida State has underachieved this season in a big way.

For now, the job Jimbo Fisher has done to improve FSU’s offense gives this coaching staff a passing grade, but even he has endured his share of difficulties this season. Fisher’s play calling has come under fire several times this year, and the Noles efforts in the red zone—though better lately—have been less than efficient on the season.

Oddly, Fisher’s offense scored a combined 132 points against the three toughest teams on the schedule—Miami, BYU and Georgia Tech—in the first half of the season, but managed only two scores and seven points against Jacksonville State and South Florida, respectively. Florida State did, however, hang 30 points and nearly 400 yards passing on what was statistically the best passing defense in the country Thursday night in the team’s win over North Carolina.

Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, on the other hand, has a lot of explaining to do after a horrendous outing against Georgia Tech and an equally embarrassing first half against North Carolina.

Andrews’ defense has been uncharacteristically awful this season, giving up more points and more big plays than Seminole fans care to count. Then came FSU’s loss to the Yellow Jackets where the Noles gave up 49 points and 400 yards rushing—a defensive effort that looked even more horrific given the success of Fisher’s offense, which scored 44 points in the loss.

While the Seminoles are very young on defense, the unit’s dismal performance against Georgia Tech was beyond youth and inexperience—pointing instead to bad coaching and a lack of preparation.

Offense: B

Quarterback Christian Ponder is unofficially listed on the injury report with a sore back—at least he should be after carrying the Seminole offense through seven games this season. Ponder has been one of the lone bright spots for Florida State in 2009, and without him there’s no telling how far the Tribe would fall. With 2,176 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and just one interception, Ponder can probably thank a 3-4 record for not being a factor in this year’s Heisman race.

Aiding Ponder this season has been the offensive line and a talented group of receivers. Though the offensive line hasn’t exactly lived up to its lofty preseason expectations, the unit has been noticeably better this season and given Ponder the time he needs to step up in the pocket and make throws down the field. (In years past, Seminole fans would be saying, “What pocket?”)

Meanwhile, FSU receivers have outperformed expectations this year after the unit lost two starters last season. Bert Reed, Rod Owens and Richard Goodman each have at least 27 receptions and 350 yards receiving on the year, and the position has proven to have enough quality depth to let Ponder spread the ball around effectively.

Last, and least, has been the performance of Florida State’s tailbacks this season. Though Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones have shown flashes of potential, the unit has been inconsistent at best and fallen far short of expectations. In fairness, Fisher hasn’t put much emphasis on establishing the run this season, but nevertheless, it looks like the Noles will go yet another year without a 1,000-yard rusher.

Defense: F

For years during the Jeff Bowden era, Florida State’s defense put the team on its back as the offense struggled. Needless to say, the tables have turned this season. The Seminole secondary has been porous at best, and nothing about this defense has been particularly impressive. Though the defense is young, no one thought it would be this bad, and there’s little doubt among Seminole fans that Andrews’ oversimplified schemes haven’t done FSU’s inexperience any favors.

Florida State had no answer for Georgia Tech’s triple option, and Thursday night, Andrews defense couldn’t even keep contain against North Carolina en route to giving up 27 points to the worst offense in the ACC. The defensive line has been far from dominant, the linebackers are consistently out of position, and to say the secondary is gullible would be a significant understatement.

Unlike the elite, hard-hitting Florida State defenses of the past, this year’s squad is predictable and undisciplined. Seminole fans who wished and prayed for life on the offensive side of the ball over the last several seasons have to wonder if the grass is really all that greener on the other side.

But then again, why should the Seminoles have to choose one side or the other?

Here’s to hoping a new defensive coordinator can get more out of the talent FSU does have and bring a better balance to the team next season.

Special Teams: C

There’s little doubt true freshman kicker Dustin Hopkins has the talent and the leg to go the distance, but the Seminoles would certainly like him to be a little more consistent than 10 for 15. That said, Hopkins is coming off his best performance of the season against North Carolina, and seems to have put his extra-point phobia behind him.

Against the Tar Heels, Hopkins finished three for three and did not miss a single field goal attempt for the first time since the Seminoles’ season debut against Miami.

Meanwhile, sophomore punter Shawn Powell has done a pretty decent job this season. Powell is averaging 41 yards per punt, including 10 inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, and has avoided any costly mistakes thus far.

In the return game, true freshman Greg Reid has made a name for himself as the kind of impact player Florida State was looking for this season. Reid averages 81 return yards per game and has helped the Seminole offense establish favorable field position all season.

Defensively, FSU also has one blocked kick on the season. However, overall, Florida State’s special teams play hasn’t been the kind of weapon it has been in years past.

Florida State's Struggles Continue, Jimbo Fisher Not the Problem

Michael McGuffee — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:57:00 -0400

If anything can be taken from Florida State’s latest loss—a 49-44 triple-option tutorial taught by Paul Johnson and Georgia Tech—it’s that Jimbo Fisher’s offense isn’t the problem in Tallahassee.

As Bobby Bowden’s critics have grown in number over the past few weeks, so have Fisher’s. Many have cited FSU’s offensive struggles against Jacksonville State and South Florida as evidence that Fisher is not qualified to be the Seminoles’ next head coach.

Coming into Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech, others believed that FSU’s dismal start was every bit Fisher’s responsibility as it was Bowden’s, and that little would change if Bowden stepped down and Fisher was allowed to take over.

I argued, however, that these critics should also consider what Fisher has accomplished thus far at Florida State. Saturday night, Fisher’s offense did the talking for me, and in the process, singled out FSU’s most glaring weakness and renewed hope for Florida State’s future.

Led by standout quarterback Christian Ponder—whose play has been nothing short of Heisman worthy through six games this season—the Seminoles were nearly perfect out of the gates in the first half, scoring five touchdowns on five first-half possessions.

For the game, Fisher’s offense racked up 539 total yards, rushed 30 times for 180 yards, and converted 10 of 13 third downs. Ponder, who Fisher has groomed since he arrived at Florida State, completed 26 of 36 passing attempts for 359 yards and five touchdowns to five different receivers.

In short, Fisher’s offense came ready to play Saturday night. As for Mickey Andrews’ defense, well, not so much.

In fact, Florida State’s defense played like it had never seen the triple option before Saturday night, nevertheless prepared to stop it. Georgia Tech ran and scored at will against Andrews’ defense, which looked absolutely helpless en route to giving up 401 rushing yards to the Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech scored six of its seven touchdowns on the ground, completed just four passes the entire game, and was never forced to punt. Yet, Andrews' defense looked almost identical through four quarters.

The Seminoles did the same thing over and over again and somehow expected different results. This frame of mind has seemingly come to identify Mickey Andrews’ defense—old school football that looks, well, old.

While much of the blame for FSU’s defensive struggles this season have been placed on the team’s porous secondary, there were clearly more profound problems in effect against the Yellow Jackets.

Saturday’s defensive struggles were such that they could not simply be blamed on any one player, position or unit. Instead, they pointed to an outdated system and a defensive coaching staff that—much like its head coach—has fallen behind the times.

After the game, Bowden’s reaction was once again telling of a coach who has lost clarity and control over the years, and who continues to favor cronyism over accountability.

Bowden said his team simply could not stop Georgia Tech, and that the only way to beat them was to outscore them. His solution going forward was to avoid playing offenses that operated out of the wishbone.

While there is no denying Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense has been successful, certainly it is not unbeatable, and FSU fans can’t be happy with Bowden’s passive response.

Perhaps that very attitude is why the Seminoles have fallen from grace. Instead of proactively strategizing and finding ways to win, Bowden is now content to let the program go wherever the wind takes it.

After the game, Bowden said the defense “never could get in a position to make a play.” To me, that’s the defense, not the player, and the defensive coordinator’s responsibility.

When asked what he could do about the defense, however, Bowden went on to say, “The big thing is quit making errors...Sooner or later the things got to gel. You got so many young guys on the defense.”

So basically, through six games and four losses, Florida State is just waiting for the defense to gel. To Bowden, it’s that simple.

The coach has so much faith and trust in Andrews—just like he did in his son and former offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden—it never crosses his mind that anything other than the players could be to blame for the defense’s struggles.

Meanwhile, Andrews said the game plan was deliberately kept simple in an attempt to get his players to execute better. He also said the Yellow Jackets were forced to punt just once.

But they weren’t—not even once.

While I believe Saturday’s loss was a very accurate depiction of FSU’s situation going forward, it is by no means the only piece of evidence.

For example, a Boston College team that scored 21 first-half points last week against Florida State’s defense, trailed 34-0 at the half against Virginia Tech on Saturday.

BC freshman quarterback Dave Shinskie, who threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Seminoles last week, finished 1 for 12 for four yards and two interceptions before being replaced against Virginia Tech.

The Eagles also rushed for nearly 200 yards against Florida State, compared to the 45 rushing yards they earned Saturday against the Hokies.

While Bobby Bowden continues to give the credit to other coaches and other teams for their superior performances, teams like Virginia Tech continue to credit themselves and come out winning.

The evidence is also there for Jimbo Fisher. Fisher’s offense has averaged 426 yards and 30 points per game in the first half of a schedule ranked the second toughest in the country this season.

FSU’s offense has also converted 50 percent of its chances on third down—a marked improvement from the Jeff Bowden era—and has coached the Seminoles’ best quarterback since Chris Weinke.

Through six games, Ponder has completed 68 percent of his passes, averaged nearly 300 passing yards per game, and has thrown nine touchdown passes to just one interception.

Moreover, Fisher has proven himself to be an effective recruiter and has built quality depth at every position on offense.

Ponder is backed up by redshirt freshman and four-star recruit E.J. Manuel.

Despite losing two of the team’s top receivers last season, four receivers have caught 20 or more passes through six games in 2009, and seven different players have been on the receiving-end of Ponder’s touchdown passes.

In the backfield, Florida State boasts five capable running backs—not to mention Ponder—and three of them have scored two or more touchdowns so far this season.

Lastly, FSU’s offensive line also has depth this season and continues to be a strong point for the team despite its relative youth.

I say all this to contend that thus far, Jimbo Fisher has done his job and done it well, and I find little reason to believe he won’t continue to do so as Florida State’s next head coach.

Many believe the Seminoles have begun a downward spiral this season and will be forced to endure a long rebuilding process thereafter. I am not one of them. I believe FSU is a new defensive coaching staff away from reemerging in the national spotlight under Fisher’s leadership.

So hang on for the rest of the season, Seminole fans, and continue to support Bobby Bowden for all that he's done as the student section did so vocally Saturday against Georgia Tech. Good times are just ahead for Florida State, and our patience will be rewarded.

It's Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden's Time to Go, Frustration Grows In Tally

Michael McGuffee — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:26:18 -0400

I never thought I’d say it. It’s not something I’m proud of, and it certainly isn’t an easy statement to make after everything Bobby Bowden has done for Florida State University.

But it needs to be said. It needs to be said because Seminole fans care too much to watch Bobby Bowden’s empire—the program he worked so hard to build—crumble and fall.

Bobby Bowden should step down at the end of this season.

It is time for Florida State to embrace a new future, and it is time for Bowden to finally celebrate his place among college football’s legendary coaches.

Believe me, no one wanted it to end like this. The fact is Bobby Bowden deserves much better than this, but sometimes reality gets in the way of our happy endings.

Everyone knows what kind of coach Bobby Bowden was in his prime. Everyone knows Florida State was a dominant team that enjoyed one of the greatest runs in the history of college football, but for the first time, I feel like Florida State’s history is worth more than its immediate future.

Bobby Bowden and defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews are set on getting Florida State back to where they used to be by doing the same things they’ve always done.

But too many things have changed since then. Playbooks are thicker, recruiting is more complicated and more competitive, and the players themselves are different.

When Bowden started coaching at Florida State in 1976, Peyton Manning was a newborn, Queen Elizabeth II sent the first royal e-mail, and the New Jersey State Legislature voted to legalize casinos in the shore town of Atlantic City.

More importantly, Bowden himself has changed. After Saturday’s loss to Boston College, the man who used to hate losing, the man who was responsible for FSU’s killer instinct in the '90s, now says losing is just part of the game.

The man who said he would step down when FSU started losing, now says he’ll evaluate himself after the season and make a decision when he sees fit.

I don’t blame him. Giving up everything you’ve ever worked for must be terrifying. Facing the reality that the program you built from scratch might now be better off without you is a tough pill to swallow.

The fact is Bowden is working to get back to the good ole days while every other team is working toward the future. Every other team is one step ahead, and that won’t change—not Saturday, not next season, and not the season after that.

Bowden and Andrews have rolled with the punches for a long time. The fact that they made it this long in the cutthroat world of college football is a tribute to their character, their coaching and to Florida State.

But nothing lasts forever, and the times have finally passed them by. Opposing teams have decades worth of film to break down Bowden’s tendencies and Mickey Andrews’s defense.

This season, Miami, USF, and Boston College have all exploited Andrews’ man-to-man defense and base coverage schemes. Andrews, however, says he’s calling all the right plays. He says his players are making too many mistakes and missing too many assignments.

Bowden says his players are young and learning as they go. He says the other teams are just making more plays. He says his staff will have to watch the film and figure out what’s going wrong. He says it all comes down to blocking and tackling.

But it’s all been said before, and this season, it looks like FSU’s problems stem from a much bigger picture. No disrespect to Bobby Bowden or Mickey Andrews, but Seminole fans are tired of all the excuses. They want to see results, and that’s something they haven’t seen for a long time now.

Bowden may be too proud to admit it, but opposing coaches are simply putting their players in a better position to win. Opposing teams are making their adjustments long before they sit down to watch film of yesterday’s game.

Sure, Florida State still has the athletes to compete, but that’s the problem. The Seminoles are just competing—they’re not winning. They’re not even winning the games they’re supposed to win.

They lack discipline. They aren’t playing with confidence, and it doesn’t look like they’re playing with a whole lot of pride or passion, either.

Unlike FSU’s national championship teams, it seems players no longer expect to win—they just hope to.

To me, that falls on the head coach. More often than not, attitude reflects leadership.

It’s the head coach’s job to bring everyone together, to solidify the team’s vision, and to make sure his team is ready to play week in and week out. It’s his leadership that has to carry his team through the good times and the bad.

Because at the end of the day, whether you’re playing with five-star recruits or third-string walk-ons, you have to make the most out of what you have. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there are teams out there that seem to be doing a lot more with a lot less.

It’s not like Bowden hasn’t had a chance to right the ship, either. Florida State has stuck with Bowden through the adversity, through the six-loss seasons, and through all the heartbreaking losses to in-state and conference rivals alike.

“I think enough is enough,” said Jim Smith, chair of FSU’s board of trustees, and I agree.

Change is never easy, but Florida State cannot pursue the future until the program lets go of the past.

Bowden knew this day would come, and he needs to hand over the reins after this season—even if it’s a season earlier than he had planned.

Granted, Fisher’s offense has struggled at times this season, and many have questioned his play calling and whether or not he will even make a difference as head coach. I would argue that the offense has come a long, long way since Fisher’s arrival, and I don’t know that Fisher has as much control as people think right now.

Seeing the before and after of Fisher’s presence at practice and on the sideline, I am confident in his abilities and I think his impact will be much more visible when other coaches—coaches who think they too should be the head coach—are no longer looking over his shoulder.

Besides, if Christian Ponder’s play is any indication, Fisher has to be doing something right.

But whether or not Fisher is the long-term answer, right now, he is the future. He is young, he is driven, and in my opinion, he deserves a chance to show FSU what he can do.

He will not, however, be another Bobby Bowden, and Seminole fans need to come to terms with that up front. The longevity and success of coaches like Bowden and Joe Paterno may never be seen again.

Thanks to Bobby Bowden, Florida State can always cherish a rich history of tradition and college football glory. Thanks to Bobby Bowden, Seminole fans can reminisce about FSU’s two national championships, the year their team went wire-to-wire as the top program in the country, and the 14 straight seasons the Tribe finished in the top five.

For all those things, they will be forever grateful.

Seminole fans can also say Bobby Bowden was as good a person as he was a coach. They can say win or lose, their coach was a class act. They can honestly say “dadgummit” was the worst word that ever came out of Bobby Bowden’s mouth.

And finally, in the twilight of his career, Seminole fans can say Bobby Bowden refused to give up, and that was his biggest flaw.

Bowden’s legacy will live on in Tallahassee, and his impact will continue to influence Florida State University on and off the field for generations to come.

After all, Seminole fans don’t want to rid themselves of Bobby Bowden—not by any means. They just want Florida State to close one great chapter and start writing another.

Florida State Looks To Pull It Together Saturday at Boston College

Michael McGuffee — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:06:39 -0400

Four games into the 2009 season, the Florida State Seminoles have been consistently inconsistent.

The ‘Noles fell to Miami in a hard-fought game that came down to the final play, struggled to outlast Jacksonville State, and then blew out a highly regarded BYU team on the road. Last week, however, FSU’s momentum took another turn for the worse as an upstart South Florida team shocked the Tribe at home.

A Seminole offense that controlled the clock and scored 54 points against BYU on the road, returned home to post just seven points in Saturday’s loss to South Florida. Quarterback Christian Ponder contributed another encouraging performance through the air despite playing with a slightly sprained knee, but FSU struggled in the red-zone, fumbled four times, and surrendered five sacks in the losing effort.

Florida State will have an opportunity to regroup Saturday against a stout Boston College team that stands 3-1 and is coming off a 27-24 overtime win over Wake Forest. Clemson handed the Eagles their lone loss, a 25-7 defeat in Death Valley, in week three.

Boston College switched quarterbacks since that loss and proved freshman quarterback Dave Shinskie could help produce a more balanced effort offensively. Against the Demon Deacons, Shinskie threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns, and the Eagles also accumulated 170 yards on the ground behind the team’s big offensive line.

For FSU, coaches and players alike preached a return to discipline this week on both sides of the ball. After giving up two more big plays against the Bulls, Mickey Andrews’ defense stayed after practice on more than one occasion this week in an effort to shore up the Seminoles’ struggles in the secondary.

Seminole fans can also expect a few lineup changes Saturday as true freshman Jajuan Harley is said to be penciled in for his first start at strong safety and sophomore tailback Jermaine Thomas is expected to start over Carlton ‘Ty’ Jones.

Florida State will also return defensive tackles Moses McCray and Justin Mincey from injury, and they expect their defensive line to be at full strength for the first time all season. Freshman Jacobbi McDaniel did suffer a knee injury against South Florida but was able to practice this week and is expected to be available.

As up and down as the Seminoles have been early in the season, Saturday’s contest is an opportunity to right the ship and keep the team’s ACC title hopes alive against a Boston College team that has claimed the Atlantic Division in each of the last two seasons.

The visiting team has won the last four match-ups in the FSU-Boston College series, and Florida State will hope to keep that trend alive on Saturday. The last time the Seminoles traveled to Alumni Stadium, the Tribe upset the second-ranked Eagles 27-17.

Sorry, South Florida: Saturday's Win Was Nothing More Than an Upset

Michael McGuffee — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:43:02 -0400

For Florida State, it was a nightmare in slow motion.

Just a week after dismantling the seventh-ranked team in the country, the Seminoles fumbled four times, scored just seven points, and squandered opportunity after opportunity against an upstart South Florida team that gladly took advantage.

For the more than 70,000 Florida State fans in attendance, the result was a 17-7 loss that will sting for a long, long time.

If only Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles could win the games they were supposed to win.

If only the Seminoles still had the killer instinct that once made Florida State a fixture among the nation’s elite teams.

Saturday’s game was an unprecedented gut check for an FSU team that has fallen a long way since the so-called glory days—days that are becoming more and more distant as Florida State’s struggles continue.

However, unlike so many college football fans, analysts, and media pundits, I refuse to throw Florida State to the wolves, and I refuse to put South Florida up on a pedestal.

Don’t get me wrong—it was a great win for the Bulls, and South Florida seems to have a rising talent in freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels. If respect is what USF was after, they earned it and then some.

But a member of the so-called “Big Three?” I don’t think so. Not now. Not yet.

Look, any underdog can get excited about a chance to upset a ranked team on the road—Florida State did it last week at No. 7 BYU—but one game is still one game.

The “Big Three” are the “Big Three” because of their winning traditions, their history of success, and, most importantly, their national championships: Miami has five, Florida has three, and Florida State has two.

I keep putting the “Big Three” in quotations because I’m not sure who coined the term, and I’m not sure what it means. In fact, I don’t think I had ever heard the phrase until Jim Leavitt and the Bulls started crying for attention.

But when I think of Florida’s “Big Three,” I think of the state’s top three football programs—programs that have consistent track records of success; programs that started from scratch and worked their way to the very top.

As fast as South Florida has grown, developed, and found success as a football program, the team hasn’t finished higher than third in its own conference, nevertheless had a legitimate shot at a national championship.

In a column entitled, “With this victory, USF Bulls prove they’ve caught up to the Florida State Seminoles,” John Romano of the St. Petersburg Times writes, “Understand, it is no longer a rare achievement to beat Florida State. In recent years, it seems nearly half the teams on FSU's schedule have had the honor.”

Despite Mr. Romano’s backhanded insult, he goes on to further praise South Florida’s achievement as a legitimizing win for the program. So...wait...is it a big win or not?

Could it not be true that Florida State, as a team, fell to South Florida’s level on Saturday, and not that some cosmic shift has begun to realign the state’s top football programs?

Considering the fact that FSU went 1-for-4 on scoring chances in the red zone, fumbled the ball away four times, and had another touchdown called back thanks to a holding penalty—I think so.

After all, if it was such an impressive win, why didn’t voters put the undefeated Bulls in the top 25?

Florida State came out flat and stayed that way. South Florida took advantage and pulled off the upset. That’s all there is to it.

Is Leavitt going to try to take advantage of this win and use it to fuel South Florida’s recruiting efforts? Of course he is. But does this game really change history and college football in Florida as we know it? No, it doesn’t.

Michigan lost to Appalachian State; does that mean the Mountaineers have the better program?

Over the past few years, the mighty Trojans of USC have fallen to Stanford, Washington, Oregon State, Oregon, and UCLA. Does that mean Pete Carroll’s team is a dying breed in the Pac-10?

In a 14-year period from 1987 to 2000, Florida State beat the Gators 11 times. Did fans of either team stop calling it a rivalry?

Eventually, Bobby Bowden will call it quits, and the program will finally turn over a new leaf and catch up to the modern era. Eventually, Florida State will stop giving teams the benefit of the doubt and start playing football again no matter who stands on the opposite sideline. Eventually, the Seminoles will bounce back.

When they do, Jim Leavitt will still be chasing recruits that either flew under the radar or couldn’t quite qualify at other schools. He’ll still be lobbying for attention, he’ll still be telling stories about how he used to work out of a trailer, and the Bulls will still be playing in someone else’s stadium.

The South Florida Bulls are a great story, and this year, they beat Florida State. But the South Florida hype that peaked Saturday will die out soon enough—just like it did in 2007 when the Bulls rose to a No. 2 national ranking and slipped right back into irrelevancy.

Saturday, after one start, college football analyst Jesse Palmer compared USF quarterback B.J. Daniels to former FSU Heisman winner Charlie Ward. I mean...whoa. If that isn’t an example of the over-the-top, sensational hype that has become all too common in sports media today, I don’t know what is.

But it’s that kind of over-the-top, wishful thinking that makes some believe that decades of college football history can be forgotten and rewritten in one day.

The Seminoles are down, but they’re not dead. Like it or not, Florida State is still a top-three program in the Sunshine State.

After so many years of dominance, it’s easy to say the Seminoles are no longer up to par. But people forget that Florida State has not suffered a losing season since 1976. People also forget that Florida State has the longest active bowl streak of any team in college football.

South Florida may have won a battle against a member of the “Big Three,” but the war is far from over. When the dust finally settles and the media hype dies down, the Bulls will still be sitting on the outside looking in.

The ACC: Can We Call It a Comeback?

Michael McGuffee — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:31:29 -0400

While SEC icons Urban Meyer and Lane Kiffin play sticks and stones, the Atlantic Coast Conference is quietly making a comeback.

A league that has endured more than its share of criticism in recent years, the ACC looks to be turning over a new leaf in 2009: defying expectations, climbing its way up the polls, and delivering some of the most exciting games of the young season.

Of course, the biggest knock against the ACC was that it lacked elite teams, but if the conference’s start to the 2009 season is any indication, that may not be the case going forward.

Opening with two victories over ranked opponents, the University of Miami has clawed its way into the AP top 10, while the one-loss Hokies stand at No. 11, and Florida State and North Carolina sit waiting in the wings at No. 18 and No. 22, respectively.

For the ACC this season, it all started with the Florida State-Miami rivalry. A game that has looked ugly in recent years turned out to be the saving grace for the conference after ACC teams lost five of nine contests against out-of-conference opponents in the first week of the season.

Despite the many questions that remained for both teams after the game, the thrilling 38-34 FSU-Miami shootout impressed viewers across the country and served as a formal introduction to two of the league’s surprise players this season in dueling quarterbacks Jacory Harris and Christian Ponder. If nothing else, the game put the conference—or at least two of its teams—on the map.

Then, after a quiet effort in week two, the ACC reintroduced itself this past weekend with a couple headlining wins over quality opponents. In perhaps the league’s strongest showing in years, Florida State trounced No. 7 BYU on the road, Virginia Tech rallied to beat No. 19 Nebraska in the final seconds, and Miami proved its season debut was no fluke with a convincing win over No. 14 Georgia Tech.

As a result, and almost overnight it seems, the Atlantic Coast Conference has itself some quality teams—teams that are playing like they want something more than a shot at the conference title.

While the conference is not nearly as strong top to bottom as it has been the last few seasons, the teams at the top appear to be on their way to becoming the kind of marquee presence the league has lacked for years.

Looking at records alone, the ACC does not look that impressive. In fact, three weeks into the season, only two teams in the conference—Miami and North Carolina—remain undefeated. The SEC, by comparison, boasts six teams without a loss.

What can’t be argued, however, is the ACC’s body of work so far this season. According to Phil Steele’s rankings of the toughest schedules in 2009, the ACC’s three highest ranked teams all fall in the top 15—FSU (2), Virginia Tech (8), and Miami (12).

All three teams have already played two opponents currently ranked in the top 25 in the first three weeks of the season and, with a bye week, Miami has played in just two games.

That said, while the top five teams in the country all stand undefeated, not as much can be said for the strength of their schedules. Florida’s schedule ranks as the 34th toughest in the nation, followed by Texas (40), Alabama (68), Mississippi (77), and Penn State (72).

Admittedly, head-to-head matchups don’t lie, and Alabama beat the Hokies by 10 in their season opener, but comparative limits have yet to be established for Miami and Florida State. And, if the Hokies were going to lose, there are much worse losses than the Crimson Tide. (Ask Duke or Virginia. Richmond? William and Mary? Really?)

What we do know, however, is that with some of the toughest schedules in the country, these teams won’t have much to hide by the end of the season. Miami and Virginia Tech will clash on Saturday, and Miami will have No. 10 Oklahoma at home the following week.

Meanwhile, all three teams will have their chance against North Carolina, and, of course, Florida State will have to make a trip to the Swamp at the end of November.

If the ACC’s triple threat can survive three of the nation’s toughest schedules, the conference could shed its reputation as a perennial work in progress and once again stake its claim among the big boys of college football.

If not, however, the conference will continue to be an afterthought—the little engine that couldn’t.

Whether these programs are contenders or pretenders, we’ll find out soon enough. Either way, it should be fun to watch. If nothing else, it’s nice to have some offense in the ACC again, and the matchups to come should provide plenty of excitement to the benefit of college football in general.

The return of sleeping giants like Miami and Florida State—even if this season is just the first step—would add an exciting new variable to a national championship picture that has grown stale thanks to the SEC’s dominance.

In the mean time, at least ACC coaches can conduct themselves like adults.

Spoiler Alert: Florida State Crashes BYU's BCS Party

Michael McGuffee — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:24:19 -0400

Underdogs? Florida State didn’t seem to think so as the Tribe rolled over No. 7 Brigham Young 54-28 Saturday night and trashed the Cougars' 18-game home winning streak in the process.

The Seminoles jumped out to a 30-14 lead at the half while scoring five touchdowns and a field goal on their first six possessions. In all, FSU hardly looked like a team that belonged outside the top 25.

The Noles were cast from the national scene quickly after a heartbreaking loss to in-state rival Miami in the season opener, and were criticized up and down, left and right after hanging on to beat Jacksonville State 19-9 in week two’s rain-soaked slop-fest.

But Saturday night, the Seminoles redeemed themselves.

Though the Cougars took advantage of FSU's well-documented struggles in the secondary on several occasions, the Seminole defense forced five total turnovers and picked off glorified BYU quarterback Max Hall three times.

Unfortunately for Hall, the same voters who launched BYU from No. 20 to No. 7 over a two-week span likely won’t be able to drop the Cougars fast enough on their next ballots.

Meanwhile, Florida State's Christian Ponder continued to look poised, crisp, and in control. Ponder completed 21 of 25 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the winning effort, while adding another 76 yards and another score on the ground.

Most importantly, Ponder led a Seminole offense that dominated time of possession and kept the high-flying Cougar offense on the bench by converting 12 of 15 third-down attempts and rushing for a season-high 311 yards. When it was all said and done, Florida State’s offense was on the field nearly 20 minutes longer than Max Hall’s Cougars and improved to 8-0 under Ponder when the Noles lay a goose egg...in the turnover column.

With the offense controlling the tempo, Seminole fans also got a good look at the stable of running backs head-coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher has put together in the FSU backfield. Sophomore starter Ty Jones scored once and broke the century mark to lead all runners. Jones ran with patience and showed great vision, bouncing outside and down the sideline in the first half for an explosive 47-yard gain.

Adding to the mix was highly touted true freshman Lonnie Pryor, sophomore Jermaine Thomas and junior Tavares Pressley. Pryor was also impressive in his most extensive role as a Seminole to date, rushing for 50 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries.

So, what does it all mean? Well, for starters, it’s a step in the right direction. The Seminoles had a tremendous opportunity Saturday night, and, to the relief of Florida State fans everywhere, they grabbed it.

Now it’s back to work. The Tribe’s defense still has plenty of room for improvement and it will have to improve if the Seminoles plan on an extended stay in the top 25 this time around.

While young guns like Greg Reid and Dionte Allen continued to impress against BYU, the secondary will continue to be a sore spot—though hopefully a healing wound— throughout the season.

Whether Mickey Andrews and company have it in them to make drastic improvements in the secondary or if the bigger issues coincide with Andrews' schemes remains to be seen.

For now, the Seminoles once again look like the team to beat in the ACC's Atlantic division, and the Tribe should celebrate an important win that will hopefully help the team gain momentum going into the heart of the conference schedule.

First, though, Florida State must take care of a pesky South Florida team next Saturday that thinks it's ready to establish itself among the state's elite. So far this season, the Bulls have had their way with Wofford, Western Kentucky, and Charleston Southern. To say the Seminoles will be their toughest competition to date would be a huge understatement.

The Noles should know better than anyone, however, that taking an underdog for granted is a very bad idea.

Ask Brigham Young, a former top-10 team for whom the BCS will remain but a dream.

For Florida State, It's Show Up or Shut Up Against BYU

Michael McGuffee — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:51:48 -0400

Without a doubt, Brigham Young’s Max Hall is drooling over a chance to face a Florida State secondary this Saturday that looked young, inexperienced, and gullible in the team’s first two games.

After all, in two games of his own this season, Hall has completed 71 percent of his passes for 638 yards and four touchdowns en route to upsetting Oklahoma, blowing out Tulane and leading his team to a No. 7 ranking in the AP Top 25.

For Brigham Young, a win Saturday over the visiting Seminoles would keep the dream of a perfect season alive and reward the Cougars for taking a shot at some tough out-of-conference opponents to start the season.

For Florida State, a much-needed win would return confidence to the program and its recruits, and the momentum swing could prove crucial going into a stretch of the schedule that features South Florida, Boston College, No. 14 Georgia Tech, and No. 24 North Carolina.

But can FSU’s makeshift secondary keep Hall and the high-flying Cougars from stretching their home winning streak to 19 games? Well, I would argue, it’s a little more complicated than that.

Sure, the Seminole secondary looks to be at a disadvantage against Hall and a talented receiving corps, but could the unit perform any worse than its debut showing against Miami? Between blown assignments, missed tackles and just flat out poor coverage, FSU defensive backs made Miami quarterback Jacory Harris look like a Manning brother.

But, when it was all said and done, the Hurricanes still had to score 21 points in the fourth quarter and survive a goal-line stand in the final seconds to beat the Seminoles by four points.

In other words, will Max Hall take advantage of FSU’s struggles in the secondary? Most likely, yes — just like Miami did. But will that translate into a win for the Cougars? I’m not so sure. What I do know is there are a number of things Florida State will have to do as the underdog to turn the tide in its favor.

First and foremost, the Seminoles must find a way to pressure the quarterback and disrupt BYU’s passing attack at the line of scrimmage. That is much easier said than done, however, as Hall is good at getting rid of the ball quickly and the average Brigham Young offensive lineman weighs in at around 317 pounds.

While the Seminoles registered just one sack against Miami in the season opener, FSU sacked Jacksonville State’s Ryan Perrilloux seven times in the defense’s second outing. The improvement can be credited largely to senior linebacker Dekoda Watson, who was used in a number of way to create havoc in the backfield, and recorded a team-high 3.5 sacks. Expect the Noles to use Watson as a weapon again on Saturday and to continue to bring pressure off the edge and from the secondary.

Ideally, putting pressure on Hall would also limit BYU’s chances on third down, where the Cougars have been very effective. Through two games this season, Brigham Young has converted 14-of-27 third-down attempts and holds close to an 11-minute advantage in time of possession — a margin the Seminoles will have to cut into in order to be successful on Saturday.

One way to limit the Cougars’ time of possession would be to win the turnover battle. The Seminoles are 7-0 when Christian Ponder does not throw an interception, and much of the team’s struggles against JSU can be attributed to the three fumbles FSU coughed up in an ugly win that came down to the final minutes.

And, despite being the No. 7 team in the country, Brigham Young isn’t exactly error-proof this season. The Cougars turned the ball over four times against Oklahoma, and a similar performance would create opportunities for an FSU defense that hasn’t lost its big-play potential. The Seminoles have scored defensive touchdowns in each of their last two games and in four of their last six games dating back to last season.

Speaking of big plays, Florida State could also even the playing field Saturday on special teams. Freshman Greg Reid has shown that he can be a dangerous return man so far this season, and the Noles are no strangers to making big plays on special teams, especially on a big stage.

While Brigham Young returned a fumble for a touchdown last week against Tulane, the Cougars have not scored on a kickoff return or punt return since 1998 and 2006, respectively.

Offensively, Florida State will have its hands full with a BYU defense that likes to get after the quarterback. Against BYU, FSU cannot afford to be one-dimensional, and that means Jimbo Fisher and company will have to establish the running game. For the Seminoles, the ground game may start with Christian Ponder’s ability to scramble and pick up big chunks of yards on the run, but it has got to start somewhere.

Florida State will need the running game to avoid third-and-long situations where the Cougars’ 3-4 scheme and fondness for blitzing will be most effective. The running game will also help FSU’s offensive line buy Ponder enough time in the pocket to find targets down field, and, if they can do that, the Seminoles’ passing attack should be just as potent as BYU’s. Ponder threw for 294 yards against Miami, 324 yards against JSU, and has a number of deep threats and run-after-the-catch guys at his disposal.

So there are my keys to the game for Florida State on Saturday. All things considered, the Seminoles should have a pretty good shot at turning their season around and proving to their fans that things may not be as bad as they look after all.

The bad news? Brigham Young is a grind it out team that isn’t about to give up its dream season and the No. 7 ranking without a fight. The Cougars have won nine consecutive games decided by seven points or less and are 34-4 when leading at the half.

My guess is Saturday’s game goes to the team that wants it the most. BYU’s motives are pretty obvious, but to Florida State, I would ask, “Are you content with being irrelevant?”

Because that’s the conclusion everyone outside of Tallahassee will keep coming to until you can prove otherwise. Why not start on Saturday with BYU?

History in the Making: Florida State Baseball Crushes Ohio State, 37-6

Michael McGuffee — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:34:33 -0400

Head coach Mike Martin has led the Florida State baseball program for a long, long time, but he’s never seen anything quite like the Seminoles’ most recent performance at Dick Howser Stadium.

But then again, no one has.

FSU thumped Ohio State 37-6 in the Tallahassee Regional finale and set a host of NCAA Division I records in the process.

Florida State’s 38 hits and 37 runs both broke single-game NCAA benchmarks, as did the Seminoles’ record 15 doubles.

“I have been blessed to be here 35 years, and I can honestly say I have never seen anything like that,” Martin said after the game.

“It was just a game that you look at our young men with what was at stake and you give them the credit because that's where it is most deserved.”

The Tribe posted eight, nine, and 11-run frames on its way to a 32-0 lead after just five innings.

Leading the way at the plate was Seminole shortstop Stephen Cardullo, who registered seven hits in nine at-bats, finishing just a home run shy of completing the cycle.

Cardullo was the only starter to play the whole game for the ’Noles, and only because Martin didn’t have another shortstop to take his place.

FSU first baseman Mike Meschke also had a pretty good outing, finishing 5-of-5 at the plate with five runs and four RBI, including a three-run homer.

The Buckeyes, who started the day with a 13-6 victory over Georgia, went through four pitchers in the first three innings and finished the game with five errors.

When asked what you say to a team after a game like that, Ohio State head coach Bob Todd said, “I don’t think you can tell them anything.”

Todd summarized the 31-run defeat by saying simply, “Everything that they did was right, and everything that we did was wrong.”

For the 4,144 fans in attendance who witnessed a little bit of college baseball history, Sunday’s scoreboard looked like it belonged on a football field.

“Get Terrelle Pryor on the phone,” one Seminole fan jeered at the Buckeyes toward the end of the game. “You guys need touchdowns...fast!”

A New Era: Buccaneers Hope Raheem Morris Can Right the Ship in Tampa Bay

Michael McGuffee — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:42:38 -0400

Not everyone was happy when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired veteran head coach Jon Gruden and replaced him with Raheem Morris—a 32-year-old defensive backs coach with no head coaching experience.

Even fewer were pleased by the new staff’s decision to release respected veterans and beloved Bucs like Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn—both of whom are older than the team’s rookie head coach.

Assumptions aside, however, it’s much more difficult to be critical of Morris in person.

The first-year head coach certainly has a positive presence about him. His attitude is one of confidence and determination, and he walks and talks like a guy who knows what he’s doing.

According to quarterback Luke McCown, Morris is a straight shooter. He tells it like it is, and his players respect that.

Morris has made it clear that he prefers an open competition when it comes to the starting jobs up for grabs this season, and referred to the team’s quarterback battle as “One bone, five dogs, let the best man win.”

While Gruden was often criticized for his overly complicated West Coast system, his stubbornness, and an unwillingness to develop young quarterbacks, Morris and new General Manager Mark Dominik have taken proactive steps to address those criticisms.

Morris says he wants the Bucs to play “violent football” this season, and brought in former Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski to implement a simpler offense that revolves around a physical downhill running game.

Morris believes it’s no coincidence that some of the league’s best teams are also the most physical, citing the recent success of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.

Under the new staff, the Bucs also used the team’s first-round draft pick on 6’5” Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman—who Morris dubbed the future of the franchise.

Furthermore, the rookie head coach has also proven to be a clever disciplinarian.

Following an off-season scuffle between second-year cornerback Aqib Talib and offensive tackle Donald Penn, Morris scrapped his practice plans for the following day and held a special teams practice—otherwise known as a sprinting and conditioning session—which he called “Wefense.”

So how did Raheem Morris end up on the fast track to a head coaching job in Tampa Bay?

Well, Morris first joined the Bucs in 2002 as the defensive quality control coach—the guy who breaks down film of future opponents and preps the scout team.

He was then promoted to defensive assistant in 2003, and served as the Bucs’ assistant defensive backs coach from 2004 to 2005.

In 2006, Morris took his only hiatus from Tampa Bay when he was hired as the defensive coordinator at Kansas State.

After helping the Wildcats improve in several statistical categories in his first season, Morris rejoined the Buccaneers in 2007 to serve as the team’s defensive backs coach—Morris was a safety himself in his playing days at Hofstra.

Morris coached the Bucs’ secondary until the end of the 2008 regular season, when he took over defensive coordinator duties for the departing Monte Kiffin, who left to coach with his son Lane Kiffin at the University of Tennessee.

Morris, who also interviewed for the head coaching vacancy in Denver, was promoted from within once again and named the team’s eighth head coach on Jan. 17, 2009.

But he won’t have to do it alone. Ironically, the offensive and defensive coordinators Morris brought to Tampa Bay are probably more qualified to be head coaches than he is.

Jagodzinski, who takes over the offense, was fired after two successful seasons as the head coach at Boston College from 2007 to 2008. At Boston College, Jagodzinski coached current Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan—the NFL’s 2008 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

BC decided to cut Jagodzinski loose not because of his performance on the field, but because he was actively looking for new opportunities off it. Jagodzinski interviewed for the New York Jets’ head coaching position, and was let go soon after.

Jagodzinski worked his way from college to college as an offensive line coach early in his career, landing positions at Northern Illinois, Louisiana State and East Carolina before he was hired as Boston College’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 1997.

From 1999 to 2003, Jagodzinski worked his first gig in the National Football League as the Green Bay Packers’ tight ends coach.

Jagodzinski took the same position with the Atlanta Falcons in 2004, and was promoted to offensive line coach in 2005 before returning to Green Bay to serve as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2006.

Green Bay’s offense ranked ninth in yards per game under Jagodzinski, but 22nd in scoring, averaging just 18.8 points per game.
In Tampa Bay this season, Jagodzinski hopes his zone-blocking scheme will jump-start the Bucs’ running game and create opportunities in the passing game to stretch the field.

Jagodzinski’s offenses produced balanced results at Boston College, and he’s known for getting a lot of players involved—particularly in the passing game.

Joining Jagodzinski is first-year offensive line coach Pete Mangurian, who is proficient in the zone-blocking scheme and holds 18 years of coaching experience in the NFL.

Running backs coach Steve Logan—the offensive coordinator at Boston College the last two seasons—and tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts, who coached recent trade acquisition Kellen Winslow in Cleveland the past two seasons, will also enter their first seasons with the Bucs in 2009.

Meanwhile, quarterbacks coach Greg Olson returns for his second season in Tampa Bay, and longtime wide receivers coach Richard Mann returns for his eighth season with the Bucs.

On the defensive side of the ball, 17-year NFL veteran Jim Bates takes the reigns for the Buccaneers.

Bates will implement his run contain system in Tampa Bay this season, though Morris has said Bates would also like to mix in aspects of the Tampa Two defense, which the Bucs have had a lot of success with over the years.

Bates previously led Denver’s defense for a year starting in 2007, but left the team in January of 2008.

Without the necessary personnel, his system was largely ineffective in Denver. The Bronco’s gave up an average of 25.6 points per game in 2007, and ranked 28th in the league in scoring defense.

Personnel needs for Bates’ defense are also a concern in Tampa Bay. While the Bucs have made personnel moves to accommodate needs at linebacker, questions remains as to whether the defensive line can hold its on within the scheme.

Prior to taking the job in Denver, Bates served as the defensive coordinator in Green Bay in 2005 and was with the Miami Dolphins from 2000 to 2004, including a short stint as the team’s interim head coach.

Over the years, Bates also worked in various positions for the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.

In Tampa Bay, Bates’ staff will include linebackers coach Joe Barry, who returns to the Bucs after a two-year stint as Detroit’s defensive coordinator, first-year defensive backs coach Joe Baker, and defensive line coaches Robert Nunn and Todd Wash.

In all, the Tampa Bay coaching staff has a lot of work to do to prepare the Buccaneers for a tough 2009 schedule that looms just a few months away.

With Morris’ drive and his staff’s experience, however, I wouldn’t put it past this rag-tag group of newcomers and veterans to get the job done and give Bucs fans something to cheer about in the near future.

The NFC South: It's Anybody's Game…But Probably Not the Bucs'

Michael McGuffee — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:13:42 -0400

How unpredictable is the NFC South?

Well, for starters, no team has won the division in back-to-back years since it was created in 2002.

In fact, from 2003 to 2007, the team that finished last the previous season won the division the following year.

Had Carolina not beat the Saints by a last-second field goal in the final week of last year’s regular season, the upstart Falcons would have won the NFC South and continued the last-to-first streak, despite starting the season dead last in ESPN’s power rankings.

Either way, the division was surprisingly strong last season. Without a designated doormat, the NFC South was one of two divisions in the league in which all of its teams finished at or above .500.

Had the Bucs not lost four straight to end the year, the NFC South might have been the only division in the league with three 10-win teams.

In the end, the Panthers (12-4) and Falcons (11-5) rose to the top of the division with potent running games, while the Bucs (9-7) and Saints (8-8) underachieved to finish in the cellar.

Though, at .500, the Saints would have been in a three-way tie for first in the AFC West.

This season, the Panthers return 21 starters, the Falcons and Saints hope to rebuild their defenses in time to be playoff contenders, and the Bucs have a new coaching staff essentially building from the ground up.

As the division improves around them and the schedule becomes less forgiving, the Buccaneers can probably plan on sitting out this year’s postseason.

I wouldn’t go as far as the Denver Nuggets—see Denver’s postseason scheduling conflict with the WWE—and open up booking dates for Raymond James Stadium through January, but it’s a pretty safe bet.

The Bucs finished 3-3 in the division last year, face pressing questions on both sides of the ball, and lose more ground than anyone else in the foursome.

It is the NFC South, however, and ultimately, your guess is as good as mine.

But undoubtedly, this year’s race for the division title will come down to defense.

Three of the four teams in the NFC South have brought in new defensive coordinators this offseason, and the Falcons—entering Brian VanGorder’s second season—are also overhauling their defense.

Needless to say, game preparation will take on a new meaning this season between division foes.

While not everyone’s high on defending division champion Carolina, the Panthers return all but one starter from last season’s strong showing, including the explosive backfield tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

An aging Jake Delhomme, who threw six interceptions in the team’s playoff loss to Arizona, is a potential weakness, but the veteran quarterback can still rely on stud receiver Steve Smith to make plays down the field.

Carolina’s defense, now led by first-year coordinator Ron Meeks, could also be better. Meeks coached formerly under Tony Dungy and will introduce the Panthers to his variation of the “Tampa Two” this season.

All things considered, Carolina should once again be a top team in one of the league’s toughest divisions.

The Falcons will also rebuild their defense this season after releasing a host of veterans and spending seven of their eight draft picks on rookie defenders.

The team also acquired former Jaguar and veteran linebacker Mike Peterson.

Offensively, the Falcons add Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez to last year’s breakout receiving corps, and return the league’s second-ranked running game.

If a young defense can step up to the plate and second-year quarterback Matt Ryan can avoid a sophomore slump, the Falcons could build off last season’s success and do more than simply make the playoffs.

But perhaps the team with the most upside in the NFC South this season is New Orleans.

Behind quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints had the highest scoring offense in the NFL last season—they just couldn’t play defense.

That’s where veteran defensive coordinator Gregg Williams comes in. Known for his aggressive 4-3 scheme, Williams likes to put pressure on the quarterback and is expected to get more production out of the Saints defensively with a few key additions.

The Saints upgraded their secondary by adding safety Darren Sharper, former Patriot Randall Gay, and first-round draft pick Malcolm Jenkins.

The team also brought in veteran linebacker Dan Morgan, and hope he can stay healthy long enough to be a factor this season.

If Williams can get the defense to take a turn for the better and stay healthy, and the league’s best passing game can mix in the run more effectively, New Orleans could also become a force in the division.

Then there’s the Bucs, who could certainly be competitive in the NFC South, but a lot of things would have to come together quickly.

For Tampa Bay, the 2009 season will depend on how quickly the team can adjust to the new coaching staff, pick up new schemes, and put the right pieces together.

If nothing else, the team’s new coordinators should make the Bucs harder to prepare for this season.

The addition of Derrick Ward and Kellen Winslow, and the return of deep threat Antonio Bryant and a healthy Cadillac Williams are all upsides for the offense, but will Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, or Josh Freeman prove to be a reliable starter under center?

Will new leaders and impact players emerge on defense to replace a presence like Derrick Brooks? Is the Bucs’ mix of newcomers and returning starters a good fit for Jim Bates’ run contain system?

Can the Buccaneers survive a schedule that includes the Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Panthers, and Patriots—all in the first seven weeks?

My guess is all these questions will be answered soon enough, but not before Tampa Bay endures some sharp growing pains in 2009.

In the end, the potential strength of the NFC South and the Bucs’ laundry list of questions present too big a barrier for Raheem Morris and company to make a run at the playoffs and pull a turnaround as impressive as Atlanta’s last season.

If Morris plays his cards right, the Bucs should start to click in the latter half of the season, and the team could be poised to turn the corner in 2010.

Setting the Bar: Buccaneers Face an Uphill Climb in 2009

Michael McGuffee — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:54:59 -0400

Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris has a lot on his plate as the Buccaneers prepare for the 2009 season. Luckily for the Bucs, he seems like a pretty hungry guy.

While I have little doubt Tampa Bay will play inspired football this season under a new coaching staff, a lot of questions surround a franchise making its transition amidst a division on the rise.

Adjusting to new coaches and new playbooks, resolving personnel questions, and fighting through a tough schedule are all challenges that seem to point Tampa Bay toward the bottom of the NFC South.

In my opinion, the Bucs will play hard for Morris this season and hover around .500—likely sliding into third or fourth place finish in the division.

But Buccaneer fans shouldn’t lose hope, and the die-hards never do. After all, the seemingly hapless Falcons defied expectations to finish 11-5 last season.

So what would it take for the Bucs to pillage and conquer their way to the top of the NFC South? Well, to exceed expectations, the Bucs will have to both establish the run, and stop the run.

Tampa Bay has two new coordinators this season—Jeff Jagodzinski on offense and Jim Bates on defense—and both of their systems revolve around the running game. Assuming players are able to pick up the systems quickly, the next step is executing them effectively.

Offensively, the Bucs have one of the most athletic lines in the league, and there is little doubt the unit is capable of transitioning to Jagodzinski’s zone scheme. Add a three-headed backfield led by Derrick Ward, and it would seem Tampa Bay is heading in the right direction.

The Bucs will also, however, need some consistency at quarterback.

Morris wants to force opposing defenses to commit eight players to stopping Tampa Bay’s downhill running game. If Buccaneer quarterbacks are prone to mistakes and can’t take advantage, however, opposing teams may do just that—all too willingly.

Luke McCown has claimed the starting job under center, and Jagodzinski thinks he’s more than capable. But McCown is 1-7 as a starter and threw as many passes as running back Earnest Graham last season.

And Graham completed his one attempt—McCown did not.

If not McCown, the Bucs would likely turn to veteran Byron Leftwich. Though Leftwich played admirably in limited time as Pittsburgh’s backup last season, he’s far from proven as a starter.

Then there’s 6’5” rookie Josh Freeman. While going young may be the trend of late, throwing the future franchise quarterback to the wolves in his first season would be less than ideal.

If McCown can run the offense, manage games, and hold onto the starting job, I’d say Tampa Bay will exceed expectations. But if he falters and the Bucs are forced to do some soul searching under center, the offense will struggle to be consistent.

The x-factor is a largely unproven group of Buccaneer receivers.

Outside of 2008 standout Antonio Bryant, the only returning player with more than one touchdown reception last season is tight end Jerramy Stevens.

If Jagodzinski can get production out of receivers like Michael Clayton and Dexter Jackson, while also maximizing the addition of tight end Kellen Winslow, the Bucs’ offense will be one step closer to exceeding expectations.

But even then, as Buccaneer fans should know better than anyone, defense wins championships.

While it would be nice to get the running game going and find some consistency at quarterback, the Bucs play too tough a schedule to expect a first-year offense to carry the load.

Like the offense, Bates’ defense centers on the running game. Bates’ scheme aims to shut down the run between the tackles, force the outside run back inside, and balance a speed-based pass rush with aggressive bump-and-run coverage.

For Tampa Bay to meet expectations, defensive tackles Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims will have to put a stop to the inside run—priority No. 1—and this could be a problem.

The defensive line struggled in the Bucs' 2008 late-season collapse, and many aren't sure if the unit can continue to get the job done all season.

Undoubtedly, the D-line's depth will be tested again this season, and whether or not that depth can come through in big games will be a big factor in Tampa Bay's success.

From there, it’ll be up to the linebackers. The Bucs have all the confidence in the world in middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, but newly acquired Angelo Crowell is coming off a knee injury and Jermaine Phillips is making the move to outside linebacker from strong safety.

If they do their job, the Buccaneer defense stands a good chance. If they struggle, the 2009 season could very well resemble last year’s 38-23 loss to Carolina in which the Panther’s ran rampant for 300 yards and four touchdowns.

The x-factor for the defense is the secondary. Aging veteran Ronde Barber and 2008 first-round draft pick Aqib Talib will start on the corners, but they’ll be tested in Bates’s scheme and must live up to the challenge.

Sabby Piscitelli, who often found himself out of position last season, will likely get the start at strong safety, and will be called upon to clean up anything that slips through the linebackers.

Overall, the Tampa Bay secondary lacks depth and experience—especially with Phillips moving to linebacker. However, if a few of the team’s young guns can step up and contribute and the secondary overachieves, the Bucs’ defense should follow suit.

The same could be said for Gaines Adams and Greg White at defensive end. If Bates can get Adams to live up to his billing and become a forceful pass rusher off the edge, the Bucs could make bigger strides defensively.

Last but not least, if I had to name three other factors that could make or break the Buccaneers this season, it would be coaching, leadership, and injuries.

At 32, Morris is the youngest head coach in the National Football League.

While I think the players have bought into his attitude and coaching style, he’ll have to tackle a steep learning curve when it comes to preparation and play calling in order to compete with the more experienced headsets on the opposite sideline.

The Bucs will also need some guys to step up in the locker room and in the huddle after parting ways with several veteran players. Without guys like Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, and Joey Galloway, the team will need to find new leaders in 2009.

Finally, whether Tampa Bay is going to exceed, meet, or fall below expectations, injuries will play a role this season. An injury to the wrong player at the wrong time is all it takes for a team to take a tumble down the division standings.

For the Bucs to surpass expectations this season, the must-keep-healthy list would include McCown, Bryant, Ruud, and Barber, among others.

But regardless of what happens this season, Buccaneer fans should keep the big picture in mind.

Without a doubt, Morris and company will endure their share of growing pains in 2009, and any success this season will be just an added bonus to what the franchise hopes to build for the future.

So for now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Tampa Bay's New-Look Bucs Hope To Hit the Ground Running

Michael McGuffee — Sat, 23 May 2009 18:28:44 -0400

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, long known for Monte Kiffin’s “Tampa Two” defense, will debut new coaches, new players, and new playbooks next season on both sides of the ball.

First-year head coach Raheem Morris wants his team to play “violent football,” citing the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars as comparisons to the team model he would like to build in Tampa.

The man in charge of the Bucs’ offense this season is former Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski. For Jagodzinski, violent football translates into a run first, zone-blocking scheme featuring newly acquired running back Derrick Ward.

Ward, who will be complemented by Earnest Graham and hopefully a healthy Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, is familiar with the system after rushing for over 1,000 yards in the New York Giants’ zone scheme last season.

According to players, the new offense is simpler than the West Coast system brought to Tampa by former head coach Jon Gruden. Many attributed Gruden’s bulky playbook and complex terminology over the years to the slow development and limited production of Buccaneer rookies.

To the contrary, Jagodzinski says the Bucs will have variations of no more than 10 running plays this season. Specifically, the Tampa Bay running game will transition from a drive-blocking scheme to a stretch outside zone-blocking scheme.

Whereas the West Coast offense uses the short passing game to create running lanes and opportunities down the field, the Bucs will revert to a more traditional theory this season—establishing the run to set up the pass.

Morris believes an aggressive downhill running game will set the tone and create favorable matchups for a capable group of receivers, led by Antonio Bryant on the outside and tight end Kellen Winslow between the hashes.

Though off-the-field issues are a concern, Winslow immediately upgrades the tight end position for Tampa Bay, who acquired Winslow through a trade with Cleveland. If the Bucs can establish the run effectively, Winslow should be a staple out of play action, create mismatches in coverage, and free up Bryant and others on the outside.

Wide receiver Michael Clayton, going into his sixth season with the Bucs, is also expected to be a bigger part of the offense this season.

Clayton enjoyed a promising rookie season with Tampa Bay in 2004, but a combination of dropped balls and injuries landed the wide out in Gruden’s doghouse. His role was reduced accordingly.

Jagodzinski, however, likes Clayton’s size and ability as both a target and a physical blocker down field.

Clayton says the new coaching staff has done a good job of getting everyone involved in the offense, and likes that Jagodzinski’s quarterbacks don’t hesitate to throw the ball down field.

With a smaller playbook and more of an open-minded approach this season, it’ll be interesting to see if Morris and Jagodzinski can get more production from a slew of young Buccaneer receivers.

Second-year speedster Dexter Jackson, 6’5”, 220-pound Maurice Stovall, and rookie Sammie Stroughter should all be available for the Bucs this season.

Tampa Bay certainly gets younger at the skill positions as the team chose not to re-sign veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia and released running back Warrick Dunn and receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard.

Without Garcia’s knack for buying time in the pocket and making plays down field, undoubtedly the quarterbacks will be asked to do less this season. Whether it's Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, or rookie Josh Freeman, certainly more emphasis will be placed on establishing the run and taking what the defense gives them from there.

Regardless, Ward and others say they’re excited for what they believe will be a balanced and explosive offense under the new coaching staff.

For the Bucs—who finished last in scoring within the division in 2008 by a total margin of 30 points—the offense will almost have to be explosive if they hope to compete in the NFC South this season.

Meanwhile, the burden of holding opposing offenses in check will fall on the new-look Tampa Bay defense.

The Bucs have brought in 17-year NFL veteran Jim Bates to implement his run contain system this season. While both systems rely on speed, Bates’ defense varies considerably from the cover two scheme Kiffin introduced in 1996.

Bates’ system requires stalwarts at defensive tackle and speed at the outside linebacker positions in order to funnel opposing offenses toward the middle linebacker—in Tampa’s case, standout tackler Barrett Ruud.

The middle linebacker has run responsibilities on almost every play, and the system aims to herd ball carriers toward the heart of the defense—the ultimate goal being to force opposing offenses to throw the football and become one-dimensional.

Having the right personnel is key to execute the run contain system, and while the Bucs may not be a perfect fit in 2009, the team seems to be putting the pieces together.

The Bucs have moved veteran strong safety Jermaine Phillips to linebacker, and also acquired free agent Angelo Crowell. Crowell recorded 126 tackles with the Buffalo Bills in 2007 before electing to sit out the 2008 season to surgically repair an ailing knee.

Having released the team’s second and third leading tacklers in Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks and veteran linebacker Cato June, the coaching staff must believe Phillips and Crowell are a good fit for the new system.

Morris and company also chose not to take a linebacker in this year’s draft. Instead, the Bucs took a couple versatile defensive linemen with their second and third picks—Texas’ Roy Miller and Southern California’s Kyle Moore, respectively.

Defensive tackles are key to Bates’ defense, and thought to be the biggest weakness at the moment in terms of the Buccaneers’ personnel. In Bates’ system, the tackles must be especially big and strong in order to hold the line of scrimmage and free up the team’s linebackers.

Bucs fans will also see a change in strategy in the secondary. Bates’ defense calls for more aggressive bump-and-run coverage on the outside, as opposed to Kiffin’s cover two, which allowed corners to sit back in coverage and make plays on the ball.

At 6’1” and 205 pounds, the Bucs believe second-year corner Aqib Talib will fit the system nicely. Morris also likes seventh-round draft pick E.J. Biggers who showed promise with his ability to play the bump and run at Western Michigan.

Bates’ system often uses outside linebackers and defensive backs in blitz packages to complement the pass rush provided by the team’s defensive ends.

It’s no surprise that Bates will be looking for speed from his ends as well, and if everything goes according to plan, the Bucs’ Gaines Adams could be in for a big year in Bates’ scheme.

Altogether, between the coaching changes, the new playbooks, and the addition of a few new faces on both sides of the ball, Bucs fans will have a lot to watch for this season.

Whether Tampa Bay’s 2009 campaign proves to be an early surprise or a grueling rebuilding process, it should make for an interesting year in the franchise’s history.

Magic: You'll Need More Than a Broom in This One, LeBron

Michael McGuffee — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:32:59 -0400

Lebron James couldn’t miss and the Cleveland Cavaliers jumped out to a 15-point first-half lead, but when it was all said and done, the Magic made a resounding statement in Wednesday night’s series debut.

We’re not going anywhere.

Despite the fact that James lived up to his MVP billing, finishing 20-of-30 from the field, his 49 points were not enough to hold off the Magic and earn the Cavs their ninth straight playoff win in as many games.

Throughout the Cavaliers’ dominating start, I couldn’t help but think the Magic were still in good shape.

As many shots as Cleveland hit, and after watching the Lakers blow out the Houston Rockets in very similar fashion, it was clear this game could have easily been at least a 20-point margin at the half.

But it wasn’t. In fact, if not for Mo Williams’ prayer of a shot just before the buzzer, it would have been just a 12-point Cleveland lead at the break.

Here were James and the Cavs playing their very best basketball, and yet Orlando kept within firing range by feeding Dwight Howard the ball and getting good looks at the basket.

While James carried his team on his back, Howard didn’t have to. Orlando’s bench outscored Cleveland’s by 20 points, and the Magic’s come-from-behind win was kick-started by none other than backup point guard Anthony Johnson

Johnson’s three-pointer at the 10-minute mark gave Orlando an 85-84 fourth-quarter lead—the team’s first of the game—and James, who was on the bench at the time, was rushed back into the action.

And, if Magic fans were still wondering if Rashard Lewis is really worth his $110 million contract, the answer Wednesday night was a resounding yes.

Lewis scored 17 points in the second half, none bigger than his go-ahead three-pointer with 14.7 seconds left play, which put Orlando back on top 107-106.

The series debut was eerily similar to the Lakers’ game-one victory over the Denver Nuggets. Sure Denver played the better game, but it was the Lakers that pulled out the win with their play in the final minutes.

Cleveland, like Denver, won each of its first eight playoff games by double-digits. And, like Denver, the Cavs simply weren’t ready to fight for 48 minutes and pull out a close game.

The pathetic look on Anderson Varejao’s face after Hedo Turkoglu pump faked and drew the shooting foul at the one-minute mark said it all. Has Varejao ever seen Paul Pierce play?

I hate that play as much as anyone—almost as much as I hate Pierce who’s benefited from that call more than anyone else in the league—but there’s no question as to whether or not it’s a foul, and anyone who’s ever watched a playoff game knows better than to be surprised by the move.

Now I’m not saying the series is over or that the Cavs can’t win close games. After all, James is the best finisher outside of Kobe Bryant in these playoffs. The bottom line is James simply cannot win four games by himself.

That’s not to say James isn’t a team player either. He did a fantastic job of getting everyone involved in the first half, but inevitably, when the game is on the line, the Cavs all look to their superstar.

And by the time the fourth quarter rolled around in Wednesday night’s match-up, James was fatigued. As hard as he played on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, how could he not be?

But it cost him. James missed three free throws down the stretch, and Cleveland head coach Mike Brown had to call a timeout in the final minutes just to give James—who stood hunched over with cramps after the final horn—a breather.

My point is simply this: the media pundits who spent all their time this week trying to figure out how many games it would take for the Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals forgot the Orlando Magic are bigger than LeBron James.

As much as David Stern and freelance basketball fans would like to see Kobe Bryant and Lebron James compete for an NBA title—I mean Nike already made a series of commercials—both of these series are bigger than the two individual superstars. (For further evidence see Howard’s six personal fouls to James’ one.)

Unless Kobe and LeBron’s teammates can step up and play like champions themselves, the fan-favorite matchup is more possible than probable.

QB Questions Nothing New For Bucs, But Here Are a Few For Leftwich

Michael McGuffee — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:29:01 -0400

Quarterback Byron Leftwich was the big winner in Marshall’s 2001 GMAC Bowl triumph over David Garrard and East Carolina, but it was Garrard who got the last laugh.

Garrard chased Leftwich from his starting duties with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007—his last job as a starting quarterback in the National Football League.

Garrard has been the starter in Jacksonville ever since, while Leftwich has bounced from Atlanta to Pittsburgh and, most recently, to Tampa Bay. But with the Bucs and new head coach Raheem Morris, the veteran Leftwich has a good shot at a starting job once again.

According to Leftwich, who won a Super Bowl last season as a backup to the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger, the chance to start at quarterback was a big reason he chose to sign with the Buccaneers.

To win over the Bucs and prove he’s capable, however, he’ll have to beat out Luke McCown—who’s already claimed the job—and Josh Freeman—a confident rookie and first-round draft pick out of Kansas State.

The bad news? Tampa Bay fans are tired of quarterback battles and oft-injured veterans following Jon Gruden’s reign as head coach, and their patience is running thin after four consecutive losses ended their 2008 season in utter disappointment.

Leftwich will also have to learn the nooks and crannies of yet another playbook—his third in as many seasons—with which McCown already has a head start.

The good news? Whoever wins the job will likely benefit from what looks to be a strong backfield rotation with the addition of former Giant Derrick Ward. The Tampa Bay signal caller will also have enticing targets in wide receiver Antonio Bryant and tight end Kellen Winslow to stretch the field.

The following are a few mock interview questions I would like to ask Leftwich:

What were the selling points in your decision to sign with Tampa Bay?
It seems like your career has been somewhat of a roller-coaster ride from being released in Jacksonville and Atlanta to winning a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh and to now having a chance to compete for the starting job here in Tampa. What have you learned throughout this journey and what’s the hardest part about picking up and moving to a new team?
What were your initial impressions of Coach Morris?
Coach Morris says he’s taken a lot from Pittsburgh head coach and former Buc Mike Tomlin. What was it like playing for Tomlin in Pittsburgh and do you see any similarities in their coaching styles?
You won a Super Bowl last season with Tomlin, but does a Super Bowl win mean as much when you find yourself second on the depth chart?
Based on the time you’ve spent with Coach Morris and Coach Jagodzinski, what qualities do you think they’re looking for in a starting quarterback?
What’s your take on Jagodzinski’s system and how do you think it will help the Bucs this season?
What goals do you have for yourself and this team for the 2009 season?
Being a veteran with significantly more experience than the Bucs’ other options, what kind of edge does that give you as you compete for the starting job?
What are your impressions of Josh Freeman and what weight, if any, do you give to the comparisons between him and former teammate Ben Roethlisberger?
You played behind NFL veteran Mark Brunell at the start of your career in Jacksonville, what advice would you give Josh and do you see yourself taking an active role in mentoring the rookie quarterback?
The team may not have a clear starter at quarterback for the time being, but what are your thoughts on the backfield here in Tampa and the impact that rotation could have for this offense?
What have you learned about the receiving core since you’ve arrived in Tampa?
How important do you think it is to reach out and be a part of the Tampa Bay community and do you have any plans in mind to do so?
What do you see for yourself in your life after football?

Though early indicators seem to point to McCown, the experience Leftwich brings to Tampa Bay and the fact that he proved he can still play in Pittsburgh make him a compelling option to start week one for the Buccaneers this season.

In five appearances with the Steelers in 2008, Leftwich completed 21-of-36 pass attempts for 303 yards and two touchdowns, without throwing an interception.

While I don’t think these numbers will matter much to Morris, McCown can’t hide the fact that he’s 1-for-7 in his career as a starter. Leftwich, meanwhile, has not only won, but has led a team to the playoffs.

As far as Freeman is concerned, Morris would probably like to keep his prized rookie out of the line of fire unless 2009 is officially dubbed a rebuilding year mid-season.

Morris, however, has made it clear the job is anyone's to win—not someone's to lose—and the Bucs' questions at quarterback will likely linger well into the season.

2008 Recruiting: Florida State Takes a Step in the Right Direction

Michael McGuffee — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:56:18 -0500

For college football die-hards across the country, National Signing Day is the best thing since sliced bread.

For coaches, fans and supporters the excitement and/or disappointment that is the rollercoaster ride of recruiting strikes each and every year.

You win some and you lose some, but with each signature and each prized recruit it feels as though your team is that much closer to greatness, glory and a national championship.

But ultimately it's a day where four-star promises and five-star dreams, remain just that. Nobody knows what exactly the future will hold for each group of youngsters, each one of them eager to showcase their talent on the next level of competition.

This year's signing day has come and gone for Florida State. While Bobby Bowden, Jimbo Fisher and company have reeled in another talented group to follow in the traditions of the Garnet and Gold, it certainly wasn't the earth-shattering day Seminole fans were hoping for.

Back-and-forth rumors and the intriguing possibility of five-star wide receiver phenom Julio Jones embracing Florida State proved not enough to get the rising star out of his home state of Alabama. The same could be said of highly touted offensive guard Josh Jenkins who chose to stay in West Virginia despite flirting with the Seminoles.

Meanwhile, Lincoln High School’s T.J. Bryant opted to leave Tallahassee for a cross-country college career with Pete Carroll and the Trojans of USC.

However, despite falling short of signing day’s “big fish”, FSU's 2008 recruiting class still ranked among the nation's top 10 and was able to fill immediate needs and provide a solid foundation for what Seminole fans hope will be the turning point of the program.

The year's class was built offensively and defensively around two premier players and early commitments in five-star Virginia Beach quarterback E.J. Manuel and local five-star linebacker Nigel Bradham.

At 6’5” and 210 pounds, Manuel looks to be Fisher’s quarterback of the future, while the physical specimen that is Bradham could demand playing time the moment the early enrollee steps on the practice field this spring.

Offensively, Fisher landed several intriguing prospects including the El Camino, Calif. junior college duo of five-star wide out Corey Surrency and four-star running back Tavares Pressley. Both players offer a valuable balance of size and speed at their positions as 6’4” Surrency runs in the 4.5 range and the 215-pound Pressley clocks in with a 4.4.

Other victories for Fisher’s offense were the signings of underrated running back Jermaine Thomas, who stuck with Florida State despite a late surge of interest from LSU, and two four-star athletes in Pennsylvania’s A.J. Alexander and former Auburn commit Jarmon Fortson.

While Thomas and Alexander both chart 4.4 speed, Fisher said he was amazed by Fortson, who at 6’3”, 220 could factor in very quickly next season. With ideal size and athleticism, Fortson could quite possibly emulate the versatility of a Preston Parker who will enter next season as FSU’s premier big-play threat.

However, the future success of Fisher’s offense is largely in the hands of a man who also contributed heavily to the 2008 class. Veteran offensive line coach Rick Trickett continued to build a strong foundation of lineman with the signing of six more big bodies, including four-star prospect Zebrie Sanders of Clayton, Oh.

While several of Trickett’s signees come in under the radar, there’s no doubt the ball coach knows how and where to find talent. In his first season at Florida State, Trickett turned a true freshman guard and a redshirt freshman center who converted from defensive-tackle into Freshmen All-Americans.

Defensively, four-star tackle Moses McCray and a talented trio of defensive ends should help boost a defensive line lacking depth going into next season — especially in the first three games where FSU will continue to serve suspensions stemming over from last year’s academic misconduct case.

FSU commits at defensive end are particularly monstrous, including five-star Kansas native Markus White, four-star standout Everett Dawkins and three-star prospect Toshmon Stevens. White and Stevens are both physical specimens at 6’4” and 6’5”, respectively, and both will fit into the Seminoles’ speedy scheme with forty times in the 4.5 range.

Bradham’s signature, along with a trio of four-star linebacker prospects in Nigel Carr, Vincent Williams and Nick Moody, should also give FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews plenty to work with next season.

In the secondary, highly-touted defensive backs Terrance Parks and Travis Arnold aren’t anything to gawk at either.

However, for now — with off-season conditioning underway — all Florida State can do is wait. Wait and see if these young stars will shine as bright as the program hopes they will in the near future. Who knows, there may even be a couple of guys whose stars shine even brighter. Parker, an FSU recruit back in 2006, has sure made a lot out of his three-star status in his time as a Seminole.

By asserting that the young and fiery Coach Fisher will succeed the legendary Bobby Bowden at Florida State gave the program a clearer vision for the future this off-season, and one that undoubtedly played a big part in the team’s recruiting success with the 2008 class.

The Seminoles lose just three starters on each side of the ball heading into next year. FSU’s coaching staff overhaul will be in it’s second season and with an ideal schedule highlighted by seven home games and no short weeks, the Tribe could be due for a much anticipated turnaround.

Music City Bowl: Kentucky Outlasts Short-Handed Seminoles

Michael McGuffee — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:55:25 -0500

Florida State put up one heck of a fight in the Music City Bowl, using big plays and Kentucky turnovers to keep the game close.

In the end, though, the Seminoles’ lack of depth was their downfall, and Kentucky held on for a 35-28 win in Nashville.

The win was Kentucky’s second straight at the Music City Bowl after defeating Clemson last season. The loss was Bobby Bowden’s first bowl defeat in December.

The Seminoles were playing without 36 players, most of whom were lost due to suspensions stemming from an academic misconduct case, in which a tutor gave student-athletes answers to an online test.

Senior quarterback Andre' Woodson led the potent Kentucky offense, completing 32 of 50 passing attempts for 358 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. The Wildcats ran a hurry-up offense for much of the game, pushing the tempo to take advantage of a depleted FSU defense.

Wide out Steve Johnson came up big for Woodson on the receiving end with seven catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns, including a 38-yard catch-and-run with 5:19 left to play that proved to be the game-winner.

The score gave the Wildcats a 14-point lead, but quarterback Drew Weatherford and the Seminoles drove 79 yards on a six-play drive to make it 35-28. The score came on a seven-yard touchdown pass to Greg Carr with 2:14 left on the clock.

On the first play of Kentucky’s ensuing possession, running back Rafael Little was stripped from behind, but tight end Jacob Tamme wrestled the ball away from FSU’s Michael Ray Garvin to retain possession.

Florida State would force Kentucky to punt on a 4th-and-1, and took over at their own 20. Weatherford threw his second interception of the game two plays later to UK defender Micah Johnson, but Johnson lost the ball on the return and FSU recovered at its own 16-yard line as the wild finish continued.

Weatherford then completed three of his next four passes—two to playmaking wide receiver Preston Parker—to spot Florida State in Kentucky territory with three seconds remaining.

However, Weatherford’s final pass fell harmlessly to the ground as three defenders swarmed Carr in the end zone.

Parker finished the game with eight catches for 105 yards, while Carr added six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.

The Seminoles also finished with 10 penalties, which cost them 102 yards.

Little led the Wildcats with 152 yards on 28 carries, while FSU’s Antone Smith carried 17 times for 156 yards, including a 59-yard scamper that set up the Seminoles for the score that cut the game to seven with two minutes left to play.

The Seminoles moved the ball on their first possession of the game until Weatherford was stopped short on a QB draw on 3rd-and-2. FSU then made its first big mistake when punter Graham Gano dropped the snap and had his kick blocked.

Kentucky gained possession on the FSU 25 and scored five plays later with a 14-yard strike to Tamme.

FSU answered with a Weatherford touchdown run, his first of two on the night. The score was set up by a Kentucky fumble in the red zone, which Florida State corner Tony Carter returned to the UK 47.

Kentucky would regain the lead, 14-7, on 13-yard Johnson TD catch. But Carter then came up big again for the Seminoles—this time intercepting Woodson deep in his own territory and returning the pick 24 yards for a score.

The Wildcats scored 14 unanswered in the third quarter before holding off the surging Seminoles in the final period.

Music City Bowl: Depleted FSU Fired Up for Kickoff

Michael McGuffee — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 04:28:57 -0500

On the cusp of what will be perhaps FSU's toughest task to date—facing Kentucky in the Music City Bowl without 25 scholarship athletes lost to suspension and injury—Seminoles players were confident and upbeat following Sunday’s practice in Nashville.

“Honestly, this is a great opportunity for our team,” FSU quarterback Drew Weatherford said. “There is a lot of adversity and you can’t have a great win unless you have adversity. This is really exciting for a lot of guys to have an opportunity that they haven’t had previously.

“It’s something that we really can’t control, but the one thing that we can control is our attitude under these circumstances. We are just excited to be here and looking forward to the game.”

According to starting strong safety Myron Rolle, the most difficult part of the post-suspenion experience was the plane ride to Nashville.

“It is tough when guys you played with all season are not here,” Rolle said. “Especially when you get on a plane to come to Nashville and a lot of seats are empty—then it becomes reality. It has been pretty difficult to cope with but our coaches have done a great job of preparing our younger guys.”

While the Seminoles have often rallied around Bobby Bowden’s pregame speeches, players say they won’t need any extra motivation in this one.

Sophomore defensive end Everette Brown, whose only backup in today’s game will be 218-pound walk-on linebacker Benjamin Lampkin, says winning is motivation enough—not to mention the fact that Florida State enters the game as a 10-point underdogs.

“Florida State is Florida State,” Brown said. “We didn’t come out here to take a week off. We came out here to win a ball game. We are going to go out there, strap it up and play Florida State football.”

Players expected to step in and fill vacancies in the starting lineup include nose guard Kendrick Stewart, freshman linebacker Kendall Smith, senior walk-on tight end Josh Dobbie, and redshirt freshman O-lineman Evan Bellamy.

“It’s too bad that some of our players did not make the trip but it’s a great opportunity for the younger guys to come in and showcase their skills,” Stewart said. “For the players that are here, we are trying to win this game. We miss those players that are not here but we have to go out and do what we can for the team and show everybody that we are still Florida State.”

“Not many freshmen get the opportunity that I am getting right now,” Smith added. “I talked to my friends and family and they keep asking me if I am going to play and I keep telling them that yes, I am playing.

“I am just glad that the coaches trust me to go out on the field and be part of the first team. I have to take advantage of this opportunity.”

With kickoff set for 4 PM and the game televised on ESPN, only time will tell if the depleted Seminoles really have what it takes to keep up with Kentucky, who will be missing several key players of their own.

The Wildcats are expected to be without leading receiver Keenan Burton and second-leading rusher Derrick Locke due to injury, while starting right guard Jason Leger was suspended Saturday for a violation of team rules.

“We are thankful for the (Music City) Bowl taking us,” a humble Bowden said Saturday. “They didn’t know what was happening and to be honest, we didn’t know either when we accepted this bowl.

“We just hope that we can make a good show of it and give them a great game.”

FSU’s Keys to the Game

Drew Weatherford

Weatherford has been a leader on and off the field for the Seminoles all season, but a lot of weight will be on the quarterback’s shoulders coming into Monday’s contest.

For Florida State to be successful, Weatherford must lead the Seminoles down the field, not only to keep up with Kentucky on the scoreboard, but also to eat time off the clock and give a depleted defense a chance to rest.

To do that, he must continue to take care of the ball, but also take more chances to convert key third-downs—which FSU has done just 32 percent of the time this season—and get into the end zone.

Geno Hayes

Hayes was no where to be found in FSU’s humiliating loss to Florida, but if anyone can provide the thin Seminoles with some much-needed energy, it’s him.

Hayes leads the team with 17.5 tackles-for-loss, and Mickey Andrews' defense plays to the beat of his drum.

Score touchdowns, not field goals

Senior kicker Gary Cismesia is the Seminoles’ leading scorer, but the team will fare much better Monday if that’s not the case.

Florida State must find ways to convert in the red zone, whether it’s 6'6" jump-ball specialist Greg Carr, playmaker Preston Parker, or a healthy Antone Smith in the backfield.

Limit Kentucky’s opportunities

If one thing’s for certain, it's that the Seminoles simply cannot afford to hurt themselves.

Everything from the turnover and field position battles to keeping penalties to a minimum will be absolutely crucial to FSU's efforts.

Be creative

For the Seminoles to win, they must be creative on both sides of the ball.

Expect a number of unique looks from Jimbo Fisher on offense, including a smattering of trick plays. More importantly, however, FSU must be creative in finding ways to pressure UK QB Andre' Woodson, who could pick apart a tired Florida State defense.

The Wildcats will have a decisive advantage in numbers, so for the Seminoles it will have to be more brains, less brawn, and a lot of luck.

FSU Attrition: 36 Seminoles Out for Music City Bowl

Michael McGuffee — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 05:54:07 -0500

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden probably didn't think things could get much worse after the Seminoles ended their regular-season slate with an embarrassing 45-12 loss to archrival Florida.

Well, think again.

Following a second look into an academic misconduct case that surfaced toward the beginning of the season and ended temporarily with the suspension of two players, all Bowden wanted for Christmas was the rest of his football team.

While the university will not release the names of the players involved in the case due to federal privacy laws, 25 Seminoles on scholarship will not travel to the Music City Bowl in Nashville because of the academic investigation, other violations of team rules, or injury.

The list includes 11 players who have starting experience this season and several key reserves, as the Seminoles find themselves one injury away from being in serious trouble Monday against Kentucky.

Oh, and 11 walk-ons stayed home, too.

In an illustration of Florida State's newfound depth problem, senior long snapper Garrison Sanborn saw some time at defensive end last week.

"Naturally, we're having to make a lot of adjustments," Bowden said. "You have 22 positions out there, and some you'd be more concerned about than others. We have some guys playing positions they haven't played before. Not many, but some.

"I think we'll be competitive—where it hurts you is depth. We've just got to stay healthy."

Taking the hardest hit will be an FSU defense that already has its hands full with quarterback Andre' Woodson and the high-powered Kentucky offense.

Mickey Andrews' squad will have its four leading tacklers, including linebackers Derek Nicholson and Geno Hayes, but will be without starting strong-side linebacker Dekoda Watson and his backup, sophomore Marcus Ball.

The defensive line is FSU's biggest question mark. The 'Noles will be without five scholarship defensive lineman who contributed this season, including starting tackle Budd Thacker, starting defensive end Neefy Moffett, and key reserves Letory Guion, Paul Griffin, and Justin Mincey.

With good size, 6'6", 222-pound reserve safety Kenny Ingram has moved to strongside linebacker, while freshman Kendall Smith and sophomore Recardo Wright will contend for a starting role. At nose tackle, Emmanuel Dunbar and Kendrick Stewart will compete for playing time.

The lack of depth puts a lot of pressure on senior Andre Fluellen and both starters at end, who won't have the luxury of FSU's traditionally deep rotation against Woodson and Kentucky.

Against Florida, the Seminoles struggled to control the line of scrimmage and rush the passer, mustering only one sack. As a result, they gave up more than 500 yards of offense for the first time since 2004.

In the secondary, Florida State will have both safeties and lead cover man Tony Carter, but will be without starting corner Patrick Robinson, who leads the team with six interceptions. Speedy junior Michael Ray Garvin will replace Robinson in the lineup.

"We still have the talent to beat anybody," Fluellen said at the prospect of losing so many players. "I'm not really worried about that. I'm (still) confident we can go up there and win."

Offensively, the Seminoles keep most of their key personnel, including starting quarterback Drew Weatherford, running back Antone Smith, the team's top three receivers (including versatile playmaker Preston Parker), and kicker Gary Cismesia, their leading scorer.

However, the offensive line finds itself dangerously thin. FSU will go into the Music City Bowl without starters Daron Rose and Jacky Claude, and without starting tight end Charlie Graham and his backup, Caz Piurowski.

Redshirt freshman Evan Bellamy and senior David Overmyer will fill in the starting lineup for offensive line coach Rick Trickett, while freshman standout Rodney Hudson could slide from guard to tackle.

FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said some of the team's shortcomings can and will be compensated by using different schemes and formations, but the changes will almost certainly hurt a unit that has struggled to execute, even with the right personnel, all season.

Backup quarterback and former Seabreeze High standout Xavier Lee, who already served a two-game suspension earlier in the season for academic reasons, will also not be traveling with the team.

"We'll be just fine," Weatherford said. "We'll go out and compete like we always have. There are a lot of guys who have opportunities now who haven't had them in the past, and they'll get a chance to show what they got."

If one thing is for certain, many are eager to see what exactly the Seminoles "got" left come game time.

BY THE NUMBERS

36: FSU players not traveling to the Music City Bowl for reasons including the academic misconduct case, violation of team rules, and injury (25 scholarship, 11 walk-ons).

11: Those not traveling who have starting experience.

56: FSU players who participated in their last game, Nov. 24 vs. Florida.

18: FSU players who played vs. Florida but are among the 36 players who will miss the Music City Bowl.

7: FSU starters vs. Florida who will miss the bowl (LT Daron Rose, RG Jacky Claude, TE Charlie Graham, NT Budd Thacker, RE Neefy Moffett, SLB Dekoda Watson, RCB Patrick Robinson).

4: First-time starters who will take their place (TE John Frady, RG Evan Bellamy, NT Emmanuel Dunbar, SLB Kendall Smith).