Florida State Football: Latest Champs Sports Bowl News and Updates

Florida State returned to the practice fields late last week in preparation for their bowl match up in the Champs Sports Bowl against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  

The ‘Noles got some much needed time off after a physical and grueling season. 

Now with over two weeks until the showdown, FSU coaches and players will focus their attention on improving on their mistakes throughout the season.  

Here are the latest news and notes surrounding the ‘Noles before they renew their rivalry with the Irish on December 29.  

Stoops Stock Rising

After turning FSU’s defense from one of the nation’s worst in 2009, to one of the nation’s best this season, defensive coordinator Mark Stoops has certainly raised his stock as a coach on the rise.

His name has been mentioned with some openings, most notably the defensive coordinator position at Auburn.  

Auburn head coach Gene Chizik has announced he will be the team’s defensive coordinator in their bowl game, so this search could go on for a while.  

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher has stated that Stoops has not been contacted by any schools yet.

Stay tuned.  

Players Test Draft Waters

Florida State has a few players who are on the radar of NFL scouts, with players like juniors Brandon Jenkins, Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid making various mock drafts as potential early entry candidates. 

All three players submitted paperwork to the NFL for their draft evaluations, and Jimbo Fisher said he would encourage any of his players to leave if they have a first-round grade.  

Of the three guys mentioned, Jenkins is the most likely to receive the highest grade.  

Jenkins told the Orlando Sentinel that he will take his time on deciding whether to return for his senior season.  

Hot Ticket

With two tradition-rich schools that matched up in a classic '90s meeting, it is no surprise that the Champs Sports Bowl has sold out of tickets for the first time in the bowl’s 22 years in existence.  

FSU needed only two days to sell out of their fans' allotment.

With a big name opponent, and a travel-friendly destination in Orlando, the buzz surrounding this matchup makes it one of the most intriguing non-BCS bowls this postseason.  

Coaching Staff on the Recruiting Trail

While the players may have gotten some time off since the season finale win over Florida, the coaches hit the recruiting trail aggressively. 

FSU coaches were all across the country visting various committed prospects, attending high school playoff games, and doing in-home visits during the latest contact period. 

Meanwhile, some of their commitments continue to be heavily pursued and are taking vistits to other schools desperate to get them to switch their pledges. 

With National Signing Day less than two months away, the recruiting roller-coaster is getting ready to crank up starting in January.  

Injury Report

Several Seminoles have been limited in practice with various bumps and bruises since returning.

The most severe being senior wide receiver Bert Reed, whose career as a Seminole may already be over due to a hamstring injury suffered in a recent practice.  

Freshman safety and kick returner Karlos Williams will miss the bowl game because of a broken wrist suffered in the Florida game.  

Further, offensive linemen Garrett Faircloth (hip) and Bryan Stork (finger) are questionable for the bowl game, but coach Jimbo Fisher thinks they will be able availalbe against the Fighting Irish..