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State practice report

By Times staff writers
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 25, 2002

Lorenzen a very big challenge

GAINESVILLE -- Florida defensive coordinator John Thompson had a breakthrough game against Tennessee on Saturday, but he has a new test ahead of him in Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen.

It will be the first time Thompson, a former defensive coordinator at Arkansas, faces the 6-foot-4, 275-pound junior, and he knows he presents a large test, literally.

"He's very, very impressive," Thompson said. "He's got great feet, he's got a big body, he's got as strong an arm as anybody we've seen. We got our hands full in every regard."

Florida's defense continues to practice against scout team quarterbacks Gavin Dickey (5-10, 189) and Patrick Dosh (6-2, 215).

'I've never tackled anyone 300 pounds before, so I don't know how that's going to go," strong safety Cory Bailey said. "I guess that's a game-time situation type thing."

NO LETDOWN: Last week, as underdogs with a new coach, the Gators probably were underestimated by the Volunteers.

Florida finds its role reversed against Kentucky this week.

And, partially because of Tennessee's self-destruction, guard Shannon Snell views Saturday's game as an even bigger challenge for the Gators. He called it the best Kentucky team he has seen in years and worries the Gators might have a letdown after the upset win over Tennessee.

-- JILL MARTIN

Rain can't stop Bulls

Rain in Tampa had South Florida scrambling from the practice field to the soccer stadium to the Sun Dome and, when the skies cleared, back out to the practice field, but the Bulls got in everything in preparation for Saturday's game at Oklahoma.

"The guys battled through it well," coach Jim Leavitt said. "We were fortunate to get it all in."

RETIREMENTS: Injuries have cut short the careers of two USF defensive players, end Emerson Morris and linebacker Mike Minus.

Morris started the first three games last season but broke a leg in the sixth game. He had three tackles in three games this fall.

"We were hoping he would be able to come off that leg injury, and he just can't, it won't come around," Leavitt said.

Minus, a fourth-year junior, was a top backup at middle linebacker the past two seasons, but chronic ankle and knee problems have hampered him. He did not play this season.

"His ankle never came around. He just can't play anymore," Leavitt said. "He'll finish his degree this spring. He really has been a great young man, and I feel badly for him."

-- PETE YOUNG, TIMES WIRES

FSU, WWBA split up

Don't try finding Florida State football broadcasts on WWBA-AM 1040 any more. The station, predominantly news talk after being obtained by Genesis Communication and FSU abruptly dissolved their two-year-old partnership last week.

The Seminole Network also includes Bay area stations WTAN-AM 1340 (Clearwater), WZHR-AM 1400 (Zephyrhills), WXOF-FM 96.3 (Crystal River) and WAMR-AM 1320 (Sarasota).

"FSU said, 'We don't need you,' " 1040 program director Keith Leach said.

"We're working hard to find a partner in Tampa," FSU director of marketing Scott Kull said. "It's a very important market to us."

Games can be heard on the athletic department's Web site, www.seminoles.com.

LOVE THE RAIN: Practicing in the rain wasn't a bad thing for the Seminoles on Tuesday. There is a 70-percent chance of thunderstorms for Thursday's game at Louisville. "If it does rain we at least got a day of practice in the rain," coach Bobby Bowden said. Bowden said running backs Greg Jones and Nick Maddox could be crucial if it rains. "In bad weather it's always an advantage to be able to run the ball effectively," he said. "Mud neutralizes speed so you're better off having a big back on a wet field." Jones is 6 feet 1, 248 pounds.

DEAN, CHURCH OUT: Fullback B.J. Dean will miss Thursday's game with a sprained MCL in his right knee. Linebacker Marcello Church also will miss the game with a broken hand.

-- BRIAN LANDMAN, JASON SCHNEIDER

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