GAINESVILLE - Although coach Ron Zook didn't say it, Wednesday's scrimmage spoke volumes for determining Florida's starting quarterback.
Freshman Chris Leak was 12-of-14 for 226 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
"Chris is a very talented individual. Justin (Midgett) threw some nice balls," Zook said. "It's kind of fun to watch them compete. I don't see anybody pressing."
While Leak stole the show, the preseason favorite to start, Ingle Martin, went 9-for-14 for 67 yards and one touchdown. Gavin Dickey went 2-of-8 for 101 yards with one interception, and Midgett was 9-of-16 for 92 yards. Midgett also had two potential interceptions dropped.
ANSWERING THE CALL: With senior tailback Ran Carthon resting, two underclassmen impressed the coaches.
Redshirt freshman DeShawn Wynn led all backs with six carries for 66 yards, including a 49-yarder. He was tackled on the 4 by safety Cory Bailey. Jimtavis Walker, another redshirt freshman, was second with five carries for 55 yards and one touchdown.
- BRIAN SHAFFER
QBs throw TDs while avoiding rush
TALLAHASSEE - Chris Rix and Fabian Walker threw two touchdowns during a scrimmage at Doak Campbell Stadium.
But the defense had 12 sacks.
"If there is anything we need, it's sacks because we haven't had a whole lot the last couple of years," coach Bobby Bowden said. The defense also had 19 tackles for loss against a line that included two freshmen and a walk-on from the second unit. First-team guards Matt Heinz (offseason back surgery) and Eric Broe (knee) missed practice, and the Seminoles lost four seniors from last season.
LIGHTNING: Lightning forced the scrimmage to end after 90 minutes. FSU plans to finish it this morning.
BIG DAY: P.K. Sam led FSU with 101 yards on five catches, including touchdowns of 41 yards from Walker and 24 yards from Rix.
JONES ALMOST READY: Tailback Greg Jones might be ready for the next scrimmage, scheduled for Saturday, Bowden said.
Backups Leon Washington (four carries, 67 yards) and walk-on Marlon Napier (six carries, 19 yards) got most of the rushes while Lorenzo Booker was hampered by a sprained left ankle sustained Monday.
- ZACHARY SPAIN
USF winnows field for travel squad
TAMPA - South Florida coach Jim Leavitt said he is getting a feel for who will make the 66-man travel squad.
"We're starting to see some separation between the guys who are going to play and aren't," Leavitt said. "There are probably three or four guys on the bubble."
More than two weeks before the opener at Alabama, Leavitt said he is pleased with USF's progress.
"I was encouraged (Wednesday)," he said. "I could see some things coming together." FAB FRESHMEN: Leavitt continues to rave about 6-foot-3, 200-pound freshman receiver S.J. Green of Brandon.
"S.J. is locked into that No. 1 position," Leavitt said. "He's beating out some pretty good players, guys like Elgin Hicks. And Elgin's playing pretty well."
Leavitt said 6-8 freshman offensive tackle Jerome Springfield, who has lost about 15 pounds and is down to 335, has made strides, and freshman defensive back Mike Jenkins, who just began practicing Tuesday, is moving up the depth chart.
TAKING ADVANTAGE: With running backs Billy Henderson and Clenton Crossley limited by minor injuries, senior Quinton Callum has stepped to the forefront. ... Jason Allen moved from linebacker to defensive end and has been a "good surprise" Leavitt said. ... Three receivers coming off injuries, Joe Bain (shoulder), Willie Williams (hernia) and Travis Lipp (back), have practiced well, Leavitt said.
