TALLAHASSEE - When Florida State plays in North Carolina's Kenan Memorial Stadium at 8 p.m. Saturday, the 13th-ranked Seminoles will be looking for their 13th opening win in a row and a little retribution.
The Tar Heels beat FSU 41-9 in Chapel Hill two years ago, a game coach Bobby Bowden has not forgotten.
"I remember it as a game where we got beat and got beat thoroughly," Bowden said. "We kind of spiraled downward after that."
The Seminoles finished 2001 8-4 and went 9-5 last season. But after practice Thursday, Bowden said this year's team, which lost one starter on defense and will start third-year quarterback Chris Rix, is different.
"That defense, a lot of those guys are in their third year together. That gives you a better feeling," Bowden said. "Then, of course, the quarterback is a veteran and the team looks like they accept him. I feel much better in that regard."
DEFENSE: Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews won't believe the hype about his defense until he sees the final score Saturday.
"Just because you have 10 starters back doesn't make you better," Andrews said. "If those 10 starters aren't better and they don't play better, you aren't better. We won't know until after we play Saturday."
The test, according to Andrews, will come up front where the Tar Heels return all five starters on the offensive line and quarterback Darian Durant.
The mobile Durant is back after missing last season's 40-14 loss in Tallahassee with an injured thumb. Durant led the ACC in total offense last year (averaged 285.8 yards) despite missing four games and threw two touchdowns in the 2001 game.
"He is one of those Michael Vick-type guys," said linebacker Kendyll Pope, who started as a sophomore two years ago in Chapel Hill. "He can change the game at any moment, so we have got to keep our eye on him."
STEIN TO PUNT: Jesse Stein won the starting punting job over sophomore Chris Hall. Bowden said it was a close competition.
"Stein is the senior and (Hall) has got a couple years, so we are going to let him punt," Bowden said. "You really wish both of them could punt."
- ZACHARY SPAIN
Weather cooperates for USF
TAMPA - South Florida got in an uninterrupted 21/2-hour practice, its final workout in preparation for Saturday's opener at Alabama.
"It's time to play," coach Jim Leavitt said. "Let's go play the game."
The Bulls maneuvered around the weather most of the week but also got in a full workout Tuesday.
STAYING, GOING: Freshman receiver J.B. Garris was on the 68-man roster to go to Birmingham but has not been cleared by the NCAA and will be replaced by Willie Williams, Leavitt said.
Among others making the trip are senior captain Chris Iskra, who has a dislocated elbow and said he will not play, and offensive lineman/tight end Mark Sopcik, who practiced for the first time this week since leaving the team in the spring.
No.3 quarterback David Mullins, who has a knee injury, will not go. Leavitt said safety Kevin Verpaele or receiver Brian Fisher would be the No.3 quarterback
MILITARY SUPPORT: The home opener Sept.6 versus Nicholls State will be Military Appreciation Day. All active military personnel will receive a free ticket with military ID and can purchase discounted tickets for friends and family. Before kickoff there will be a parachute drop and USF ROTC induction ceremonies.
- PETE YOUNG
UF's McGrew moves again
GAINESVILLE - Sophomore Sylvester McGrew, who began the year at offensive tackle, moved again.
After trying the 6-foot, 274-pounder at tight end, coach Ron Zook said he would be moved back to the offensive line, this time at guard. Florida's linemen have been banged up lately and McGrew will be asked to add depth to the unit.
ACADEMIC ISSUES: Freshman offensive lineman Carlton Medder was held out of practice and is not expected back soon.
"He's got some academic issues he's got to get straight," Zook said. "But he'll be fine."
