GAINESVILLE - Freshman Channing Crowder, who has had some of the biggest plays by Florida's defense over the past few games, will miss 2-3 weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery.
Though he missed a game while suspended, the linebacker is tied for second on the team in tackles with 29, has 11/2 sacks and has provided consistent energy to a young defense.
He will be replaced by another freshman, Earl Everett.
Starting defensive tackle Kenny Parker also had arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks as well. Parker has eight tackles through five games. Coach Ron Zook said if Mo Mitchell can overcome back spasms, he will start in Parker's place.
Another linebacker, Dwright Jackson, has a separated shoulder and could miss Saturday's game against Mississippi.
Ole Miss ranks first in the Southeastern Conference in passing, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Eli Manning. A week ago, Manning passed for 409 yards as the Rebels fell to Texas Tech 49-45.
- BRIAN SHAFFER
FSU preps for UM next
TALLAHASSEE - At 5-0 for the first time since 2000 and with a resurgent defense that leads the nation in fewest points allowed per game, No.5 Florida State is a different team than the one that was 17-9 the past two seasons.
But FSU's next opponent, No.2 Miami, hasn't changed a bit.
"I looked at them on film today (Tuesday) and I don't see any difference in Miami than I've seen in any of the great teams they've had," coach Bobby Bowden said. "And we hope they are seeing that in us."
BACK TO WORK: FSU held its first practice of the bye week, lasting a little more than an hour. Bowden said the focus was correcting mistakes from Saturday's 56-7 win over Duke. FSU begins full preparations today for the Hurricanes, its opponent Oct.11.
"This week is a very important week of grasping what (the Hurricanes) are doing," Bowden said.
Florida State also practices Thursday before getting the weekend off.
INJURIES: Kendyll Pope (hamstring) didn't practice but said he expects to be cleared by the training staff today. Bowden said tight end Matt Henshaw (knee) and guard Bobby Meeks (pneumonia) probably would return Monday at the earliest. Split end P.K. Sam was limited by a knee sprain.
- ZACHARY SPAIN
Trash talk mild for now
TAMPA - The first sure sign South Florida is immersed in conference play has emerged: midweek trash talk.
USF safety J.R. Reed got a call Monday from another player from Tampa named J.R.: Louisville receiver J.R. Russell, a Gaither graduate. Saturday is USF's first Conference USA home game, vs. the 4-0 Cardinals.
Reed said Russell told him Louisville will beat USF and break its 20-game home winning streak.
"He just said, "How are you doing?' He was talking about how they're going to win," Reed said. "Nothing too strong. It'll probably get stronger tonight."
After practice Tuesday, Russell said it's all in good spirits.
"I work out with a lot of those guys over the summer," said Russell, who leads Louisville with 17 catches for 315 yards. "I played against J.R. in high school when he played for one of the best high school teams in the country (Hillsborough). Hopefully we can come down there and put on a good show."
SLASH CAPOGNA: Freshman Nick Capogna, who arrived as a tight end/defensive end then moved to center, has played running back on the scout team this week. He has used his 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame to mimic Louisville's Eric Shelton (6-3, 245).
NORTH FLORIDA, KENTUCKY: Louisville has 26 players from Florida, more than from Kentucky. USF ticket director Jim Louk said Louisville has purchased 1,200 tickets.
