TALLAHASSEE - FSU coach Bobby Bowden doesn't see No. 2 Miami's struggles with West Virginia as a sign of weakness.
Instead, the 22-20 come-from-behind win Thursday might have been a blessing in disguise for the fifth-ranked Seminoles' next foe.
"I thought it was probably the best thing that could happen to them, to wake them up," Bowden said. "I equate it to our Georgia Tech game (which FSU won 14-13)."
GOOD HEALTH: The idle weekend for the Seminoles paid off Monday as linebacker Kendyll Pope didn't have any problems with his right knee and hamstring. He missed the Duke game and was limited in practice last week.
Tailbacks Leon Washington (elbow) and Lorenzo Booker (knee) also practiced extensively Monday, but without contact.
"I think they're ready to play," Bowden said.
MEEKS RETURNS: Guard Bobby Meeks (pneumonia) donned pads Monday for the first time since the Colorado game. He said he worked about half of practice before his chest tightened up.
TIME SET: The Seminoles' game at Virginia on Oct. 18 will be at 7:45 p.m. ESPN or ESPN2 will carry the game.
- ZACHARY SPAIN
Players have meeting
GAINESVILLE - Two days after throwing three interceptions to all but take Florida out of the game and drop his record to 1-1, freshman quarterback Chris Leak was able to maintain the support of his teammates.
"We sit back and watch, and we have to support whoever (the coaches) put in there," defensive end Bobby McCray said. "We trust teammates. He is starting for a reason so we just got to trust him."
Leak's margin for error, however, has now closed in McCray's view. He said the team (3-3) can not afford to lose another game.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: In the wake of an unexpected 1-2 start to Southeastern Conference play, the Gators held a players-only meeting on campus Monday morning. While players did not disclose what was said, frustration was apparent.
"It was just a team meeting. Guys got together and started hanging out," offensive tackle Max Starks said.
INJURY UPDATE: Reserve linebacker Taurean Charles (shin stitches) practiced and is a game-time decision for Saturday's contest at LSU.
- BRIAN SHAFFER
The hitting ends today
TAMPA - South Florida began its accelerated practice week heading toward the first Friday game in school history. The Bulls host No. 18-ranked TCU (5-0) at 8.
"We went a little longer than normal (for a Monday), but the guys practiced well," coach Jim Leavitt said. "(Today) will be our last day of hitting. It's a short week, you can only hit so much. You've got to have your guys ready by Friday."
HURTING: Linebacker Devon Davis (thigh) and cornerback Bruce Gipson (hip) did not practice and are doubtful for Friday. Receiver Chris Iskra was limited by a strained hamstring. Running back DeJuan Green practiced with his left wrist heavily taped.
