College football

Iskra still limited for Bulls

By Times staff writers
Published October 16, 2003

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TAMPA - Cooler temperatures greeted South Florida for Wednesday's 21/2-hour practice, and wide receiver Chris Iskra participated for the first time this week.

It has been mounting frustration since Day 1 this season for Iskra, a senior from Clearwater Central Catholic. He dislocated his left elbow on the first day of fall drills and returned Sept. 27 at Army. He played sparingly that day and since has been hobbled by a right hamstring injury.

He had the leg wrapped Wednesday and is questionable for Saturday versus Charleston Southern.

"He was limited," coach Jim Leavitt said. "We're hoping to get him back."

MOSTLY OKAY: Among the numerous players wearing red non-contact jerseys but expected to play Saturday were running back Clenton Crossley and center Alex Herron, and defensive tackle Craig Kobel practiced for the first time this week. Leavitt said reserve defensive ends Jason Allen and Tommy Hunter, who did not play the past two games, were not expected to play Saturday. SNAP SHOT: After practice Leavitt and long snapper Justin Daniel shot a segment for his weekly TV show. "I used to do some long snapping in high school," Leavitt said.

- PETE YOUNG

Leadership is key for FSU

TALLAHASSEE - Coming off of a loss is a new feeling for the Seminoles this season. It was not such a rare occurrence in the last two years, in which FSU lost eight regular-season games. After most of those losses, players would hold private meetings to air any grievances. By most accounts, there were many. But in the days after a 22-14 loss to No. 2 Miami, that hasn't happened.

"We feel like there is no need (to hold meetings) because last year and the year before last every time we had a loss it's always a team meeting, but we never get nothing accomplished," senior linebacker Kendyll Pope said.

"I think the key is we have more seniors and better leadership. That's the cause of us not having to have those meetings just because we have a loss."

NO SEQUEL II: The symptoms of inconsistency from the past two seasons have not returned, which hasn't gone unnoticed by coach Bobby Bowden. Instead, the 'Noles have shown no signs of giving up.

"I see a much more spirited football team now than we saw last year," Bowden said. "It's an entirely different attitude. They've just done everything was asked them to do. Our kids, now that they have been through it, they know better."

- ZACHARY SPAIN

Gators have options at RB

GAINESVILLE - With injuries to Florida's top two tailbacks and a strong performance by Ciatrick Fason against LSU, the depth chart has been shuffled. But a clear-cut starter in the backfield remains a mystery.

"If (Ran Carthon) is healthy, then he's our starter," running backs coach Mike Locksley said. "Right now, we are just trying to find out who is making plays. As we continue to let the game plan crystallize, we'll decide on who will be the second guy to go in."

Carthon has been battling a hamstring injury, and his backup, redshirt freshman DeShawn Wynn, suffered a shoulder stinger against LSU.

While Wynn is ready to play Saturday, Locksley said Fason's 92-yard effort Saturday resulted in extended work with the first-team offense in practice.

"Their job is not for me to make them happy, it's for them to make me happy," Locksley said. INJURIES: Offensive linemen Jonathan Colon (left ankle) and Max Starks (wisdom teeth extraction) practiced and are expected to play at Arkansas, coach Ron Zook said. Defensive tackle Marcus Thomas (left ankle) practiced for the second straight day and is expected to play.

- BRIAN SHAFFER

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