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Seminoles RB is ready to help on returns

TALLAHASSEE - For the first time since dislocating his right elbow on a punt return Aug. 30 at North Carolina, backup running back Leon Washington will start as the primary punt and kickoff returner Saturday at Virginia.

He led the Seminoles with 26 yards rushing on six carries in Saturday's loss to Miami in his first game back, but saw limited action on the return teams. In that game, Florida State did not start any drives beyond its 42. Washington wants to prevent a repeat performance.

"I just get the chance to contribute and win the field-position battle," Washington said. "Last week the offense had bad field position and we are just trying to correct that."

Washington, FSU's leader last season with 760 total return yards, will wear a brace on the elbow.

BUTKUS AWARD: Senior linebacker Michael Boulware is one of 11 semifinalists for the award, given to the nation's top linebacker. Boulware, who leads the Seminoles with 29 tackles this season, could become the third Seminole to win, joining Paul McGowan (1987) and Marvin Jones (1992). Miami's Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams also are semifinalists.

INJURY UPDATES: Defensive tackle Jeff Womble (triceps) and center David Castillo are questionable for Saturday. Chamberlain's Brodrick Bunkley will replace Womble in the starting lineup and freshman John Frady will start at center. It will be the first career start for both. Guard Bobby Meeks is doubtful after separating his shoulder against Miami.

- ZACHARY SPAIN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

TAMPA - South Florida's final practice in preparation for Saturday against Charleston Southern was short and sweet. The Bulls practiced less than 90 minutes and without pads.

"We just came out and went to work," coach Jim Leavitt said.

Leavitt said junior linebacker Jason Allen and junior defensive end Tommy Hunter will be held out of Saturday's game with injury. Senior receiver Chris Iskra, who has seen limited action this season and is hobbled by a hamstring injury, will be available, as will junior defensive lineman Craig Kobel, who was injured during the Oct. 10 loss to TCU.

RESPECT: It does not matter to Leavitt that Charleston Southern is mired in a 1-5 Division I-AA season that has seen several blowout losses and an embarrassing home rout by Division II Tusculum. Leavitt said no one will be held out for rest and/or healing.

"We don't ever do anything like that," Leavitt said. "The first time you think like that, you're going to get beat."

SIZE ADVANTAGE: At home this year, Charleston Southern is averaging crowds of slightly more than 1,200. USF's average home attendance is almost 26 times larger.

- ROB BRANNON

GAINESVILLE - Preparing for the SEC's leading rusher is never an easy task. But Florida has more of an advantage than most as it has a tailback who can play the role of Cedric Cobbs in practice.

"(Cobbs) is a lot like DeShawn (Wynn)," defensive tackle Darrell Lee said. "He is real shifty. He's got a good amount of power, but enough speed to break away. They are both complete backs."

While Cobbs is clearly the man in Arkansas, Wynn is one of several backs the Razorbacks defense has to worry about.

Senior Ran Carthon has progressed enough from his hamstring injury. Coach Ron Zook said that baring a pregame setback Carthon is the starter. But Zook plans to use all four running backs: Carthon, Wynn, Ciatrick Fason and Jimtavis Walker. "Ciatrick Fason was the fourth guy to go in (against LSU) and he was the offensive player of the year," said Zook, referring to Fason's 127-yard, one-TD effort.

- BRIAN SHAFFER