TALLAHASSEE - Will Florida State's passing offense be more diverse this season? That was one of the more pressing questions asked during Sunday's media day.
With a mature quarterback, an experienced offensive line and a healthy backfield, all of which were lacking at times last season, FSU has answered by using the spring and preseason to implement a less conservative approach to the passing game.
"We don't feel like we need to hold anything back," coach Bobby Bowden said. "After three years of starting, we feel like whatever we put in there, (quarterback Chris Rix) can handle."
That could mean more passes to speedy tailbacks Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker. Washington, Booker and graduated starter Greg Jones had only 38 combined catches last season.
"The last couple of years, (opponents) haven't even been worrying about the tailback," Washington said. "But now they've got to respect the flats. Hopefully this year we can mix it up a little bit. We got a little better athleticism, guys who can make people miss in the open field."
And after sure-handed tight ends Donnie Carter, Matt Henshaw and Paul Irons found themselves more involved late last season, that position appears to have returned from near extinction in the offense.
"We're bowing to the hands," Bowden said. "We finally got some tight ends that can catch the stinking ball."
THE EARLIER, THE BETTER: Unlike in years past, FSU won't have the luxury of tuneup games before facing Miami on Sept. 6. That is how Bowden prefers it.
"I'd rather play them (to start the season) than any other time you can think of," Bowden said. "People who ask about playing them here or there, I answer it cynically, but it's true. There ain't no good time to play Miami. The best time is to get them off your schedule."
There also is the matter of redemption after FSU's 16-14 loss to the Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl in January.
"I just think psychologically we just lost to them, we've lost to them the past couple of years and now we get a shot at them right off the bat," said Rix, who is 0-4 against the 'Canes. "I think it's a great opportunity for us."
BEITIA IS MUM: Senior placekicker Xavier Beitia has never shied from questions about his last-second, wide-left field-goal miss two years ago at Miami. But FSU's season opener at the Orange Bowl is a subject he did not want to ponder Sunday.
"I don't want to talk about this year's Miami game at all," said Beitia, a Jesuit graduate. "This year I want to talk with my foot and not with my mouth."
