TAMPA - USF will face Louisville and the nation's No. 2 scoring offense on Friday without defensive tackle Lee Roy Selmon Jr., who will miss the game because of a knee injury he suffered during Saturday's 42-35 loss to Army.
Selmon, a defensive co-captain who has started 16 consecutive games, missed the 2001 and 2002 seasons with knee injuries. Coach Jim Leavitt said his absence in the second half Saturday was a factor in Army's success running the ball in its 35-point second half and surprising comeback victory.
"He's not going to play," Leavitt said. "He's just got to get a little healthier."
Leavitt said he hadn't decided who would start in Selmon's place. But it will likely be senior Cedric Battles, who started alongside him for four games, or junior Antonio Searcy, who is listed as Selmon's backup. Redshirt freshman Allen Cray, who made his first start Saturday, will likely start again at nose tackle.
Aside from Selmon, the Bulls should travel to Louisville healthy, with cornerback Mike Jenkins available after missing last week's game with an ankle injury. Guard Chris Carothers is also recovered from the ankle injury and strep throat that kept him from the Army game, but Leavitt said sophomore John Miller would likely start for the third game in a row.
- GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer
UF: Depth on DL helps
GAINESVILLE - Florida defensive tackle Ray McDonald continues to be hampered by a nagging ankle injury. However, coaches insist that the depth of their defensive front will make up for the loss of one of the conference's best lineman.
Defensive line coach Red Anderson said that through numbers and versatility, the impact of McDonald's possible absence against Mississippi State will be eased. Clint McMillan, Michael Hill and Kenny Parker serve as the Gators' primary reserves at tackle. However, as is the case with the offensive line, several players are capable of manning more the one position.
One of those players is defensive end Steven Harris, who has been featured at tackle during certain defensive packages throughout the season.
"I couldn't be happier for Steve than I am right now," Anderson said. "He has worked really hard the last couple of years and he's had some bad luck with injuries. Now, he is starting to flourish a little bit. He is gaining the from the fruits of his labor. He is really playing well and I am happy for him. His versatility definitely is a big plus for Steve and it helps us a lot."
While the coaches are willing to move Harris inside to tackle, they maintain that one of the players filling his spot at end will not be one of the nation's top recruits, Derrick Harvey. However, Harvey's physical tools and potential make it a tempting proposition.
"We've thought about (playing him this year) and we still talk about it," said Anderson, indicating that the plan is still for Harvey to redshirt. "In fact, he'll probably go on the trip this weekend. It is still conjecture whether we want to play him or not play him. He is a talent. But not unlike a lot of young guys he is still acclimating himself to everything, including school as well as football. But he certainly is a talent and has a great future."
- BRIAN SHAFFER, Times Correspondent
FSU: Letdown lesson
TALLAHASSEE - There were lessons to be learned when Florida State lost at Clemson last November. The Seminoles were No. 3 in the Bowl Championship Series standings and were coming off a 37-0 win at Notre Dame.
Coach Bobby Bowden hopes the Seminoles have paid attention to their history and don't repeat it. Judging by what the players are saying as they prepare to visit Wake Forest, a week after blowing out then-No. 6 Virginia, the memory is still fresh.
"The way that we have been practicing this week, I don't see it happening," tailback Leon Washington said. "It's hard for teams to get up every week, but I have got faith in my teammates and we all have faith in each other."
Quarterback Wyatt Sexton has made it clear that the Virginia win is in the past.
"I sensed a little lack of urgency (Monday), but that was just for the first couple of minutes," Sexton said. "I told the guys to forget about the Virginia game because that doesn't help us beat Wake Forest at all, and I felt like my teammates really responded."
In recent years Wake Forest has proven to be a difficult opponent for the Seminoles. The last time FSU visited Winston-Salem, the Demon Deacons had a 21-14 halftime lead. FSU eventually won 34-21. It is another reminder Bowden can give his team.
"The biggest thing we need to do now is forget (the Virginia) game," Bowden said. "Worse thing our kids can do now is keep thinking about that last game."
RIX THROWS WELL: Backup quarterback Chris Rix practiced without shoulder pads because of neck pain, but that didn't stop the senior from having a good practice.
"He had some sort of a crick in his neck, but he's still throwing the ball real good," Bowden said.
MIDSEASON HONORS: Sports Illustrated's Web site (www.si.com) named offensive tackle Alex Barron and defensive tackle Travis Johnson to its Midseason All-America Team. Both were also named to a similar midseason list by CollegeFootballNews.com.
- ZACHARY SPAIN, Times correspondent
UM: Receivers undecided
CORAL GABLES - Coach Larry Coker is undecided on his starting wide receiver corps for Saturday's game at N.C. State.
"No, I'll have to have a vision," he quipped.
Coker did expect to start Roscoe Parrish at one spot and decide between Darnell Jenkins and Lance Leggett for the other spot.
The Miami wideouts had their best game of the season a week ago against Louisville, and the return of injured Sinorice Moss should only help.
"Sinorice looked very good (Wednesday)," Coker said. "Not that he has made the recovery, but that he has practiced at full speed."
