College football

Spotlight on Sexton wanes in scrimmage

By ZACHARY SPAIN
Published April 10, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - Redshirt freshman quarterback Xavier Lee, splitting time with the first and second teams, went 7-of-13 for 140 yards with three touchdowns to highlight Florida State's scrimmage Saturday in Doak Campbell Stadium.

"He's moving (the offense)," coach Bobby Bowden said. "I want to see more of him with the (first team) next time we scrimmage."

Lee overshadowed junior Wyatt Sexton, who struggled against pressure behind the banged-up first-team offensive line, which is without three starters and using a fifth-team walk-on center because of a rash of injuries. Sexton had only 26 yards on 6-of-12 passing.

"We simply can't protect (Sexton)," Bowden said. "If you give him protection he can throw with anybody. But he has not been able to avoid the pressure around him."

Lee, Sexton and Land O'Lakes graduate Drew Weatherford (4-of-11 for 53 yards) each had passes intercepted.

The Seminoles conclude spring practice at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Garnet and Gold Game.

MIAMI: The Hurricanes' offense defeated the team's defense 31-21 in Saturday's spring game. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Wright passed for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Wright hooked up with Ryan Moore on a 23-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and then threw a 38-yard scoring pass to Darnell Jenkins in the third. For the game, Wright completed 10-of-13.

"I thought Kyle did a nice job," said Miami coach Larry Coker, "and Kirby (Freeman) made some nice plays, too, but there were some plays he could have made and didn't. Kyle looks a little more comfortable in the pocket."

Freeman, the redshirt freshman who has been competing with Wright for the starting job, completed 7-of-18 passes for 109 yards.

UCF: In the team's 10th spring practice and second scrimmage, junior quarterback Steven Moffett threw 11-of-14 for 218 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. All three TDs were connections with junior wide receiver Mike Walker who finished Saturday with 164 yards.

[Last modified April 10, 2005, 00:40:18]