College football

Big donation starts FSU scholarship fund

By BRIAN LANDMAN
Published September 6, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - As a Florida State student nearly four decades ago, DeVoe Moore earned about $35 a week to cover his tuition, books, room and board and other basic needs.

He needed every penny, which made quite an impression.

Now the prominent developer along with his family has committed $25-million for endowment of scholarships, most for student-athletes.

It's the largest gift in school history and should kick-start a major campaign to fully fund all athletic scholarships.

"What this does is it makes the goal realistic," athletic director Dave Hart said. "Now you've got a foundation that you can build momentum off of."

In today's dollars, he estimates the school would need $150-million, at least. Last year, FSU was at about $16-million, and that was a four-fold increase over a decade.

A news conference had been planned for Thursday afternoon, but school officials canceled it. They deemed it inappropriate to celebrate the gift while so many people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were struggling to survive in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The game day program, however, had a story about the gift.

NO LABOR OF LOVE: Hart said FSU and Miami officials are sticking to their original plan in terms of a Labor Day opener. They would play it for two years then evaluate if it continued to make sense and dollars.

"We already know what the various alternatives are, and we'll talk about it and go from there," he said.

FSU coach Bobby Bowden has said he likes the exposure of prime time and the timing of the game. It's early enough that the loser can still rebound.

"I wouldn't change it for nothing," he said. "I'm glad it's who we're playing, when we're playing and go from there."

Hurricanes coach Larry Coker , however, isn't a fan. He'd prefer a couple of easier games to work out some of the kinks before playing such a critical showdown.

"Normally, you don't play your best game early," he said. "You have your share of mistakes, and you correct those things and you get better as the season progresses."

UPON FURTHER REVIEW: The first instant-replay chance didn't go over big with the home crowd. Miami's Devin Hester muffed a punt near his sideline, and FSU freshman Fred Rouse seemingly recovered at the Miami 28 4:32 into the game. ACC officials had said the goal of replay was to take 90 seconds to evaluate a play. It took 4:32, and the call was reversed.

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING: FSU junior linebacker Ernie Sims had the first interception of his career in the second quarter. Faking a blitz and dropping back into coverage, he reached out left-handed to snag the ball and pull it to his body. He also took a direct snap on a fake punt but was dragged down for a 1-yard loss.

INJURY WOES: FSU oft-injured receiver/punt returner Willie Reid injuried a knee early in the second quarter when Hester hit him before he could field a punt. He did not return. Meanwhile, Miami defensive tackle Baraka Atkins and safety Anthony Reddick , both starters, sprained knees in the first half.

EYE ON THE FUTURE: FSU sophomore tailback Jamaal Edwards did not dress and plans to redshirt.

TAKE THAT NCAA: FSU, mired in a controversy about its use of the Seminole nickname, logo and imagery before the NCAA relented late last month, made a statement about its relationship with the Seminoles with its pregame ceremony. Kyle Doney , a senior majoring in civil engineering, planted the flaming spear at midfield instead of Chief Osceola . Doney is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

SPECIAL GUEST: Gov. Jeb Bush was interviewed by ABC at the start of the second half.

[Last modified September 6, 2005, 07:56:40]