By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published September 19, 2005
Coach Bobby Bowden didn't spend halftime talking about what specific adjustments the struggling offense and defense should make if his team was to rally against Boston College.
He left the X's and O's to his assistants.
He, however, set the tone.
"Receivers, you're not catching the ball like you did last week.
"Offensive line. You're not protecting the passer like you did last week."
Bowden also told his defense the Eagles were almost unstoppable on first down in the half, which explains why they amassed 17 first downs and controlled the ball for 22 minutes, 19 seconds in taking a 17-14 lead.
"I presented them with a lot of challenges," he said Sunday.
His Seminoles met them, pulling out a 28-17 win in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
That's not to say a different scheme didn't help. For example, FSU's offense went to a spread attack and had quarterback Drew Weatherford in the shotgun. The line and the backs blocked better, giving him time, and he showed patience and solid decisionmaking.
"I thought the way we responded after the half was very important," Bowden said.
NATIONAL HONOR: Senior linebacker A.J. Nicholson , who had 18 tackles and two interceptions, one that he returned for a touchdown, was named the Walter Camp Football Foundation defensive player of the week.
LEE'S STATUS: Although redshirt freshman quarterback Xavier Lee didn't play and Weatherford is seemingly cementing his hold as the clear-cut starter, Bowden continues to call him 1B to Weatherford's 1A so he will retain an "I-have-to-be-ready-to-go mentality."
