College football

Bad knee joins array of Weatherford aches

By BRIAN LANDMAN
Published November 14, 2005

Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Weatherford has barely let on about the toll all the hits, especially those delivered in the past month, have exacted on his 6-foot-3, 220-pound body.

But school officials said Sunday that he sprained his left knee in Saturday's 35-14 loss at Clemson. The former Land O'Lakes standout also has a sore left shoulder, and his left hand is still swollen from a blow he absorbed in the Maryland win Oct.29.

"I hope Drew's okay with a little rest (this) week," coach Bobby Bowden said, adding he didn't notice him limping after the game.

Weatherford said it's more of a bruise than a sprain. "I could play tomorrow," he said.

Weatherford said Saturday that his confidence is "fine" despite 11 interceptions in the past five games. FSU lost three of those. Though he's disappointed his play hasn't improved as the season has gone on, he's blaming neither his lack of protection nor any aches. Instead, he said he's determined to "find a way to get back on track and find a rhythm."

REST AND RECOVERY: The Seminoles likely will practice just Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with many of the repetitions going to some of the reserves to allow the banged-up starters to heal.

"I need to get some people healthy," Bowden said, "and I might not be able to do it in one week."

LINE DANCE: Bowden said that if junior offensive tackle Cory Niblock (sprained left knee) can't return for the Florida game Nov.26, the Seminoles would have to use either junior Mario Henderson or senior Ron Lunford , neither of whom has lived up to his prep accolades.

"If we lost him (Niblock), we'd lose a mighty valuable man," Bowden said.

[Last modified November 14, 2005, 01:04:15]