College football

Wimbley ready to get back in game

By BRIAN LANDMAN
Published January 1, 2006

FORT LAUDERDALE - The last couple of months haven't been exactly festive for Florida State senior Kamerion Wimbley.

The team's top pass-rushing defensive end sprained his left knee during the first half of the North Carolina State game Nov.5 and hasn't played since.

Without him, the Seminoles lost to the Wolfpack, Clemson and Florida before beating Virginia Tech in the inaugural ACC championship game to set up Tuesday's matchup against No.3 Penn State in the Orange Bowl.

"Obviously, as a player, you feel maybe if you would have been out there you could have helped change the outcome of those games," Wimbley said. "Even though you know it's not your fault, you kind of feel like, "Maybe I should be there."'

While proud of his teammates and a bit relieved that maybe he alone wouldn't have meant the difference in that three-game skid, Wimbley is thrilled that he's set to return Tuesday.

"I'm pretty much full go," he said. His presence, especially given the injury woes at end and the loss of star linebacker A.J. Nicholson (suspension amid allegations of rape), looms large.

Wimbley, the second-team All-ACC pick, blends speed and size (6 feet 4, 255 pounds) into a havoc-maker. Despite missing 31/2 games, he's second on the team in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (10.5) and leads in quarterback hurries (17).

"When he's in there, to a certain degree, they have to be aware of where he's at and they have to change their approach," defensive ends coach Jody Allen said. "We feel a lot better about being able to get pressure without blitzing or without stunting. He can line up and beat a guy."

NEXT TIME I'LL STAY ON THE BEACH: Penn State receiver Deon Butler rented a water scooter Thursday to fully take advantage of a South Beach party. It turned into a frightening experience.

He zoomed off alone, didn't realize how far out he went and then his engine died.

"The waves are taking me farther away from the shore and I'm getting real scared," Butler said.

Finally a yacht came by and radioed for help.

"That was about the longest 20 minutes of my life," he said about the time before he was rescued.

BOOKER SICK: FSU junior tailback Lorenzo Booker missed a second straight practice Saturday because of flu-like symptoms. He's expected back today.

"They gave me some different medications and I feel a whole lot better," he said. "If we played the game (Saturday), I'd play, but seeing as we don't, I am going to try and get as well as I can before I come back out."

WILD PLANS?: Coach Bobby Bowden said his New Year's Eve plans would be to get to bed by his normal time, 7:30 p.m. (The players had to be in the team hotel by 11.)

"I don't know how many years it's been since I've watched the New Year come in," he laughed. "I hope I'm not watching one (Saturday)."

[Last modified January 1, 2006, 00:29:14]