Colleges

Fluellen fluid along the FSU line

By TIMES STAFF WRITERS and TIMES WIRES
Published October 11, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - Andre Fluellen is back in familiar territory, and it's just a few feet away.

Thanks to early-season injuries, Fluellen, the most experienced interior lineman, had switched from defensive tackle to nose tackle. But Alex Boston has made strides after a move from end to tackle, enough so that Fluellen will play his old position Saturday against Duke.

"It's been a little difficult having to go back and forth, then back to my real position," said Fluellen, who moved to nose tackle when starter Paul Griffin tore his ACL in the second game. "But it's just helping me with my versatility, and it's definitely getting easier."

Fluellen leads defensive lineman with 10 tackles this season.

ETC.: Defensive end D.J. Norris (surgeries on both shoulders in the past) will be held out of contact this week but is likely to play Saturday. ... Freshman Patrick Robinson should remain the first-team punt returner, although senior wideout Chris Davis could get a chance.

- D.C. Reeves, Times correspondent

Florida: Less flopping

GAINESVILLE - A number of things are different on this year's team, and one may be emotion.

According to coach Urban Meyer, freshman quarterback Tim Tebow and safety Tony Joiner, have helped trigger a change.

"Brandon Siler, Tim Tebow, Reggie Nelson and Tony Joiner are guys that are emotional football players," Meyer said. "We call the other ones 'fish' - guys that just kind of flop around in the locker room. We had too many fish. We're starting to change fish that flop around to not flop around anymore."

INJURies: Receiver Percy Harvin (left high ankle sprain) practiced at about 85 percent. Running back DeShawn Wynn didn't practice fully but should today, saying he would play against Auburn.

- IAN FISHER, Times correspondent

USF: Kick the bad habits

TAMPA - Despite the 4-2 record, coach Jim Leavitt said his team still needs to improve, and two areas needing work are kickoffs and kickoff returns.

"We've been disappointed with those two groups," Leavitt said.

The Bulls are ranked 65th in Division I-A with 20.07 yards per kick return and 89th in kick return defense, allowing 22.13 yards a game.

Bulls bits: Quarterback Matt Grothe was held out of practice for the second straight day with a boot on his right foot. He hopes to get the boot off today and return to practice. Leavitt added that he wants to be "real sure he's okay" before Grothe returns to practice.

- MIKE CAMUNAS, Times correspondent

Miami: South Florida Bowl

CORAL GABLES - Located about 11 miles apart, the Hurricanes and the Florida International will play for the first time ever Saturday at the Orange Bowl.

Miami is coming off a 27-7 win against North Carolina. The Golden Panthers lost 25-22 at North Texas in an NCAA-record seven overtimes to fall to 0-6. But Miami coach Larry Coker said FIU, which also features plenty of players from the South Florida area, will not mail it in.

"They really have a complex scheme on defense," Coker said. "There are a lot of very good football players in South Florida, and Florida International has a lot of those."

- TIMES WIRES

[Last modified October 11, 2006, 01:52:39]