Colleges

FSU faceoff

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published September 3, 2007

The anticipation for tonight's Florida State-Clemson showdown isn't limited to the two locker rooms at opposite ends of Memorial Stadium. It's also fervent in the locker room at One Buc Place, which is shared by former Seminoles and Tigers. Needless to say, veteran All-Pro linebacker Derrick Brooks (FSU, 1991-94), whose teams were 3-0 against the Tigers, and rookie first-round pick Gaines Adams (Clemson, 2003-06), the defensive end whose teams were 3-1 against the Seminoles, can't wait for their alma maters to get after it.

How big a game is this for your school?

BROOKS: I'm not into making predictions, but to start the season with a victory in this type of rivalry could really propel us and give us confidence that we need and give Coach (Bowden) the confidence that he made the right decisions (with offseason staff changes).

Is it enough to win or does FSU need style points, too?

BROOKS: It's about confidence. Wins breed confidence with the kids. When you're winning, it's a lot easier for the kids to buy into the philosophy the new coaching staff is trying to get over and there's no better evidence than winning to know it works.

Will you be chatting to Gaines about this game?

BROOKS: I'm quite sure we'll trade a few jabs at each other.

Even with all the personnel losses, including yourself, can I guess you're picking your school?

ADAMS: When you're a Clemson Tiger, you bleed orange, baby. I've got to go with them through thick and thin. It doesn't matter who it is, Clemson's going to win. They work hard, they've got great coaches and they're going to get it done.

Is it hard to believe or understand that your former coach, Tommy Bowden, is on the hot seat? Again?

ADAMS: It's crazy. Coach Bowden's a great guy. He finds a way to get it done. I have the utmost respect for him, and I know he's going to get it done this year.

Will you be chatting to Derrick about this game?

ADAMS: There's going to be a lot of talk. There's going to be a lot of competition in the locker room.

[Last modified September 2, 2007, 22:38:32]