Colleges

Bulls tackle Carnes likely to be ready against No. 17 Auburn

By Times Staff and wires
Published September 7, 2007

TAMPA - Offensive tackle Jared Carnes missed his second consecutive practice Thursday as doctors evaluated his bruised right knee, but the senior out of St. Petersburg Catholic is expected to play Saturday.

With Carnes back in the lineup, the offensive line will receive a much-needed boost heading into the game at No. 17 Auburn.

"He's ready to go," coach Jim Leavitt said. "We've got enough guys out there that we'll be fine."

USF has already lost starting center Nick Capogna, who injured his left knee last week.

During last week's season opener against Elon, Carnes saw significant playing time as senior Walt Walker battled cramps and dehydration.

Along with Carnes, the backup offensive linemen include redshirt freshman Jacob Sims and true freshmen Sampson Genus and Jeremiah Warren.

Kicker gets scholarship: Junior kicker Justin Teachey became the sixth former walk-on to receive a scholarship. Teachey has handled kickoff and punting duties for the past year.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer, Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

FSU: No slow starts

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State looks to avoid a sluggish start Saturday in its home opener against Alabama-Birmingham. The Seminoles, who spotted Clemson 21 points before Gary Cismesia's field goal in Monday night's loss, have struggled the past two seasons with the quick turnaround between games.

FSU trailed Troy 3-0 at halftime in its second game last season and was down 10-3 late in the second quarter against the Citadel in 2005.

Redshirt sophomore defensive end Everette Brown said that has been a point of emphasis during their short practice week.

"The biggest adjustment that we made was our focus," Brown said. "The biggest thing was just focus on tackling and stop diving at the man."

Shaw, McNeil still suspended: Coach Bobby Bowden said senior receiver Joslin Shaw and sophomore defensive end Kevin McNeil, suspended indefinitely last week for a violation of team rules, will not play Saturday.

What might have been?Jimbo Fisher had talks with UAB about its head coaching position before taking the offensive coordinator spot at FSU in January. "I was interested in the job," he said, "but that is water under the bridge. I am glad to be here. I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to getting better."

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UF: Something to see

GAINESVILLE - Florida coach Urban Meyer was so impressed with Appalachian State's upset victory at then-No. 5 Michigan, he called Mountaineers coach Jerry Moore and requested some game tape.

"I want to see that game film," Meyer said. "That's how much respect I have for that guy. I know him fairly well."

Moore visited a Florida practice in the spring, Meyer said.

When asked his opinion on Division I-AA teams being eligible for votes in the Associated Press poll, Meyer said a team like Appalachian State might merit some consideration.

MAKING AN IMPRESSION: Freshman defensive tackle Torrey Davis has impressed Meyer in practice lately.

"He's going to play more," Meyer said. "He's in the fight for a starting job at defensive tackle."

Meyer said senior Clint McMillan and junior Javier Estopinan will hold onto their defensive tackle starting jobs at least one more game.

WORKING OUT: Freshman defensive tackle John Brown can't practice with the team, but he is trying to get into playing shape.

Brown is awaiting word from the NCAA Clearinghouse regarding his eligibility. In the meantime, he is going through a conditioning program he missed in the summer.

"I'm very proud of him," Meyer said. "He's busting his tail."

Meyer said Brown will remain at UF even if he is not cleared this season.

"He's a Gator," Meyer said. "We'll do everything possible we can. The most important thing is getting settled in that classroom."

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

UM: Hitting the road

CORAL GABLES - The Hurricanes held their final practice at Greentree practice fields before Saturday's game at No. 5 Oklahoma.

"Today was just a tuneup day," coach Randy Shannon said. "We got a lot accomplished. We had some good two-minute drills. The guys flew around and had fun."

Times wires

Fast facts

Up next

Miami: at No. 5 Oklahoma, noon Saturday, Ch. 28

FSU: vs. UAB, 5 Saturday, ESPNU

No. 4 Florida: vs. Troy, 6 Saturday, PPV

USF: at No. 17 Auburn, 9 Saturday, ESPN2

[Last modified September 7, 2007, 00:51:33]