Colleges

FSU nose guard sits out with sprained toe

By Times staff and wires
Published September 20, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State nose guard Budd Thacker missed most of Wednesday's practice after he sprained his right big toe.

Coach Bobby Bowden said he didn't know the extent of the injury. "Knowing him he would still go, but I don't know how bad it is."

The sophomore played sparingly as a freshman, then after a stellar offseason has started all three game. Thacker is tied for second on the team with three tackles for loss.

Starting right tackle David Overmyer also missed practice to rest his sore left shoulder.

"Its been going on for about a month," he said. "I hurt it a little bit (Tuesday) in practice, so I was just taking it easy."

Overmyer, a senior, expects to return to practice today.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UF: Safety questions

GAINESVILLE -- Florida free safety Kyle Jackson may have lost his starting spot.

After pulling Jackson from the Tennessee game last week after he missed consecutive tackles in the first half, coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday that he will make a game-time decision whether to start Jackson, a senior, or true freshman Major Wright against Mississippi on Saturday.

"They're both going with the (first team) right now," Meyer said.

Meyer, who has been disappointed in Jackson's inconsistent pass coverage, spoke with him on the phone Sunday night to voice his support.

Jackson told Meyer that he is too invested to give up.

"I just need to make that extra step on a tackle," Jackson said. "This week I'll be out there doing extra tackling and bringing that extra step. I've been playing football for too long, and I know I've got it."

Wright is faster than Jackson, and his speed might help improve the pass coverage.

INJURY UPDATE: Meyer said receiver Riley Cooper is probable for Saturday, and starting offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey will be a game-time decision. Both sustained sprained ankles against Tennessee. "Riley (was) gimping around a little bit today, but we expect him to go," Meyer said.

If Pouncey can't play, Maurice Hurt is expected to take his spot. If Cooper is out, David Nelson could play more.

Meyer said he has been extremely impressed with Nelson, particularly as a blocker.

"He just practiced his tail off," Meyer said. "Instead of worrying about things, he's just going out and going as hard as he can."

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

USF: Interest up

TAMPA - With a No. 23 ranking in the Associated Press poll, the Bulls are preparing for a rapid increase in attendance with an additional 4,000 seats for the student section, increasing it to 12,000.

"I think there's a buzz right now about USF athletics in the community," athletic director Doug Woolard said.

At the beginning of the season, the goal was to break the record crowd of 49,212 at the inaugural game against Kentucky Wesleyan on Sept. 6 1997.

Woolard said the goal is trying to fill all 65,675 seats.

INJURY REPORT: As the injuries have mounted on the offensive line, Matt Huners and Danny Tolley have increased their efforts to return.

Huners is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in the spring game. Tolley has had groin injuries during his two-year career.

"They're trying to do whatever they can. They both have long-term injuries," coach Jim Leavitt said. "Danny is going to try, but I don't know if he'll play again or not. Matt had a real serious injury. For him to be doing what he's doing right now is remarkable."

No timetable has been set for their return. Starting center Nick Capogna is likely out this week with a knee injury.

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

Up next

Miami: vs. Texas A&M, 7:45 tonight, Orange Bowl, Miami. TV/radio: ESPN; 1470-AM

USF: vs. North Carolina, noon Saturday, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa.TV/radio: ESPN; 970-AM

Florida: at Mississippi, 12:30 Saturday, Oxford.TV/radio: Ch. 38; 620-AM

FSU: vs. Alabama, Sept. 29, Jacksonville. Time and TV TBA.

[Last modified September 20, 2007, 00:44:59]