Colleges

Lee looks like the QB choice this week

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 1, 2007

Xavier Lee has not yet been anointed the Seminoles' starting quarterback, but all signs point to that being the case against N.C. State. Coach Bobby Bowden is putting the decision on offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.
	[Scott Keeler | Times]

In the entry way to the dressing room Saturday night, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher stood with one hand on Xavier Lee's waist, the other patting the back of his helmet.

"Just chatting," Fisher said coyly.

Both teacher and student were beaming. Although the congratulatory exchange lasted only a few moments, it sure looked more poignant than you'd normally see after a winning performance.

Lee relieved Drew Weatherford and ignited what had been a struggling offense against Alabama in Jacksonville.

Neither Fisher that night nor coach Bobby Bowden a day later anointed Lee as the starting quarterback against North Carolina State, but the scene on the field and off of it seemed telling.

"I don't think it's much of a question," Bowden said Sunday afternoon. "The thing I do want is I want Jimbo Fisher to answer that. I think it's very obvious what the answer is, but I just want people to know I'm really turning this thing over to him."

SHAW'S RETURN: Bowden said the NCAA's decision to reinstate WR Joslin Shaw of Plant City High is welcome news. And not just for what Shaw, a tenacious blocker and veteran kick returner who is one of the 23 student-athletes embroiled in an academic misconduct scandal, means on the field. "I'm so glad they got it cleared up and we've got him back, just for his sake. Here's a kid who's worked diligently for us for five years and he finally gets a chance and something like this happens and his situation was a misunderstanding type thing."

INJURY UPDATE: OT David Overmyer, who said he sprained the MCL in his left knee as he limped off the field, will have a MRI today. FB Marcus Sims (fractured right ankle) is expected to have surgery.

THE PRICE YOU PAY: LB Geno Hayes said he had to do a lot of running after each practice last week (and still has more to do), and 200 up-downs as punishment for his arrest after an altercation with Tallahassee police. That's in addition to agreeing to behavioral counseling and community service. Hayes said he was "grateful and real thankful" for another chance. He told Bowden that before kickoff and entered Saturday in the second quarter. Said Bowden, who's taken some criticism for letting him play: "The kid has never been in trouble (before), never. I betcha he doesn't get in any again and if it works out like that, then I'll feel real good."

[Last modified September 30, 2007, 21:40:42]