Colleges

Injuries affecting both lines for FSU

By Times Staff, Wires
Published October 3, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Three of the four starters on Florida State's defensive line are still hobbled by injuries. Nose guard Budd Thacker is still nursing a dislocated sprained right big toe and did not practice Tuesday. End Neefy Moffett, who suffered a hip pointer during Saturday's win over Alabama, also sat out.

Coach Bobby Bowden said he hopes both will be able to return to practice today.

"Thacker might go (today)," Bowden said. "Neefy is going to try to go (today), but he might not be able to."

Both are questionable for Saturday's game against North Carolina State.

Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen is still recovering from a partial ligament tear in his left elbow, but he participated in the noncontact portions of practice and is probable for Saturday's game.

O-Line shuffle: The Seminoles will have to shuffle their offensive line Saturday. Senior Shannon Boatman will move from guard to tackle, and senior Jacky Claude will return to the starting lineup at right guard.

LOOKING TO SNAP STREAK: FSU has lost its past eight against Atlantic Division opponents. A year ago, the Seminoles' three conference wins were against Coastal Division teams, and they lost to all five teams in the Atlantic.

"Well (the ACC) has gotten better," Bowden said. "It's gotten so much tougher in our conference."

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UF: Distraction watch

GAINESVILLE - With the arrest of safety Tony Joiner and the attention surrounding the game against No.1 LSU, coach Urban Meyer said he's worried about keeping his young players from getting distracted.

"It's a concern," he said. "I didn't see any of that today (in practice), but it's a concern."

DEFENSE IMPROVING: Despite the first-half beating the defense took Saturday against Auburn, Meyer said the freshman and sophomores playing significant roles are improving.

Sophomores Wondy Pierre-Louis, Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes, and freshman Major Wright were all graded champions after coaches watched film. Spikes, who had 10 tackles, including three for loss, was defensive player of the game.

Meyer said the team didn't play good defense but it played hard. "You can see they're making improvements," he said.

ANDERSON TO RETURN: Cornerback Markihe Anderson is expected to play this weekend. He has been out with a PCL injury the past two games.

"It hurt me to watch my guys and not be a part of it, Anderson said. "I want to get back out there and help my team out."

Antonya English, Times staff writer

USF: Moffitt honored

TAMPA - Senior linebacker Ben Moffitt was named the Bronko Nagurski defensive player of the week after his two-interception performance in Friday's 21-13 win over West Virginia.

His 26-yard interception return off Pat White was the first touchdown of his career.

"I can't express how nice it is to receive the recognition, but we're a team and a family," Moffitt said. "I didn't even know about it, (then defensive end) George Selvie said, 'Congratulations.'"

GOING FAST:About 1,900 tickets remain for the Oct.13 home game against UCF. Student tickets are available from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, with a line starting at 2. USF is imposing a limit of one companion ticket (at $16) per student ticket Sunday and Monday.

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

UM: Piece of the Rock

CORAL GABLES - Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and wife Dany Garcia Johnson have given $1-million to Miami's football facilities renovation fund, and will have the Hurricanes' locker room named in his honor.

Dwayne Johnson is a 1995 graduate of Miami and a former Hurricanes football player. Dany Garcia Johnson is also a Miami graduate and former UM rower, and is an alumni trustee.

"I have said it time and time again, that this program was a launching pad for my success," Dwayne Johnson said.

HONORS:Calais Campbell was named ACC defensive lineman of the week and running back Graig Cooper was named ACC rookie of the week for their performances in Saturday's 24-14 victory over Duke.

Times wires

Up next

USF: at FAU, 3:30 Saturday, Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale; TV: ESPNU

FSU: vs. N.C. State, 3:30 Saturday, Doak Campbell Stadium, TallahasseeTV: Ch. 28

UF: at LSU, 8:25 Saturday, Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.; TV: Ch. 10

UM: at North Carolina, noon Saturday, Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill; TV: ESPN2

[Last modified October 3, 2007, 00:31:00]