Colleges

Lee measures up in first test

Starting for the first time in a year, the FSU QB plays solid, mistake-free football.

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 7, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State quarterback Xavier Lee knew the question of the day, as much as he tried to ignore it.

Would he show the decision-making and playmaking ability that jump-started the Seminoles on both sides of the ball last week and earned him the starting job for Saturday's game against North Carolina State? Or would he play more like the guy who faltered as the starter last season?

"Everyone was asking that: 'Can you do it on a routine basis?'" Lee said. "I just tried to put that aside and practice hard and play hard."

Pretty good formula.

Lee threw one touchdown, ran for one and brought the long ball - once a signature of the FSU attack - back into play as the Seminoles overcame some sloppiness in the first half, some missed scoring opportunities and a lightning delay to beat the Wolfpack 27-10 before an announced crowd of 82,214 at Doak Campbell Stadium.

The Seminoles 4-1, 1-1 ACC not only snapped a two-game losing streak to the Wolfpack and an eight-game skid to Atlantic Division rivals, they have now won four straight entering Thursday night's showdown against Wake Forest, a team that embarrassed them 30-0 last season.

Lee started for the first time against Maryland a year ago and played well in a loss. He was so-so in a win against Virginia then played poorly and was replaced against Wake Forest. Last weekend in Jacksonville, Lee came on and was brilliant in a 21-14 win against Alabama. So what would he do in first start this season?

"He did enough good things for us to win," coach Bobby Bowden said simply.

That began with the first play from scrimmage when Lee, a redshirt junior, hooked up with 6-foot-6 junior receiver Greg Carr on a takeoff route for 53 yards. Lee capped the drive with a 2-yard run as the Seminoles scored on their first series for the first time this season.

Lee and Carr would stay busy.

"He's tough to miss," Lee deadpanned.

Carr, named offensive captain for the game, had four catches for a career-high 140 yards, including a clinching 40-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Lee actually underthrew Carr a bit, but 5-10 freshman cornerback DeAndre Morgan fell backward and Carr leaned forward, reached around Morgan's helmet and grabbed the ball.

"I told him (Lee) in practice, 'Just relax. The only time you have to be nervous is if I were on the opposing team,'" Carr said with a laugh. "I just told him to go out there and have fun and relax because he's doing what he's capable of doing."

Lee finished 16-of-28 for 257 yards, added 14 yards rushing (including 18 yards lost on three sacks) and had no turnovers.

Still, the Wolfpack (1-5, 0-3), which has beaten only Wofford, had some moments behind junior Daniel Evans, the hero of its win last year against FSU.

He had his team up 10-7 before FSU finally tied it late in the opening half on a 39-yard field goal by Gary Cismesia, who had missed from 51 and 26 yards. Cornerback Patrick Robinson ended a Wolfpack drive in the waning seconds with a leaping interception, the first of his career.

The FSU defense made another big play in the opening minutes of the second half as cornerback Michael Ray Garvin returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown.

Donald Bowens (St. Petersburg High) roughed punter Graham Gano early in the fourth, giving the ball back to Lee. Moments later came the touchdown to Carr.

"He went out and played a solid ball game, didn't have a turnover," offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jimbo Fisher said. "He managed the game, did some good things ... and made some big plays. There's a few more I think he could have made but as he gets his feet on the ground and feels more secure, we can get some more things."

Brian Landman can be reached at landman@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3347.

[Last modified October 6, 2007, 23:39:15]