Colleges

FSU's Lee expected to start vs. Miami

By TIMES STAFF
Published October 16, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Barring something unexpected in practice, quarterback Xavier Lee will make his third straight start Saturday against visiting Miami, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said.

"That's the plan," he said.

Coach Bobby Bowden said as much last week, that there was no quarterback controversy, though Lee struggled with reads and checks in the second half Thursday in a loss at Wake Forest and was pulled for a series.

"There's some things in that game we wish he could have done better, but there's some things I wish other guys on the team could have done better," said Fisher, who could be heard by fans and media seated near the makeshift press box screaming incessantly and harshly at Lee, conduct he said was "bad."

Fisher said that maybe he has to "look at myself as a coach and fix and create a better atmosphere for him to be successful."

INJURY REPORT: Offensive tackle David Overmyer practiced after missing two weeks with a sprained left knee and is expected to face Miami. Nose tackle Budd Thacker is expected to play after missing three weeks with a dislocated toe. Linebacker Marcus Ball is out indefinitely with a severe ankle sprain, and starting guard Rodney Hudson will not play because of a sprained right knee.

PRIME TIME AGAIN: FSU's home game against Duke on Oct. 27 is set for 8 p.m. on ESPNU.

Florida: One goal

GAINESVILLE - With the challenge of facing Kentucky's Andre Woodson, one of the SEC's best quarterbacks, and trying to remain alive in the SEC East race, Florida coach Urban Meyer said the sole focus this week is improving and keeping sight of what's at stake.

And to do it without worrying about what other teams are doing.

"Today we have to go out there and get better," Meyer said Monday. "We have to develop a rotation on the defensive line. We have to see our secondary improve. We have to get (receivers) Riley Cooper and Bubba (Andre) Caldwell back to full speed. So there are enough issues to worry about, and I think the complete understanding into college football right now is that the SEC East is wide open. There is enough motivation out there. I cannot say it enough: We just have to get better."

Woodson, 21-of-38 for 250 yards and three touchdowns in a triple overtime win over LSU, was named the SEC offensive player of the week Monday.

ANDERSON COULD RETURN: Sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson could be back for the Kentucky game. Anderson suffered a sprained knee during fall practice and has struggled to return since. He has played in two games.

"Markihe is going to practice," Meyer said. "He is getting pretty close to being game-ready. He practiced last week and was still a little limp, but we need to get him back. I say that every week. We would like to have him back as soon as we can."

[Last modified October 16, 2007, 11:13:51]