Colleges

Pass defense concerns Bowden

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published November 12, 2007

For a time, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden didn't fret much about his team's pass defense.

That time is not now.

It began with the waning moments against Miami, when Kirby Freeman, who had hit only one pass the whole day, went 3-for-3 for 50 yards to lead his team to a go-ahead touchdown.

Boston College's Matt Ryan threw for 415 yards, including for 52 yards to Andre Callender, 44 to Brandon Robinson and 42 to Rich Gunnell, in a losing effort two weeks later.

And in Saturday's 40-21 loss at Virginia Tech, Justin Harper ran by the Seminoles secondary for a 31-yard touchdown, a 48-yarder that set up a touchdown and a 45-yarder that led to the winning touchdown. He had a career-high 167 yards on five catches.

"The inability to defend against the long pass," Bowden said Sunday afternoon, "that disturbed me more than anything. ... That scares me."

While Harper seemingly had his way with FSU's defensive backs, the pass rush on the elusive Tyrod Taylor wasn't overly effective and sometimes forced them to try to stay with the Hokie receivers way too long.

Something else to fret about now, huh?

LEE'S STATUS: Bowden remained confident Sunday that quarterback Drew Weatherford, who left the game early in the second quarter with a concussion, will be able to play this week against Maryland.

If so, who's No. 2? Well, Bowden said he won't know about Xavier Lee's status until he hears from his "academic people" today.

Lee was suspended for the Boston College and Virginia Tech games for violating academic policies missing too many classes, Lee explained later. Even if Lee is able to play, don't be surprised if Christian Ponder and, perhaps, D'Vontrey Richardson receive more work.

BACKFIELD IN MOTION: Not only are the Seminoles worried about the health of star tailback Antone Smith, who injured his left shoulder trying to pass block and is expected to have an MRI exam today, backups Jamaal Edwards (left shoulder) and Russell Ball (right ankle) also were hurt Saturday. What if all three are out?

Bowden said a receiver or two might have to be moved to the backfield. And that option - likely better than turning to walk-ons - could include Damon McDaniel or even Joslin Shaw, who was a standout tailback at Plant City High.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW: The lengthy injury report actually grew longer and more ominous Sunday with the additions of middle linebacker Derek Nicholson (left hamstring) and defensive tackle Andre Fluellen (right knee).

A NEEDED RETURN: Sophomore linebacker Marcus Ball, suspended last week for an unspecified violation of team rules, could be back "if he's behaving himself like he should," Bowden said.

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

[Last modified November 11, 2007, 21:56:31]