Colleges

Bowden wary of Kentucky's style, QB

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published December 3, 2007

Coach Bobby Bowden had spent the time since an embarrassing loss at Florida waiting for the word of when, where and who FSU would play next.

"When you take a licking like we did the last ball game," he said of the 45-12 loss, "it makes you a little anxious to play another ball game to see if you can erase it."

Well, that chance comes courtesy of Sunday evening's invitation for the Seminoles 7-5 to meet Kentucky (7-5) in the Music City Bowl on New Year's Eve in Nashville. Kickoff is 4 p.m. and will be carried on ESPN. But there's also a downside.

"They look too much like Florida," Bowden said. "They've got a tremendous quarterback."

Senior Andre Woodson, the leading passer in the SEC in terms of yards (and not Florida's Tim Tebow), has thrown for 3,351 yards, 36 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and led the Wildcats to a triple-overtime win against then-No. 1 LSU and a No. 8 national ranking. They faltered down the stretch, however, losing four of their final five, including 45-37 to Florida and 52-50 to Tennessee in four overtimes.

"But they look like they're capable of beating anybody," Bowden said.

Kentucky also came to Nashville last year and won its first bowl since 1984 as Woodson threw for 299 yards to earn the MVP in a 28-20 win against Clemson, coached by Tommy Bowden. Kentucky will have insight into how FSU prepares for a bowl as well; longtime FSU assistant Jimmy Heggins has been the Wildcats' offensive line coach the past three seasons.

FSU boosters and season-ticket holders can purchase tickets by calling 1-888-378-6653. The priority deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday and a priority system will be used to determine seating assignments. Fans can also go to MusicCityBowl.com to buy tickets.

NOTE: Sophomore receiver Damon McDaniel, who became a father this season and missed considerable time traveling back and forth to Virginia, will be given his release so he can transfer, Bowden said.

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

[Last modified December 2, 2007, 23:14:25]