Colleges

FSU-Kentucky key matchups

By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published December 31, 2007

3 key matchups

Kentucky QB Andre Woodson vs. FSU CBs Tony Carter and Michael Ray Garvin

Woodson leads the SEC in passing yards (279.2 per game) and TD passes (36) and rarely makes mistakes. He set an NCAA record this season by attempting 325 passes without an INT. He averages one INT for every 51 passes, an SEC career record. He's big and strong (6-5, 230) and mobile a la Boston College's Matt Ryan, but not a running threat. Woodson will test Carter, who has struggled at times, and Garvin, who takes over for Patrick Robinson (6 INTs); he didn't make the bowl trip. Ryan threw for 415 yards and two TDs against FSU but was picked off three times (Carter, Robinson and LB Geno Hayes).

FSU DT Andre Fluellen vs. Kentucky interior OL

Fluellen considered leaving early last year but returned then suffered through an injury-plagued season (left elbow, right hand). He's not 100 percent, but he's as healthy now as he has been all year and could be more like the interior force he was in 2006. That's critical given how many other linemen didn't make the trip. The Wildcats interior offensive line has changed with the suspension of senior RG Jason Leger, the move of LG Zipp Duncan to Leger's spot and the elevation of Duncan's backup, Christian Johnson, to a starter for just the third time this season. Once, however, was against LSU when Kentucky rushed for 125 yards and Woodson wasn't sacked in the upset win.

FSU TB Antone Smith vs.Kentucky LB Wesley Woodyard

Smith, expected to be FSU's first 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996, has run for just 663 yards (a 3.8 average). That includes 81 yards on 34 carries against Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida. His toughness has been questioned by his coaches. But he's a threat and FSU needs every threat it can put on the field at the same time. Moving Preston Parker to the backfield takes away the team's most dangerous WR. That's a trade-off the coaches may make, especially if Parker runs it as he did against Maryland, which would allow FSU to control the clock and limit Woodson's at-bats. The Wildcats know that and Woodyard isn't only their emotional leader on defense, he's the top tackler in the SEC (124) and a first-team all-SEC pick. He's everywhere making plays.

[Last modified December 30, 2007, 19:48:24]