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Seminoles welcome off week

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 3, 2001

TALLAHASSEE -- Normally when he senses his team has some momentum, coach Bobby Bowden prefers to keep it going and not be interrupted by a pesky bye week. But Miami isn't your normal opponent and the idea of having two weeks to prepare is preferable.

The time off also gives injured Seminoles a chance to recuperate, most notably defensive tackle Travis Johnson (sprained left ankle) and defensive end O.J. Jackson (groin). Without Johnson on Saturday against Wake Forest, the Seminoles played two walk-ons, junior Mike Shaw and freshman Brian Ross, extensively.

"In regard to rhythm, with no injuries, I'd say, "Let's go ahead and play the Miami game this week,' " Bowden said. "But if we've got a chance to get some of these guys back. ... The guy we really need back is Travis and another week should help him."

ON THE ROAD: Bowden missed practice Tuesday to be in New York in connection with his soon-to-be-released book, The Bowden Way: 50 Years of Leadership Wisdom. He and son Steve co-wrote the book. Papa Bowden said he wasn't sure if he would visit the World Trade Center site.

ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL: Junior middle hitter Dawn Hough, the former Durant High volleyball standout, missed her fifth straight match Tuesday. She has a stress fracture in her left ankle and likely will be out for another couple of weeks. FSU needs her back; she was leading the team in blocks at the time of her injury. "Hopefully, she'll be mentally and physically ready to go (then)," coach Cecile Reynaud said.

ANOTHER COUP: Forward/center Hannah Linquist, a preseason Parade All-American from North Carolina who attends the same high school as former FSU quarterback Brad Johnson, said she will sign with the school. Signing date for basketball begins Nov. 14. Women's basketball coach Sue Semrau has three scholarships available.

DOING ITS PART: The FSU cross-country program donated $2,000 to the United Way to help the relief effort in New York. It raised the money by running 140 miles across Florida in the Across the State Relay.

GOLDEN BOY: Former outfielder John-Ford Griffin, a first-round draft pick of the Yankees in June, has been named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award as the top collegiate player in 2001. Griffin hit .450 with 19 home runs, 30 doubles and 75 RBI last season.

The other finalists are Middle Tennessee State pitcher Dewon Brazelton, a first-round pick of the Rays, Southern California ace Mark Prior, Tennessee shortstop Chris Burke and Kent State outfielder John Vanbenschoten. Past winners include Robin Ventura, Joe Carter, John Olerud and former FSU standouts Mike Fuentes, Mike Loynd and J.D. Drew. The winner will be announced in early December.

- Brian Landman covers Florida State athletics. He can be reached by e-mail at

landman@sptimes.com or at (813) 226-3347.

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