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Practice reports

By ALEX ABRAMS, DEBI JONES and BRANDON WRIGHT

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 12, 2001

Bowden says team subdued

TALLAHASSEE -- As preparations for Saturday's game against Miami ended Thursday, coach Bobby Bowden said he was pleased with the team's attitude, which he described as "subdued."

"If there were a lot of jumping around and playing around out there (on the practice field), I'd be very upset," Bowden said. "But they seem like they got their mind on their business."

Aside from a team cheer at the end of each practice, FSU players have been relatively quiet while getting ready for the second-ranked Hurricanes. They also received strict instructions from the coaches to avoid trash-talking.

GUEST SHOWS UP: NFL Hall of Famer and CBS commentator Bob Griese visited the team during Thursday's hour-long practice.

INJURY REPORT: Nose guard Jeff Womble (sprained left elbow), defensive tackle Travis Johnson (sprained left ankle) and cornerback Malcolm Tatum (fractured right hand) are probable. Defensive end O.J. Jackson (groin injury) and cornerback Leroy Smith (injured right knee) are questionable.

It could be Sheppard's day

GAINESVILLE -- Coach Steve Spurrier said Saturday's game at Auburn may be cornerback Lito Sheppard's chance to break away from his injury problems. Sheppard has been hampered by cramps, a pulled groin and neck problems during the first five games.

"Lito was jumping around a lot better today," Spurrier said. "I think this will be the first time Lito has gone the distance."

TUNED TO THE TV: With the Gators' late start Saturday (7:45 p.m.), they will have a chance to watch the Miami-Florida State game at noon.

"We'll get to see about all of that game," Spurrier said.

The coach added that his team wouldn't be bothered by the late start or the down time. The Gators will be staying about an hour outside Auburn.

INJURY UPDATE: Tailback Earnest Graham (ankle), linebacker Marcus Oquendo-Johnson (shoulder), defensive end Bobby McCray (ankle) and linebacker Dwight Jackson (ankle) are expected to sit out the game. Spurrier said Graham may suit up but that he still is "gimpy."

Rubin looks 'pretty good'

TAMPA -- South Florida completed its final workout before Saturday's game against Connecticut in shoulder pads and helmets. Players will take part in position meetings and film review today.

Coach Jim Leavitt said there is little change in the injury report from the beginning of the week, but he did note that receiver DeAndrew Rubin, who has missed the majority of the last three games with turf toe, "looked pretty good out there today."

Freshman Brian Fisher (foot), whose repetitions were limited in practice Thursday, joins Rubin on the list of injured receivers who are listed as questionable.

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