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UF- FSU briefs

By ALEX ABRAMS and DEBI JONES

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 16, 2000

Injured Seminoles practice

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida State starting running back Travis Minor (sprained left ankle) and freshman Greg Jones (sprained right ankle) returned to practice Wednesday after sitting out two days.

Minor and starting fullback William McCray worked with the first-team offense, and Jones split time with converted tailback Nick Maddox as the second-team tailback.

Coach Bobby Bowden said the game plan for Saturday's showdown with No. 4 Florida would not change regardless of who starts.

"It's not like we figure, "Well, we got to go there and throw the ball now,' " Bowden said. "We'll still do what we have to do and just hope he (the starting tailback) can do a good job."

Bowden said Maddox might start if Minor and Jones cannot play.

Maddox, who was moved from wide receiver to tailback this week, said he has been preparing more this week than for any other game in his career.

"This will be my game to go out and show what I can do against a Top 10 opponent," Maddox said. "I'm going to do anything I can to get me an advantage on any of the players that they have."

MORE MADDOX: Maddox, who was recruited to be a running back, said he would not be upset if coaches move him back to wide receiver after Saturday. "I'll be the best wide receiver they've seen in a long time," Maddox said. "If it's running back they need me at, then I'll be the best running back this nation has seen in a long time."

WEINKE RETURNS: Quarterback Chris Weinke, who continues to receive treatment for a sore left foot, went through an entire practice. He missed Monday's practice and half of Tuesday's because of the injury.

MINNIS BACK: Wide receiver Marvin "Snoop" Minnis was not hampered by his sore right ankle when he participated in the two-hour practice Wednesday. He sprained his right ankle in the first half against Clemson on Nov. 4.

BOWDEN TV: Bowden watched the 60 Minutes II profile on him Tuesday night and was pleased with how it turned out. "It was okay," Bowden said. "You always wonder how it's going to come out."

QUOTABLE: Asked about two big things being decided this weekend in Tallahassee, Bowden said: "Looks like it. The minor one is who wins the presidency. As far as the food at my table is concerned." -- ALEX ABRAMS

Spurrier: Let fans pick QB

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Steve Spurrier has a few different methods for choosing a starting quarterback on Saturday against Florida State.

Initially, Spurrier said senior Jesse Palmer likely would start, but Spurrier said Tuesday that he would play both quarterbacks.

"I don't know who will go out there first," Spurrier said. "It will probably the one standing closest to me."

Palmer began the season as the starter but was replaced by Rex Grossman because of injuries. Saturday, Grossman was pulled after going 12-for-18 for 106 yards.

On Tuesday, Spurrier suggested a different method for choosing a starter:

"I might let the Gators fans vote on which one should go out there first."

Spurrier said both quarterbacks played well throughout the season but neither stood out as the starter.

DAVIS LIKELY OUT: Middle linebacker Andra Davis said on Monday he would play against FSU on Saturday after having knee surgery in September.

Spurrier said on Wednesday afternoon, however, it was not likely that he would play.

"He's going to be up there with us on the sideline," Spurrier said. "He is not going to play. How can a kid have major surgery two months ago and try to come back and play? No. If he is able to play in the bowl game that would be wonderful, that would be wonderful. Other than that he needs to get that knee better."

INJURY UPDATE: Offensive lineman Tommy Moody, who injured his left ankle against South Carolina, returned to practice Wednesday afternoon. Spurrier said he would most likely be ready to play on Saturday.

-DEBI JONES

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