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Remaining Road Games Are A Challenge

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Mike McGuffee

Published: November 5, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - TALLAHASSEE - There was certainly a buzz around FSUs late night practice Monday as the Seminoles went back to work for the first time since Saturday's 27-17 win against second-ranked Boston College. However, players and coaches were quick to point out, with the schedule that awaits them, their enthusiasm this week is very much tempered.

"The last of our schedule is much tougher competition than what we've faced down the road," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "here cannot be any kind of letup. Any kind of letup and we won't make it."

Florida State will attempt to beat consecutive ranked opponents on the road for the first time in 15 years this week when the team travels to Blacksburg, Va. to take on No.11 Virginia Tech. Bowden is 12-0 against the Hokies in his time at FSU, but the Noles have never played a regular-season conference game in Lane Stadium.

"I know that's one of the hardest places to play in the country," QB Drew Weatherford said. "We have a great task ahead of us, but I'm definitely confident and ready to go for the rest of the season."

Weatherford completed 29 of 45 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns vs. BC, did not throw an interception and was sacked once. This week, the redshirt junior will face a speedy Virginia Tech defense that gives up just 14 points a game.

"This week we're just going to be eating a lot of humble pie," freshman C Ryan McMahon said. "All our focus is going to be on Virginia Tech."

Following Saturday's conference game against Virginia Tech, Florida State will host ACC foe Maryland at home and then face in-state rival and 17th-ranked Florida on the road.

RESPECT IS MUTUAL: Florida State's offensive line played arguably its best game of the season against Boston College, and coincidentally, so did Weatherford.

The redshirt junior quarterback was recognized as the ACC offensive back of the week for his performance against the Eagles, while freshman LG Rodney Hudson was named conference rookie of the week.

Hudson graded out as FSU's best lineman for the game, while playing all 81 offensive snaps and recording a team-high four knockdowns.

"They're just mature beyond their years really," Weatherford said of freshman starters Hudson and C Ryan McMahon. "They're tough kids. They work really hard. They're everything you want out of an offensive lineman."

McMahon, who came to Florida State as a defensive lineman before switching positions, says he has the same respect for Weatherford.

"I look up to him because he works real hard," McMahon said. "He studies a lot of film and he makes very few mistakes."

ROSE OPTIMISTIC: Starting LT Daron Rose was the only Florida State player to suffer a notable injury Saturday. According to Bowden, Rose was diagnosed with a knee sprain and was held out of practice Monday night.

"Rose is the only one that looks like he might be out this week," Bowden said. "I don't think he'll be able to go."

The sophomore went down early in the game and was replaced by senior David Overmyer, who switched over from right tackle. Rose, who was optimistic, said he had an MRI Monday morning.

"The initial read was that it was torn cartilage, but a second opinion said that it wasn't that bad," Rose said. "I'm going to wake up [Tuesday] morning and if I'm able to go, then I'm going to go."

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