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Lee's 2-Game Suspension Could Be Extended Today

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Is QB Xavier Lee's junior season - and possibly his disappointing career at Florida State - in danger of coming to a close?

The answer is expected to come today when FSU coach Bobby Bowden receives word if Lee has resolved a "university issue" related to Lee's two-game suspension for skipping excessive classes and failure to meet required academic obligations. Lee was suspended for FSU's road trips to Boston College and Virginia Tech but was expected to return for Saturday's home finale against Maryland.

However, after FSU suffered a 40-21 loss at Virginia Tech - relying on redshirt freshman QB Christian Ponder when starter Drew Weatherford left the game with a concussion - Lee's return became an issue.

When asked if Lee would start if Weatherford is unable to play Saturday, or resume his role as Weatherford's backup, Bowden replied in a vague tone.

"I really don't know yet," he said.

Bowden didn't shed much more light on Lee's status during his conference call with reporters Sunday, saying only that he should know whether Lee is eligible to return sometime by the time the Noles return to practice this afternoon.

WHAT WENT RIGHT: In his first career game, Ponder more than held his own for the most part. He led the Noles with 51 yards rushing and hit eight of 18 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions. While his three turnovers in the fourth quarter spoiled FSU's upset bid, Ponder had very little time to throw and made mistakes typical of a freshman.

"I thought he did a heck of a job," offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said. "He played poised, he played relaxed and he got us back in the lead. I would take a bunch of Christian Ponders."

WHAT WENT WRONG: The secondary looked awful most of the game, with CBs Patrick Robinson and Tony Carter getting beat for big plays. To make matters worse, Carter suffered a head injury and groin strain trying to defend Justin Harper on Harper's 48-yard catch in the second quarter.

INJURY REPORT: The worse part of FSU's loss to Virginia Tech could be the loss of RB Antone Smith for an extended period. Smith suffered an injured left shoulder and is scheduled to have an MRI today. Smith, FSU's leading rusher, didn't sound too optimistic about playing against Maryland.
Weatherford also will be monitored closely this week in practice, but after the game he said he was feeling much better following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Hokies CB Brandon Flowers that forced Weatherford to the sideline with a concussion.

DT Andre Fluellen (knee), RB Jamaal Edwards (shoulder), LB Derek Nicholson (hamstring), RB Russell Ball (ankle) and LB Toddrick Verdell (foot) also left with injuries and are questionable for Saturday's game.

"I hope Virginia Tech is a little bit sore," Bowden quipped Sunday in light of all of FSU's injuries.

Scott Carter

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