TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Weatherford Feeling Fine Despite Concussion

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 16, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - FSU QB Drew Weatherford said Thursday he has not been bothered in practice this week by the vicious hit and ensuing concussion he suffered in Saturday's 41-20 loss to Virginia Tech, and is a full-go for Maryland.

"I feel really good," Weatherford said after practice Thursday. "I've heard stories about how bad it is the next couple days, but I was surprised. I feel 100 percent and I'm ready to go."

Weatherford said the concussion was his first, with the exception of a minor head injury in high school, and won't go into Saturday's match-up holding anything back.

"I haven't even thought about it," Weatherford said on taking the first hit. "I'm not worried about it at this point. My head feels fine.

"At this point we've just got to go out and play well. It's definitely important for us to go out and play a full, complete game and continue playing like we were in the first two games before Virginia Tech."

In those two games, wins against Duke and Boston College, Weatherford completed 69 percent of his passes while throwing for close to 700 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

PLENTY TO PLAY FOR: As 23 Florida State seniors step onto the field at Doak Campbell Stadium for the last time Saturday, they will certainly have plenty to play for.

FSU comes into this week's game having lost their last three home finales, two to Florida and one to N.C. State. In the last two seasons, Florida State is just 6-5 at home, while the senior class has endured an 18-14 conference record - the worst four-year ACC span in school history.

A loss would give FSU only its second losing conference record since joining the league in 1992, with the first coming last season. Meanwhile, Maryland has gotten the best of the Seminoles in two of the team's last three meetings and will be playing to become bowl eligible.

"This game right here is big," sophomore DE Everette Brown said. "We're looking at it as must win. Last game at Doak - it's for the seniors."

"There's a lot of emotions going into this game," senior RT Shannon Boatman said. "My family's going to be there. I'm going to have my little girl there and my little boy there, just a lot of emotions. I just want to go out there and give it my all."

For many seniors, including OT David Overmyer, the week leading up to senior day has been one of reflection.

"I've had a good time here at this university," said Overmyer, who plans to graduate in December. "Ernie Sims, [Broderick] Bunkley, Travis Johnson all those guys I feel like sometimes I've gone against the best just here in practice."

ROSE TO START: Sophomore LT Daron Rose said Thursday his knee has held up well this week in practice despite trainers' expectations and he will start Saturday against Maryland.

"The first day, Tuesday, it was killing me, but I just had to toughen up," Rose said. "I've been able to practice and do all the reps. I'm looking to play every snap, every snap possible."

Rose, who sprained his knee in FSU's win against Boston College two weeks ago, missed only last week's game against Virginia Tech and has started every other contest this season.

Michael McGuffee

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT