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Lee Likely Has Earned Start Against N.C. State

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - The formal announcement is expected to come today - Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said the call is totally up to offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. But like Fisher immediately after Saturday's 21-14 win against then-No. 22 Alabama, Bowden left little doubt whether Xavier Lee or Drew Weatherford would start Saturday's game against N.C. State.

'I don't think it's much of a question,' Bowden said Sunday. 'I think it's very obvious what the answer is.'

Lee came off the bench to pass for 224 yards and two touchdowns in FSU's first victory against a ranked team since the 2006 season opener at Miami. Weatherford started the first four games, but with FSU's offense stagnant in a scoreless first half against the Crimson Tide, Lee provided the Noles a much-needed lift at a critical time.

Now the question is can Lee, who has three career starts, follow up his breakout performance better than last season when he had a strong game in a loss at Maryland, but struggled mightily at home against Wake Forest to hand the job back to Weatherford.

'We've already had one example of where it didn't work,' Bowden said. 'I have a much better feeling about it now that a year has passed.'

COUNTING ON SHAW: Fifth-year senior WR Joslin Shaw, one of 23 athletes implicated in an academic fraud case that the NCAA is investigating, has been cleared to return. A product of Plant City High, Shaw has missed FSU's first four games while waiting a ruling on his appeal.

'I really missed him,' Bowden said. 'I really feel like he was treated unfairly in this thing. I feel like he is nearly a scapegoat in it. I'm so glad that they got it cleared up and we got him back. Here's a kid who has worked diligently for us for five years and he finally gets a chance, and then something like this happens. In his situation, it was a misunderstanding type of thing.'

WHAT WENT RIGHT: Lee's play off the bench provided a confidence boost the Noles desperately needed following their fourth consecutive sluggish first half. Also, receivers De'Cody Fagg and Greg Carr were effective gaining yards after a catch, something the Noles need from their most experienced receivers. On defense, sophomore DE Everette Brown recorded two sacks and forced a fumble that led to FSU's second touchdown.

WHAT WENT WRONG: For the second consecutive game, the Noles had a shutout working entering the fourth quarter and let it slip away. And what's up with FSU's offense in the first half? The Noles have scored only 23 points in the first half in four games.

INJURY UPDATE: Starting FB Marcus Sims fractured his right ankle on FSU's second drive and will have season-ending surgery later this week. RT David Overmyer sprained his right knee and is doubtful for Saturday's game against N.C. State. Bowden is hoping DT Budd Thacker (toe) can return Saturday after missing the Alabama game.

Reporter Scott Carter can be reached at 850.294.3088 or scarter@tampatrib.com.

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