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Instability Is Defining Trait Of Era

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - When former Florida State QB Chris Rix threw an interception on the final pass of his career, FSU fans said goodbye, then yelled good riddance. Rix won his final game - 30-17 over West Virginia in the 2005 Gator Bowl - but his departure opened the doors for hot-shot recruits Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford.

Lee and Weatherford were Florida kids who were supposed to immediately erase painful memories of the roller-coaster ride the talented-but-cocky Rix took the Noles on for four years. The way FSU fans saw it, the duo would restore the stability at quarterback lost since Heisman Trophy-winner Chris Weinke left campus.

Fast forward to today, and FSU is losing at a higher rate with Lee and Weatherford - 14 losses in two-plus seasons - as the team's starting quarterbacks, than it did with Rix as the primary starter for four straight seasons (15).

So, where's the stability? Well, certainly not under center unless Weatherford, who replaces Lee as FSU's starter Saturday against Duke, can play better than he did when he started FSU's first four games this season.

Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher made it clear why the latest change was made, one that comes after back-to-back losses against Wake Forest and Miami with Lee at the helm.

'He told me at this point it's not about who is starting, it's about winning games,' Weatherford said. 'He wants me to go out, study hard during the week, and get prepared so we can come out and win.'

Fisher is confident that despite the offense continuing to struggle at times under Lee - eight turnovers in the past two games - the Noles are better-equipped to succeed now than they were early in the season.

'The offense is functioning better now,' Fisher said. 'I think we've gotten a better feel and hopefully we'll see when we get out there and he's had his chances. The word for us is focus. We have to learn to focus and play the whole game, not taking any plays off.'

With neither Weatherford nor Lee able to separate themselves, a large portion of the fan base wanted FSU coach Bobby Bowden and Fisher to turn over the offense to either De'Vontrey Richardson or Christian Ponder, both redshirt freshmen. Richardson is considered the better prospect, but Fisher isn't ready to go that route.

'You can ruin a new guy quicker than you can make him,' Fisher said. 'You're asking a lot for guys who haven't gotten any reps. I think you are taking a chance. I still think this team can win the football games we have. I don't know if putting one of those young guys in there gives you enough ammunition by themselves to possibly have enough to win, especially against some of the opponents we have coming up.'

NEUTRAL OPTIONS: FSU still has two open dates for nonconference opponents on next season's schedule. At least one game will be at a neutral site, with Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Atlanta all mentioned as possible sites. If the Noles return to Tampa, where they haven't played since defeating Arizona State at now-demolished Tampa Stadium in 1979, don't expect USF to be the opponent.

'It's not wise right now,' Bowden said. 'Remember, when we first started, Florida would not play us. Then when we did play them, we had to play at their place with their officials. That's the way you break in. USF will have to go through that same thing, probably.'

NOLE NUGGETS: The men's basketball team is picked to finish ninth in the ACC based on a poll of reporters who cover the league. ... Junior defender/midfielder Sarah Wagenfuhr (knee surgery) will miss the rest of the soccer season. Former Bloomingdale High standout Marissa Kazbour, a freshman midfielder, has been one player helping the Noles cope without Wagenfuhr. Kazbour has played in all 15 games - starting seven - and scoring two goals and three assists.

FSU SHORTS

HONOR ROLL: Junior swimmer Scott Baker, a transfer from Indian River Community College, won nine events at a four-team meet at Georgia Tech last weekend, earning ACC Performer of the Week honors Tuesday.

SOUNDBITE CENTRAL: "That whole saying about what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, I hope my game travels." — Former FSU golfer George McNeil, after winning the Frys.com Open in Las Vegas on Sunday, his first PGA Tour victory.

LOOK OUT FOR: The No.15-ranked women's soccer team hosts Miami on Sunday in its final regular-season match of the season. The game will be shown live on Sun Sports at 1 p.m.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which football program — FSU or Miami — do you think is closer to being back near the top of the rankings? To vote or monitor results, visit TBO.com, Keyword: Noles.

BLOG BONUS: The FSU-Miami series was once considered the nation's best rivalry, but for the first time since 1977, the schools will play each other Saturday with neither team ranked. We take a look at other hard-to-believe facts in college football today. For more, visit TBO.com, Keyword: Noles.

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