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FSU's Piurowski Expected To Make First Start

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By SCOTT CARTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 27, 2007

TALLAHASSEE Caz Piurowski expected to make his first start under FSU's new offensive coaching staff at his new position - offensive tackle. Instead, Piurowski will make his 2007 starting debut at tight end, his former position.

Regardless, the former Land O' Lakes standout is ready to play in Saturday's game against Alabama after spending the first three games mostly glued to the bench.

"I just want to get a position and stay there," Piurowski said. "If it is tight end, great; if it's tackle, great. I'm enjoying tight end and hopefully I can stay there."

Piurowski requested a move to offensive line in the offseason, but with starting TE Charlie Graham hampered by a sore hamstring and backup John Frady out with a back injury, FSU coach Bobby Bowden said Thursday that Piurowski will start. As a freshman last season, Piurowski had seven receptions for 55 yards.

MR. PERSONALITY: FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher worked under Alabama coach Nick Saban for four seasons at LSU, helping the Tigers win the national title in 2003. While Fisher's outgoing personality fits in well with Bowden's style, he doesn't seem cut from the same cloth as the ultra-serious Saban.

Fisher said not to let Saban fool you. Beneath his steely surface, Fisher said Saban can crack a smile.

"He's got a lot of personality," Fisher said. "When it's time to work, it's time to work. He jumps on it because he always says he doesn't want a crack to become a crevice."

STATEMENT GAME: Junior DT Paul Griffin is not only pumped that he likely will get more playing time Saturday because of injuries to starters Andre Fluellen (elbow) and Budd Thacker (toe), but he's excited about facing the Crimson Tide.

"We've been waiting on this all season," Griffin said Thursday. "Alabama been talking about how [good] they are. We are just going to go out and show how good the ACC really is."

NOLE NUGGETS: Fisher said not to expect any major changes in the offensive starting lineup Saturday, including at QB … Bowden doesn't have a set plan on how or if he'll play LB Geno Hayes, who was arrested last week outside a popular Tallahassee bar … Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who worked in the coach's booth for the first time since his USFL days in FSU's 16-6 victory at Colorado on Sept. 15, remains uncertain whether he will return to the sideline or remain upstairs for Saturday's game.

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