TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Andrews Remains Focused On 2008

ADVERTISEMENT

By STEVE ELLIS

The Tallahassee Democrat

Published: December 24, 2008

ORLANDO - Mickey Andrews expects to be back for his 26th season at Florida State.

"That's our plans," Andrews said. "We're full-steam ahead."

With those comments before Tuesday's practice, the veteran defensive coordinator went about as far as he'll go into any discussion about the 2009 season until the Champs Sports Bowl is over on Saturday.

Before he takes on what some are calling a rebuilding season for the defense - at least nine players among the two-deep roster won't be back - there is this season and its lingering concerns to address.

The riddles of the 2008 season - including numerous long-yardage plays despite being a better tackling team than previous seasons - certainly will be part of the rebuilding, reloading or tweaking of next year's defense.

"The thing that hurt us this year is the multiple-yard gains," Andrews said. "Too many big gains; runs, passes, plays over 10 yards. We're disappointed in the number of big gains we gave up this year."
FSU gave up 11 touchdowns passes/runs of at least 18 yards and seven went for 30 or more yards.

Andrews pointed to missed assignments and breakdowns and the lack of forced turnovers as his group suffered through a rough November with the exception of a dominating effort against Maryland. All of FSU's November opponents are bowl-bound.
Coach Bobby Bowden said inconsistency hurt the defense more than anything.

"You know, it's amazing. You look at the Maryland game and you couldn't play much better than that," Bowden said. "Now you play Florida like you never lined up. We still don't have the consistency that we used to have back when we were having all the success we had. We got to get back to that where every down you are playing good."

That task, on paper, looks to be more difficult with the loss of five players on defense who will start Saturday against Wisconsin.

To be great, FSU must find more playmakers next season. FSU forced 14 fumbles and had nine interceptions - a combination that is the second-lowest number of turnovers in 11 seasons. FSU opponents averaged 20.8 points in 2008, about on par with most recent seasons.

The secondary loses starters Myron Rolle, Darius McClure and Tony Carter. Patrick Robinson, the other starting cornerback, will consider an early entry into the NFL but likely will be back.

If linebacker Dekoda Watson returns as planned, FSU still loses three linebackers who saw starting action this season.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT