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FSU Seeks Building Blocks

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By STEVE ELLIS

The Tallahassee Democrat

Published: December 26, 2008

ORLANDO - Nine wins don't represent anything magical for the Florida State Seminoles.

FSU accomplished the feat in 2004 and strung together double-digit victories for 14 straight seasons until that streak ended with an 8-4 mark in the 2001 season.

But nine victories, even with two coming against lesser-level teams Western Carolina and Chattanooga, represent an improvement that seniors such as CB Tony Carter believe is a sign of better times ahead for FSU.

"You always want to go out with a bang," Carter said. "To get this ninth win would show that this program is headed in the right direction and give the young guys something to build off of."

Coach Bobby Bowden has his eyes on finishing his FSU career with something better than nine victories. But at least the Seminoles, 8-4 entering Saturday's Sports Champs Bowl against Wisconsin, aren't stuck on 7-6 as they were the past two seasons.

"You love to see improvement no matter what - 8, 9, 91/2," Bowden said. "You just love to have the improvement and then it just gives you something to build on."

A FAMILY AFFAIR

One of the bonuses of playing a bowl game in Orlando for Bowden was the chance to have Christmas dinner with family.

Bowden and his wife had dinner at son Terry's house. Other Bowden children in Orlando were daughters Robyn and Ginger and former Clemson coach Tommy Bowden, who is the featured speaker at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast in town.

INJURY UPDATE

FSU enters the bowl game with some questions to be answered on the injury front.

Bowden said WR Preston Parker, who injured a knee and ankle against Florida, remains a question mark. FB Seddrick Holloway has practiced some this week and WRs Rod Owens and Taiwan Easterling have been hampered by injuries.

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