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Ponder Realizes He Needs To Run More

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2008

TALLAHASSEE Through the first six games, it seemed as if Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder made as many big plays with his legs as he did with his right arm.

Many times when the Seminoles needed a crucial first down, the redshirt sophomore would tuck the ball and run for it.

The last two weeks though, his running has slowed to a crawl.

"The past couple of games I've kind of gotten away from running the ball," Ponder said. "And I need to change that and get back to being able to escape the pocket. There were a couple of times [Saturday] where I could have stepped up and avoided it and taken off."

Through the first six games, Ponder had rushed for 291 yards on 55 carries, including a breakout 144-yard effort against Miami.

Against Virginia Tech, Ponder gained 25 yards rushing, but lost 38 on sacks. And last week against Georgia Tech, despite his first career rushing TD, Ponder gained just 8 yards running - and lost 27 on sacks. He has lost a combined 32 yards rushing the past games.

Ponder's legs, which were such a weapon during the first half of the season, have been put back in their holsters the last two weeks.

"I think one of the reasons was being injured and I kind of swayed away from it," said Ponder, who was suffering from bruised ribs against both Techs. "I think the biggest aspect though was the whole happy-feet thing. And I'm trying to make myself stay in the pocket longer and I think that's contributed to it a little.

"I've just got to find the right balance between staying in there and escaping when I have to."

Corey Clark

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