TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bowden Keeping FSU's Focus On Florida

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 27, 2008

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden was given the choice.

What's more important to FSU's program - registering an upset against the Florida Gators on Saturday in Tallahassee or winning the ACC championship?

Bowden didn't hesitate.

"I would think beating Florida," he said. "What could we do greater this year? They're No. 2 in the nation. They've been wearing us out lately. I think the greatest stride would be if we could win that game."

Maybe that explains Bowden's strategy for Saturday afternoon.

When the Seminoles (8-3, 5-3 ACC) kick off against the Gators at 3:30 p.m., another game begins at the same time - Maryland (7-4, 4-3) at Boston College (8-3, 4-3).

If Maryland wins, FSU clinches the ACC Atlantic Division and advances to the league championship game Dec. 6 at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium. (FSU would win the division based on a head-to-head tiebreaker with Maryland, which lost to the Seminoles 37-3 on Saturday night).

If BC wins, the Eagles clinch a spot in Tampa and FSU settles for a lesser bowl trip.

It would be easy to do some scoreboard-watching.

Bowden wants no part of that.

"At the end of the game, somebody can tell me what happened in Maryland-BC," Bowden said. "I have no control over it. I'm really afraid it would be a distraction.

"I'd hate to be playing Florida and be playing a darn good game and everybody has got their mind in it. All of a sudden, somebody comes and gives me that score. My kids divert their attention. Really, I don't want to hear about it."

But no doubt, Seminoles fans will pay attention to what's happening. If Maryland rises up for a road victory against BC, the Seminoles will play either Virginia Tech or Georgia Tech for the Orange Bowl bid.

Of course, after watching the Seminoles pound Maryland, what's to suggest the Terrapins are capable of beating any quality opponent?

For one thing, attempting to predict the outcome of an ACC game this season has been impossible. The Terrapins are out of contention for the title game, so it seems there is nothing at stake.

Not so, according to Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen.

"I think it's important that we're playing for a share of the ACC Atlantic division championship, even if we can't go to the championship game," Friedgen said. "If we end up 5-3 in ACC play, I think that would help us as far as postseason play, getting to a good bowl against a quality opponent.

"I think we still have a lot to play for. I would hope that our kids look forward to playing very well."

Bowden hopes so, too.

Even if he won't be watching, listening or receiving scoring updates.

Trying to stop Florida will be enough cause for worry.

BIG BROWN: FSU junior defensive end Everette Brown had a monster game at Maryland - five tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Brown leads the nation in tackles for a loss with 20.5, and his 12.5 sacks rank second.

Before this season, Alonzo Jackson was the last Seminole defender to register a three-sack game - in 2002.

Brown has three triple-sack games this season alone - he had 3.0 against Virginia Tech and Clemson.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT