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Blocking Breakdown Led To TD

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By STEVE ELLIS The Tallahassee Democrat

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 5, 2008

MIAMI - It was the kind of call that Florida State coach Bobby Bowden might question when he and his coaches meet this week. With the ball on Florida State's 2-yard line, Christian Ponder dropped about seven steps deep into his end zone.

The reason you might not want a redshirt sophomore standing where he was became painfully clear seconds later, when Ponder took a hit from his blindside as he released the ball.

His pass slipped through the hands of Miami DL Joe Joseph before Sean Spence snared the ball and ran 7 yards for a Miami touchdown that cut FSU's lead to 34-29 with 11:23 remaining.

"Blocking on backside broke down," Bowden said. "I heard offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher call it. We worked on it all week. Got him from behind."

A TRADE-OFF: Tony Carter had a play defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews will be on him about for quite a while when he bit on a halfback pass that allowed Travis Benjamin to be all alone. When he recovered, Carter was faked out by Benjamin, who broke from Carter's attempted tackle to score the touchdown.

But Carter also picked up his second and third interceptions of the season and has nine for his career to tie for 19th on FSU's all-time list.

GRINDING TO A HALT: The Seminoles had held their opponents to zero rushing touchdowns through the first four games for the first time since 2004.

FSU didn't allow a rushing touchdown through its first five games in 1962. The only touchdown allowed by Bill Peterson's team during that stretch was on a pass play against Miami. The '62 team gave up a rushing touchdown in the sixth game.

But Benjamin scored on an 18-yard run early in the third quarter to break this year's streak.

BRADHAM STARTS: Nigel Bradham became the second true freshman to start on defense this season for FSU when he was given the nod over Toddrick Verdell at strongside linebacker. DL Moses McCray (Hillsborough High) also has started as a true freshman. Bradham was hit with a penalty in the first half for roughing the passer.

ROBINSON PLAYS SPECTATOR: Bowden had said throughout the week it would be a game-day decision whether CB Patrick Robinson would play. That decision became obvious before the game when Robinson was spotted watching without shoulder pads.

Robinson injured his lower back on a kickoff return against Colorado. Korey Mangum started for the fourth time this season.

SOD CEMETERY GROWS: FSU has more sod-game victories against Miami than any other team. Saturday's victory made the eighth such win for FSU.

Antone Smith did the honor of grabbing a piece of turf to take back to FSU's Sod Cemetery. Markers are already in place for the 1963, 1964, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1982, 1984 and 2006 wins against Miami.

CARR MOVES UP ACC LIST: With his 27th touchdown reception, Greg Carr has climbed another notch on the ACC's all-time list to tie former Virginia receiver Herman Moore for seventh. Carr also has caught a pass in 27 consecutive games.

EXTRA POINTS: Former Seminoles spotted watching the game from the sideline: Henri Crockett, Zach Crockett, Willie Jones, Eric Moore, Snoop Minnis, Ross Brannon and Alex Barron.

Steve Ellis

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