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Sitting Out FSU Opener A Tough Task

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 6, 2008

TALLAHASSEE It's not something they thought they would experience, so they have no idea what to expect. Or where they will even be today when 6 p.m. rolls around and Florida State's season officially kicks off.

The 12 Seminoles who are suspended for tonight's season opener against Western Carolina aren't allowed to stand on the sideline with their teammates.

But that doesn't mean they can't be at Doak Campbell Stadium rooting for the home team like everyone else in garnet and gold.

"I told them if I had to sit up in the nosebleeds just to watch the game I'd definitely do it, and it would be no problem," junior linebacker Dekoda Watson said. "I want to support them somehow."

Not that it's going to be easy for any of the players to sit and watch the team start the season without them.

"Just watching film on [Western Carolina], I kind of got excited, and then thinking I'm not going to be out there, that's kind of disappointing," tight end Caz Piurowski said. "I'm excited for the rest of team. I plan on going to the game. It's going to be difficult."

So difficult for some that even as late as Thursday night they weren't sure where they would be watching from.

"I'm going to figure out something, I don't know yet," defensive tackle Budd Thacker said. "I might stay at home, or I'm thinking about just sitting in the locker room and watching it."

Said running back Marcus Sims: "I'm probably going to just stay at home, actually. It would be hard to be there."

Though, as it turns out, it doesn't appear that it's their decision to make.

When advised Thursday that some of the suspended players had talked about not going to the game, FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said: "That's not their choice. You'll be surprised where they end up.

"We want to keep that camaraderie. I understand their feelings on it, but we need to feel part of the team together."

The suspended players have done their part to help the team prepare for the Catamounts. All 12 have been working with the Seminoles' scout team this week, trying to give their teammates a look they wouldn't normally get from the walk-ons in the gold jerseys.

After all, scout teams don't usually have someone like Preston Parker at wide receiver or Patrick Robinson at cornerback.

"Yeah, it's a little different," redshirt freshman Bert Reed said with a smile. "But they're doing their part, and they're helping our team get better. They're actually playing versus some of our future starters, so it really helps our guys."

Some are playing different positions as well.

Sims, normally a tailback, has been working at linebacker for the scout-team defense, and Watson has been lining up at defensive end.

"I've always respected walk-ons," Watson said after a recent practice. "But I respect them a lot more now. Because I went about 70 plays back-to-back, and I was blown."

Said Sims: "I'm doing everything that a scout-team player would be doing on defense. It's crazy. I'd much rather be over there practicing with the regular guys, but I'm just helping my team out instead of just sitting on my butt and doing nothing.

"We're going to do whatever we have to do to help the team."

Western Carolina at Florida State

At Stake

With Christian Ponder making his first start at quarterback, the Seminoles are facing a team that allowed 45.8 points and more than 460 yards per game a season ago, which should allow the sophomore to gain confidence and get acclimated to his role.

Key Stat

During the past four years, the Seminoles have managed just one first-half touchdown against their Week 1 opponents.

Injury Update

FSU - LB Aaron Gresham (knee), P/K Graham Gano (knee), RB Tavares Pressley (knee), DB Ed Imeokparia (knee), DB Dionte Allen (foot) and OL Evan Bellamy (blood clot) are out.

WCU - None reported

Key Matchup

Like each of the Seminoles' first three opponents, the Catamounts will try to take advantage of an FSU defensive line ravaged by injuries and suspensions. With DTs Budd Thacker, Paul Griffin and Justin Mincey suspended and fellow DT Emmanuel Dunbar dealing with a back injury, the Seminoles will have to start two backups in the interior - junior Kendrick Stewart and freshman Moses McCray (Hillsborough High).

Keep An Eye On:

FSU - Greg Carr, the Seminoles' gifted receiver, should benefit from the arrival of junior-college transfer Corey Surrency, who will draw defenders away from Carr.

WCU - Andy Horn, Western Carolina's first-year starting quarterback, who completed 22 of 33 passes for 262 yards and two TDs in the season opener against NAIA Shorter.

PREDICTION

FSU 49, WCU 6

Corey Clark

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