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FSU's Andrews will make announcement about future today

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Veteran Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said he will announce a decision today on his coaching future.

The architect of smothering defenses that helped Florida State to a pair of national titles in the 1990s during an unprecedented run of 14 years winning 10 or more games, Andrews has contemplated retirement for the past couple years.

Although a young Seminole defense has struggled all season, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said Sunday that he hoped Andrews would return for another year.

A former football star at Alabama under the late coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Andrews produced 18 first-round NFL draft picks during 26 seasons at Florida State, starting with CB Deion Sanders in 1988.

READY TO PLAY: QB Christian Ponder doesn't see the bruised ribs he suffered on Saturday as standing between himself and an important Atlantic Division game at Clemson.

"It wasn't as bad as I was expecting," Ponder said. "It was definitely a little sore. It's something I can overcome. It will be all right. It's football. It's a contact sport."

Ponder said he will participate in practices this week.

"As much as I can. ... If it doesn't feel good then I'll slow down and back off a little bit," Ponder said. "But I'm going to try to practice as much as I can."

Asked about his chances of not playing at Clemson, Ponder replied: "Slim and none."

BERT'S BUZZ: Bert Reed created a stir with his speed and athleticism the moment he arrived at FSU. Now he's earning praise for being physical. The wide receiver put that toughness on display when he crashed into the end zone on an end-around that he cut back up the middle.

"He's fast and he's definitely quick and makes moves and he's learning to run with the ball now," Ponder said. "We saw him stick it up in the holes - something that he probably wouldn't have done earlier."

EXTRA POINTS: Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers is listed as doubtful after he injured his knee against Coastal Carolina. ... The networks will exercise the six-day option for announcing the kickoff and television plans for Florida State's game at Wake Forest on Nov. 14.

Tribune wires, Steve Ellis

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