Write On Sports LLC - "'Noles Season Buried" by Bill Kristoph

'Noles Season Buried

2006-10-10 10:29:06 | By: Bill Kristoph

Give credit to the North Carolina State Wolfpack. This past weekend, they were prepared for Florida State. They were not intimidated by the ‘Noles, and QB Daniel Evans showed he had huge cojones. The Wolfpack QB threw for 3 touchdowns in N.C. State's hard-fought 24-20 victory over FSU. N.C. State setup the passing attack for success by pounding the middle of the field with their running backs, including Andre Brown (who gained 113 yards on the ground).

The Seminoles did not play badly by any means, however they couldn't hold on to their early lead. Drew Weatherford had two touchdown passes and the running game was solid in the first half. However, aside from a 99-yard drive in the third quarter, the FSU offense stalled in the second half. It was only a matter of time before the defense showed its weariness and youth (giving up the final 14 points on two touchdown passes by Evans).

For FSU there are many questions for the remainder of the season. The Seminoles are now unranked and all real hopes of an ACC Title are gone. Now, the Seminoles will have to fight their way to a second-tier bowl game. Head Coach Bobby Bowden needs to find a way to rally the troops before this season totally caves in. The question now is: What should the ‘Noles look to do as the rest of the 2006 campaign progresses?

1. Get Xavier Lee playing time in every game. By no means am I suggesting that Weatherford doesn’t still deserve to be the starter, but there is no longer an excuse for FSU to worry about breaking up his rhythm. Give Lee the ball in the first series of the 2nd quarter and in the 2nd half at some point and see what he can do.

2. Protect the health of the defense. The Seminoles lost another defensive player (Nickelson) for the season due to an ACL tear. If FSU plans on beating anyone else this season, the defense is going to have to stay healthy.

3. Continue to spread the ball around. FSU’s offense showed glimpses of improvement. Involve Greg Carr and Brandon Warren more often. They will demand attention and free up the other receivers.

4. Find ways to throw the ball to Lorenzo Booker. He’s a dangerous receiving threat, and can break a big gain better from the flat than from the backfield.

5. Don’t give up. The character of this team and teams for the next few years will be determined with the rest of the 2006 season. Florida State is a young team, and the attitudes that are formed over the next few games can become a cancer for future teams. The coaching staff must find a way to A) win some games and B) keep the team together through some difficult times.

As an extra point, I’m making my appeal to the Seminole faithful. Support the team and show them YOU are behind them. Wear black to the blackout game against B.C. Show FSU that they have support when they need it the most. It may not bring an ACC Title to Tallahassee this year, but it will pay dividends in the future.

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