Write On Sports LLC - "Final Thoughts: Seminoles End, Gators Continue" by Bill Kristoph

Final Thoughts: Seminoles End, Gators Continue

2006-11-27 21:56:49 | By: Bill Kristoph

The 2006 regular season is over for the Florida State Seminoles, after a hard fought, close-but-no-cigar loss to the Florida Gators, 21-14. Once again, the Seminoles lacked an identity on offense, while the defense did their best to keep up their end of the game plan.

Chris Leak sliced and diced the young Seminole defense methodically, but it was a couple of big plays that stabbed the Seminoles in the heart. Dallas Baker’s touchdown reception with a little over ten minutes to play in the fourth quarter was good enough for the victory, while a dejected crowd looked on.

The game was a microcosm of the entire 2006 season. At times, FSU gave its fans glimmers of hope, only to yank them away. Drew Weatherford spent a fair amount of time on his back (pictured above) thanks to an offensive line that STILL can’t block for him, 12 games into the season. Weatherford also threw 3 interceptions, 2 of which were huge drive killers. Still, Greg Carr caught another jump-ball touchdown and Joe Surratt pounded in a 1 yard TD run from the fullback position. We’ve seen both of those over and over again this season.

The Seminole defense tried their best to hang in there, but when they are asked to play long stretches of the game while they are short on players due to injury, results aren’t good. Chris Leak had all day to throw, thanks to the fact that FSU could not find a pass rush. Was that because of injuries, or Urban Meyer’s rolling out of Leak? It was probably a bit of both.

The young corners couldn’t keep a couple of big plays in front of them. Dallas Carter fooled the usually reliable Tony Carter in the 4th quarter, to catch the game-winning touchdown for the Gators. The bright spot for the Noles was the run defense, where the linebackers and defensive line filled the gaps and held DeShawn Wynn to 16 yards. Perhaps the story would have been slightly different had Percy Harvin not been injured for the Gators in the first half, but overall the Seminole run defense was respectable.

A good amount of credit, of course, goes to the Gators who, yet again, played good enough to win. Playing “good enough” has them at 11-1 and playing for an SEC championship. I hate to think what might happen when Urban Meyer has all of “his guys” playing in his system. And contrary to those that don’t think Chris Leak is that good, I think he’ll surprise many people in the NFL if he gets an opportunity. He’s calm, smart, and has an accurate arm.

Near misses. They’ve been the general argument of FSU coaches for the past couple of seasons and once again they were prevalent in Saturday’s contest. We were only a few points away from a victory, but it’s still not a victory. Brandon Warren’s near TD in the north end zone, Greg Carr’s near jump-ball catch and a couple of Lorenzo Booker’s near breakaways don’t get the Noles partial credit or a win.

And, for those hoping for something to change by the time FSU plays in the Emerald Bowl on December 27, good luck. Head Coach Bobby Bowden would like for son Jeff to continue to coach through the bowl game for continuity. Continuity? Only if that means another anonymous day from the FSU offense. Maybe at the bowl game the defense can score a couple of points to help them out.

To end on a positive note though, the fans were loud at Doak Campbell Stadium, and despite the problems with the football team, the players hung in there and nearly pulled out a huge upset. Many of them have next season to look forward to, which will be a fresh start in more ways than one.

For those that graduate, I’d like to say a big, “Thank You Seniors!” The fans appreciate everything you do for FSU, and we all wish you continued success in whatever you do at the next stage of your life! You are always Seminoles, be proud of it!