Archive for September 2004
By Bill Kristoph
Congratulations to the FSU football team on their 41-22 victory over Clemson University. For the first time this year, I witnessed a team that was willing to finish its blocks, run crisp routes, and give extra effort to get a yard. It makes for a great experience at Doak S. Campbell stadium, and I am thankful that I was able to see yet another great Seminole victory. Keep it up for the rest of the season!’,'Over the last few days, I have heard a few interesting theories on the Rix vs. Sexton battle, as we now know, Wyatt Sexton will start against UNC. The decision comes as a no-brainer for Coach Bobby Bowden, since Chris Rix has a high ankle sprain and will not be available for at least two weeks. (Remember when Weinke had the same injury? These things are a PAIN.) Could this be a Wally Pipp situation? This Seminole fan, certainly hopes so, because Wyatt Sexton has the intangibles to lead FSU.
The best analogy that I can come up with on the quarterback situation at Florida State, is that it is the reverse of the Major Applewhite / Chris Simms battle a Texas a few years ago. Chris Simms (like Rix) was the better athlete (but was the underclassman), but Major Applewhite was a winner and leader. How can you argue with a winner? Wyatt Sexton appears to share both the calm and command of Major Applewhite. Let’s just hope that the coaches will see Wyatt at his best of the next two games and avoid the controversies that plagued the Longhorns for a few seasons.
Can anyone say anything bad about the defense? Welcome back to the 1990’s folks, and I am certainly glad to be there. Pressuring a quarterback always leads to good things for FSU, and Clemson (and specifically Whitehurst) proved that theory. You cannot win a ballgame when you turn the ball over five times. Nor can you win a game when you can barely move the ball in the second half. Great job defense!
As for the special teams… let’s just say I won’t bother with saying anything here. They have probably had enough reaming from the coaches already.
On a side note, I’m tired of ‘Nole fans yelling at other ‘Nole fans. If some fans want to boo, then let them boo. You don’t have to keep telling them they are “classless.” I hate to tell you this, but plenty of the fans that cheer are “classless” for other reasons than booing. Stop buying into the double standard of these athletes. They are not “kids†when you want them to be “kids” and “adults” when it suites your argument. They are over 18 and legally adults. Therefore, they are adults. Get over it folks!
By Bill Kristoph
First, let me thank DeaconSports.com. I like stats when they are presented nicely. Talk about stats every which way you could want them! I guess I got what I wanted. Nice job guys!’,'#5 Florida State heads into Groves Stadium this weekend for a showdown with the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons. For the ‘Noles, it is important to keep the momentum of the 36-3 beat-down of Virginia in Tallahassee last weekend. For the Deacons, this is an opportunity to show that their 3-3 record does not reflect the quality of this year’s team. The Deacons could easily be 5-1, and maybe even 6-0, if a couple of breaks had gone their way.
Seminole fans had better pay attention to the 3:30 ABC televised game, because Coach Jim Grobe will have some wonderful running schemes to use against the speedy FSU defense. Wake Forest has averaged well over 200 yards per game in rushing against the ‘Noles in the last two meetings. Expect a gutsy performance on both sides of the ball, and do not expect the Seminole defense to hold the Demon Deacons to 20 yards, like they did against Virginia. The big question for the Deacons is how well they run the ball in the red-zone against the ‘Noles. Less room to run, means less places to hide. Also, don’t count out the passing attack of the Deacons. Look for WR Jason Anderson to pick up some key receptions that will contribute to the Deacons ACC leading 3rd down conversion percentage (51.6% success).
The Seminoles have some offensive stars of their own, lead by two outstanding running backs, Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker. Look for them to continue to take the pressure off of Wyatt Sexton, providing the rushing attack that wears down opposing defenses. The Seminole offensive line will need to continue their stellar play and protect Sexton. Sexton has the tough task of throwing against two exciting and talented cornerbacks, Eric King and Marcus McGruder. Look for Jeff Bowden to call some plays underneath to the running backs, and Seminole Nation can only hope, the tight ends. Look for another big play on Special Teams from Ernie Sims. The kid is an animal.
The Deacons, although unranked, are notorious for sneaking up on teams, slapping them with some reality, and leaving with a victory (or at least giving them a scare). That said, it won’t happen this week. The ‘Noles run-defense is too strong and Wyatt Sexton will continue to keep his mistakes minimal. Wake Forest has not beaten a top 5 opponent since 1946. And while they’ve given up a lot of yards, but not a lot of points this season… look for that trend to end. ‘Noles win 31-16.
Shorts:
‘Nole fans everywhere are thankful that the Sexton/ Rix QB situation has been settled, at least for now.
It should be noted that the ‘Noles still have a glimmer of hope in the national title race. The ACC tie-breaking system in a three-way tie favors the Seminoles. (If every team has one loss that is tied, then the highest rank goes to the BCS game). Here’s rooting that the Wahoos can pull out the upset when they play Miami!
Wake Forest has my second favorite mascot behind FSU, and still holds the record for the hottest cheerleader I’ve ever seen!
By Bill Kristoph
The first home game of the season has come and gone. The ‘Noles were victorious 34-7 over the UAB Blazers, and all is right once again in the world. I am still trying to figure out a few things, so I thought I would pose some questions to those of you that read this article! 1.Why does everyone get so riled up about booing? Yes I know, I’ve heard the answers. They are kids (Until someone else needs to say “Hey they are adults’ when the argument suits the situation). You can boo pros because they are paid. I hate to tell everyone this, but many of the football players are on scholarship, so in a sense, they are paid. Any other arguments? I’d like to hear them. (FYI, I did not boo Chris Rix once Saturday night, I simply kept quiet. And to be honest with you, there is one thing worse than getting booed, and that is silence. Trust me, I know, I had it happen to me at a high school baseball game.)
2.Section 13 is great! I love the new seats. But was it me, or were the lines painted on the field a wee bit light for the first game of the year?
3.Is anybody concerned that Clemson is going to be a bit po’d about the last two games and will come to Tallahassee ready to play (and yet again save Tommy Bowden’s job)?
4.WHY ARE THERE ALWAYS BULBS BLOWN OUT ON THE SCOREBOARD!?!? FIX IT!!!!!!!!
5.Is WCTV getting better with their interludes during the game? I’ll give them a big YES. Keep up the good work!
6.How can a fountain Coke souvenir cup (Large, not super Large) be $3.50, and a bottle of Coke in the stands be $3.75? I guess I am paying for not getting up?
7.Is it me, or did the Chiefs look like they were having some fun? I certainly hope so, because for one reason or another, the last few years they looked like they had the life sucked out of them!
All in all it was a great weekend, filled with good times and a great game. I urge everyone to check out the photo album here on the site for the many pictures I took this weekend! Time to get ready for Clemson!!! Go ‘Noles!!!
By Bill Kristoph
Many people accuse me of being far too harsh on my alma-mater Florida State. I will be honest, at times I probably have been, but it is ALWAYS because I want the best for the Seminoles. Please keep that in mind when you read this article. It is harsh, and it might be a bit radical, but I only want the respect restored to a great program and team.’,'Things that MUST be done to restore FSU’s football program (which means you have to beat Miami):
1.Chris Rix must be benched. Enough time has been wasted on him. Give someone else a shot. Sexton, Weatherford or Lee, it doesn’t matter, so long as it is not Chris Rix.
2.Jeff Bowden Must Go. Rainbow offense? I think not. Once again, the play calling was inept, and it made FSU look like they were confused about what they were doing. How do you expect to be an elite program when you have a guy that probably couldn’t head coach a HIGH SCHOOL football game.
3.Someone, please teach the O-Line how to block!
4.Someone else teach the O-Line that an outside rusher should NEVER BLOCK A KICK. For once, it wasn’t Beitia’s fault. When the kick is blocked, there’s not much he can do about it.
5.Bobby, if you can’t step back and realize that coaching changes need to be made on the offensive side of the ball, then please step down. Help this program like you always have.
Positives:
1.Way to go defense! You must feel like the Baltimore Ravens did a few years back. Do you tell Chris Rix, “Hey man, just don’t let their Defense scored and we’ll be okay?†I understand you are all teammates, but I also understand if there is frustration on your part. 2000 Orange Bowl, 98 Fiesta Bowl, tonight, take your pick, there have been many games where the Defense rose up to the occasion only to see an inept offensive coordinator screw up a game plan.
Where was this dangerous running game? Where was the passing game? WHERE WAS OUR GAMEPLAN?
Team, there are a few cogs missing, but hang in there, there’s only ten or so games left and then life will be A.R. (After Rix). Then, perhaps, the dynasty can begin again.