Posted by NoleCC

‘,’2005-09-28 22:05:00′,’By Bill Kristoph

The Syracuse Orange (hey, Nike, it was a lot better when they were the Orangemen) visit Tallahassee this Saturday for a 3:30pm match up with the Seminoles. That should be the big story this weekend, but instead of focusing on the game, many ‘Nole fans have focused on an article published by Warchant.com about Xavier Lee’s frustrations regarding his playing time. Granted, having two talented young quarterbacks to choose from is a problem that a lot of other teams would like to have, but who’s wrong and who’s right in this situation? Just like everything else in life, it’s a gray area. At least there’s that little game to distract everyone for a few hours.

Is Xavier frustrated that he didn’t win the starting QB role outright? Sure. Does he have a complaint? Perhaps. Will Drew always be the best option at QB for the ‘Noles? Maybe not, but for now the answer is a resounding “Yes.” The two issues that message boards around ‘Nole Nation have had are A) Why publish anything like that? B) Why would Xavier speak out?

Now for your answers. I’ve heard a lot about journalistic integrity. Journalists report the good and the bad. My big problem with hearing that term, is that the term is used when it is convenient for the user. Also, there are plenty of journalists that sit on personal stories until the timing for the story’s release is right. Journalist also implies News service. ScalpEm.com doesn’t claim to be a News service, so you might very well get a slant here. Then again, the idea here is that everyone contributes, which theoretically evens out the slant. My point being is that I’ve chosen not to claim that I am a News service, and thus you will never hear me refer to myself as a journalist. Will it always be like that? Maybe not, but the day it changes, I promise to inform my loyal users. You don’t get an answer that is “convenient” from me, you get the truth.

As for Xavier, I’m not here to call anybody out. Maybe I’m getting older, or maybe I just want to avoid conflict, since enough of it has been created. Either way, Xavier knows he is talented and feels like he should be playing more. Should he have kept his mouth closed? In my opinion, yes, but not forever. I think this was the mistake of a frustrated young man venting about something he feels like he has no control over. The key for Xavier Lee to remember is that he has ALL of the control in this situation. Xavier, you have to grab a clipboard and a headset during the games and follow Coach Bowden around. Be visible, responsible and cheer on your teammates and those around you will notice. Granted, that strategy might not always work, and at some point Xavier probably has a right to vent, but not 3 games (and 3 wins) into the 2005 season. Play the game Xavier, it’s going to continue on into life after football too.

With all of that said, it’s on to the Syracuse Orange. Syracuse is one of those teams that bothers me. Their games have been sloppy, but close. And their two losses are to good teams. Their QB, Perry Patterson, is not a prolific passer, and the Seminole Defense will tear him up if the Orange get pass happy. But, the Orange also have RB, Damien Rhodes, who is averaging 5.1 yards per carry and has 5 touchdowns this season. ‘Nole fans know what Boston College could do with a running game, expect to see Syracuse try the same tactics.

Expect Syracuse to come to Tallahassee with a lot of fight. The Big East Conference has been thrown under the bus this week for Louisville’s horrific (that doesn’t really describe it) loss to the USF Bulls. After hearing about how awful The Big East is, and remembering that they were snubbed by the ACC, the Orange will be happy to pound and slash at the ‘Noles.

For the Seminoles, this is a bad week to have off-field distractions. Is Drew Weatherford really so mature that he can ignore all of it, come out and have a great game and lead FSU to a 4-0 record? In the 2nd half, I think yes. In the first half, I think it will be a struggle, and I hope that Washington and Booker get ample opportunities to run if there aren’t 8 stacked in the box. Also, the ‘Noles should get Willie Reid back into the lineup, which means a few less dropped balls. Toss in a couple of field goals on some stalled first half drives, and the ‘Noles win a tighter one than everyone is expecting. Then ‘Nole fans can get back to whining about the stalled offense instead of a QB controversy!

‘Noles 13 Orange 9