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As steady as ever Three things we learned about the Seminoles
By Stewart Mandel, CNNSI.com JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Checking in from Florida State's 29-3 victory over BYU in the Pigskin Classic, where we learned the following three things about the 2000 edition of the Seminoles: 1. They'll pick you apart. Facing Florida State this year? Better have a horde of good cornerbacks, preferably with bionic legs. The thinking in Tallahassee for some time was that Peter Warrick's departure would not deter Florida State's passing game. Although that pervading feeling that the game could turn on any play is gone, the Seminoles' passing attack may be more potent. In his place, they've gained a bevy of competent receivers, and given Chris Weinke the ability to spread the field so drastically the defense can't possibly key on any one part. Weinke completed 32 of 50 passes for 318 yards to eight different receivers. At times, it seemed all eight were on the field at once, leaving BYU's corners perpetually behind. Granted, no one's going to confuse BYU's Dustin Staley or Danny Phillips for upcoming adversaries like Florida CB Bennie Alexander or Miami S Al Blades, but FSU's receivers were impressive nonetheless. "I don't think one guy can take up Peter Warrick's load, but I think as a group we can," said Atrews Bell, who caught four balls for 37 yards. "I had a chance to make some big plays tonight. Next week, it could be somebody else." If the 'Noles are going to repeat as national champs, it appears the pass will have to be their heart and soul, judging by the running game, which netted all of 57 yards. Senior Travis Minor had a typical Travis Minor day, carrying 16 times for 37 yards and a TD. Afterward, Weinke was visibly frustrated talking about the running game but said he didn't know what was wrong. "We'll be fine; tonight was one of those nights where the running game wasn't clicking," he said. "But we have a group of receivers that I think could be the best in the country." Among Weinke's targets was speedy juco transfer Javon Walker (eight catches, 70 yards) and emerging sophomore star Anquan Boldin. But leading the way for the Seminoles was Marvin "Snoop" Minnis (nine catches, 137 yards), who has said fans will look at him like they did Warrick "by the third game." "I think I took a step that way," Minnis said afterward. 2. But they do have flaws In the official game program for Saturday's Pigskin Classic at Alltel Stadium, the position of placekicker on Florida State's depth chart is listed as belonging to "Chance Gwaltney or Brett Cimorelli." So who is Matt Munyon and why was he kicking off to open Saturday's game against BYU? Munyon, a walk-on from Panama City, Fla., was handed the Seminoles' kicking duties Tuesday after Cimorelli, a true freshman widely believed to have the job, was hampered by a groin injury, and Gwaltney, a sophomore, struggled badly all summer. But while Munyon's first kickoff sailed into the end zone, his first extra-point attempt and field goal try (37 yards) were not as successful. Neither was a 27-yarder in the fourth quarter. A stadium full of FSU fans could be seen simultaneously wincing. Regardless of Cimorelli's injury, the redshirt freshman Munyon, who originally joined the team as a receiver and who did not participate in spring practice due to academics, had been kicking the ball longer and higher during fall camp. "Cimorelli needs to get healthy," Bowden said. "He could be in the mix on extra points and field goals. He's the most consistent guy we have, but he kicks line drives, and in this league they'll get blocked." The precariousness of FSU's kicking game is in stark contrast to the past three seasons, when All-American Sebastian Janikowski could be counted on to boot 50-yarders with ease (and, of course, to get in trouble). And with Scott Bentley before that, it's been some time since Bowden had to worry about the occasional "wide left." "Our kicking game was about as lacking as I was afraid," Bowden said. "I figured our biggest drop-off would be with Janikowski. But now that the kid [Munyon] has a game under his belt, maybe he'll get better." Munyon, who will likely cause much anxiety in Seminole land this week, escaped unnoticed by reporters after the game. In addition to kicking, the offensive line may be a source of concern for FSU. Playing against two formidable tackles in BYU's Hans Olsen and Chris Hoke, FSU had little success on the ground, and pass protection slipped a bit in the second half. But tackles Brett Williams and Tra Thomas were hindered by injuries that should heal soon. "If you asked me one area right away to improve the most, it would be sustaining blocks," Bowden said. 3. Bobby still has the game's best poker face All week, Bowden agonized to reporters over how bad his defense looked in practice. Note to Bobby: Perhaps that's because they were facing the Florida State offense. Even without injured star DE Roland Seymour and LB Tommy Polley, who played only one series, FSU's defense looked more stifling than at any point in its national title season. Bowden insisted afterward it wasn't in the cards. "The game surprised me; I thought we would have a high-scoring game ... but it was just the opposite. Our defense played just beautifully. The defense could not have played much better." Still, the Seminoles' speedy front consistently broke the line, pressured Engemann, blanketed the receivers and shut down all rushing alleys, at least until relaxing a bit in the second half. Preseason All-American Jamal Reynolds led the way with two sacks. "We were hoping for a shutout after the first half, but we were a little disappointed when they kicked the field goal," said Polley. The Cougars' main source of movement was through FSU penalties (11 through three quarters). Their first legitimate first down came in the last 20 seconds of the first quarter. BYU's first big play wasn't until 8:23 of the third quarter, a 25-yard pass to the FSU 11 that was subsequently negated by three consecutive penalties and a lost fumble. Stewart Mandel is CNNSI.com's college sports producer.
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