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Seminoles need Ponder to end QB slump
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AP/Phil Coale
Florida State junior quarterback Christian Ponder is trying to follow in some very large footsteps as the starting signal-caller of the Seminoles. Consistency at the quarterback position played a major role during FSU’s incredible run of 14 consecutive top 5 finishes in the final AP poll from 1987-2000. This group of solid quarterbacks included Danny McManus, Peter Tom Willis, Casey Weldon, Charlie Ward, Danny Kanell and Chris Weinke.
It isn't simply a matter of talent. None of the six quarterbacks listed from the glory days made an impact in the NFL. Still, these players had the right stuff (intangibles) to will the Seminoles to greatness with the help of some other special players on both sides of the ball.
Weinke’s successor, Chris Rix, was a capable performer for the Seminoles. Florida State was able to capture ACC titles in 2002-03 although the program was no longer a national title contender. The quarterback struggles began in Rix’s senior year in 2004. Rix and Wyatt Sexton shared the starting duties that season. The duo combined to throw more interceptions (15) than touchdown passes (11).
In 2005, Drew Weatherford was supposed to be the answer. He was thrown into the fire as a freshman starter and was picked off 18 times although the Seminoles were able to capture the ACC crown. The ACC title was the highpoint of his FSU career. While sharing some snaps with Xavier Lee from 2005-07, the Seminoles posted a mediocre record of 22-17. In contrast, Florida State lost only 19 games over their glorious 14-year run.
Ponder was able to unseat Weatherford as the starter a year ago. While he had his moments in 2008, Ponder didn’t exactly bring back memories of Heisman winners Ward and Weinke. After firing six touchdowns without an interception against cupcakes Western Carolina and Chattanooga to begin the season, he came back to earth once the “real” games began. For the rest of the year, Ponder had almost as twice as many interceptions (13) as touchdown passes (7).
Ponder’s versatility came to light in wins over Miami-FL and Maryland. He rushed for 144 yards against the Hurricanes and scrambled for 81 yards in a victory over the Terps. With three sophomores projected to start on the offensive line, Ponder may not be able to get very comfortable in the pocket in 2009.
While the youthful offense is still coming together under offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, the defense should be poised for a big campaign in 2009 with seven senior starters.
There are mixed expectations for the Seminoles in 2009. Florida State and Virginia Tech are co-favorites to win the ACC championship at odds of 5/2. On the other hand, the Seminoles have been projected by the very same oddsmakers to post an overall record of just 8-4.
Florida State appears good enough to contend in a conference that has a good deal of parity. A BCS bowl bid is in reach but a brutal non-conference slate makes it unlikely that the Seminoles can be any kind of a national title contender in 2009. BYU, South Florida and Florida will present formidable challenges for Bobby Bowden's squad. The matchup against the Bulls is the only home contest among these games.
Ponder understands the legacy that Bowden has built in Tallahassee. His father was a defensive lineman for the Seminoles in the early eighties just before the program really took off. Ponder grew up watching the great teams of the nineties.
While the downfall in recent years can't be tied entirely to the quarterback play, it can't be understated. The overall talent has still been coming into the program at a pretty sound level. The quarterback can be the difference between an 8-5 type of squad or a club that reaches the double figure mark in wins. Ponder could be that difference maker over the next two years.
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