Bowl Games 2006: Emerald Bowl
Florida State (6-6) vs. UCLA (7-5)
Florida State ranks among the most disappointing teams in college football this season. Coach Bobby Bowden will be coaching for the last time with his son, offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden, who is stepping down after his unit failed to meet expectations once again in 2006.
The Seminoles can’t seem to find at fit at quarterback, so expect to see pocket passer Drew Weatherford and erratic dual-threat Xavier Lee at the helm. There is talent at wide receiver with De’Cody Fagg, Chris Davis and Greg Carr, but getting them the ball consistently continues to be a problem. The offensive line and running game as been lackluster all season.
Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews has done an impressive job with a young corps of talent, including freshman safety Myron Rolle. DT Andre Fluellen is a stud in the middle of the Seminoles’ defense and the linebacker tandem of MLB Buster Davis and SLB Lawrence Timmons ranks among the nation’s elite. This battered unit will benefit from extra time to rest before the bowl game.
Coach Karl Dorrell and his staff will need the extra time off to refocus their team after the improbable upset over crosstown rival USC.
QB Patrick Cowan has developed into a serviceable starter with adequate passing skills and above average mobility. However, the Bruins are far more effective running the ball than they are putting it in the air. RB Chris Markey displays good vision, quickness and toughness as the primary carrier. He is averaging 4.6 yards per carry this season.
The real story for the Bruins is on defense, where first-year coordinator DeWayne Walker has engineered a remarkable turnaround. DEs Justin Hickman and Bruce Davis consistently wreak havoc on the perimeter with 25 combined sacks on the season. SS Chris Horton and MLB Christian Taylor are high-motor defenders who headline the nation’s 12th-ranked run defense.
Prediction: UCLA has only three senior starters and a newfound swagger. A good bowl performance for the Bruins will serve as a springboard for what will be one of the most experienced teams in the nation in 2007. The Seminoles have no reason to play well except being able to look at themselves in the mirror for eight months. UCLA wins 24-20.
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