ESPN College Football

They were superstars, a heralded recruiting class carrying high expectations before they even set foot on campus. Miami's Class of 2008 was ranked No. 1 in the country by ESPN.com, but after a final review, it shaped up more like the No. 20 class. There were a few standout individuals like Sean Spence, but overall, the Canes fell out of the top 10 of RecruitingNation's re-rank. Clemson didn't receive quite as harsh of a demotion, falling from No. 2 to No. 4.

Here's a look back at how the ESPNU 150 Class of 2008 fared:

Nos. 1-25 (Da'Quan Bowers, Arthur Brown, Jamie Harper, Sean Spence)

Nos. 26-50: (Ryan Williams, Marcus Forston, Brandon Harris, Mike Glennon, Kyle Parker, Terrance Parks, Brandon Thompson, Spencer Adams, Andre Ellington, Jermaine Thomas)

Nos. 51-75: (EJ Manuel, Ramon Buchanan, Nigel Bradham, Aldarius Johnson, Xavier Brewer, Davon Johnson, Nigel Carr)

Nos. 76-100: (Jordan Futch, Antoine McClain, Dwayne Allen, Brandon Barnes, Marcus Robinson)

Nos. 101-125: (C.J. Holton, Taylor Cook, Christian Wilson, Kyle Long)

Nos. 126-150: (Kenny Tate, Kerry Boykins, Travis Benjamin)

Florida State senior running back Jermaine Thomas has been declared academically ineligible for the Champs Sports Bowl and will not play in his final college game.

As if Florida State's offense needed to take any more hits. The Noles finished the regular season on an unimpressive note and enter the bowl game with the nation's No. 99 rushing offense. And that was with Thomas, the team's second-leading rusher, in the lineup. The good news is that there is lots of young talent waiting in the wings.

Freshman Devonta Freeman has 531 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, and freshman James Wilder Jr. (150 rushing yards) are rising stars. The Noles also have senior Ty Jones (71 rushing yards), who should see increased playing time.

FSU has been winning with its defense and special teams, and until proven otherwise, that's going to be the expectation against Notre Dame -- with or without Thomas.

Who you got? Miami or Virginia?

• Virginia freshman quarterback David Watford's role has been reduced, but he's still the No. 2 guy if Michael Rocco can't go.
• Miami quarterback Jacory Harris has moved past the concussion he suffered last season at Virginia that essentially changed the Canes' season. Has everyone else?
• Mike London says Al Golden has brought the Canes out of the storm.
• How much credit does Mike O'Cain deserve for Virginia Tech's offensive success this season as its play-caller?
• Get this: Wake Forest is playing for this year's unofficial state championship. Hokies might still win, though.
• The math is simple for BC: Not enough wins, no bowl game. The pressure is on this weekend at Maryland.
• It's no longer unreasonable to think Notre Dame might be interested in joining the ACC.
• Think you can play better defense for Clemson? You better know your geometry.
• Can FSU build upon its recent success in the running game? Jermaine Thomas would like to think so.
• Hmm, what's worth more ... a national champion or two BCS bowl bids? The ACC is adding it up.
• Former UNC assistant John Blake will appear in front of the NCAA on Friday. As he should.

Here are your top five performers for Week 8:

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd: There were plenty of stars for the Tigers in their 59-38 win over North Carolina, but Boyd orchestrated all of it with a school-record and career-high five touchdown passes and another rushing touchdown. His six touchdowns tied Woody Dantzler’s record for touchdown responsibility set in 2001 against NC State. Boyd completed 27 of 46 passes for 367 yards and rushed 11 times for 8 yards.

Wake Forest receiver Chris Givens: He had six catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-23 win over Duke. He had a 26-yard touchdown catch and a 66-yard touchdown catch. Givens has now caught at least one pass in 22 straight games. Against Duke, he became the eighth player in school history to go over 2,000 career receiving yards (now at 2,029) and has had six 100-yard receiving games. He tied the school record with four straight 100-yard receiving games.

NC State cornerback David Amerson: He picked off his seventh and eighth passes of the season in a 28-14 win over Virginia, solidifying his status as the FBS leader in interceptions. He returned one 12 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter -- the Pack’s first pick-six of the season. Amerson’s eight picks ties the NC State single-season record, which was set by Art Rooney in 1937 and matched by Rooney in 1938. He has now picked off two passes in three games this year, including back-to-back games following today’s performance.

Miami’s defense: Georgia Tech had season lows for points, first downs (14), first downs by rushing (9), rushing yards (134), and total offense yards (211) in Miami's 24-7 win. The Canes forced three turnovers against Georgia Tech, the most since the Miami forced three against North Carolina last year. Georgia Tech scored 35.9 points less than the Yellow Jackets’ 42.9 points per game average.

Florida State’s running game: The Seminoles, who entered this week with the No. 100-ranked rushing offense in the country and No. 10 in the ACC at 111.67 yards per game, finished with 218 rushing yards in a 41-16 win over Maryland. Devonta Freeman ran for 100 yards a second straight week and he averaged 9.1 yards per carry and had a touchdown. Jermaine Thomas had 86 yards rushing and a touchdown.

The series recapping summer camp for each team in the ACC as we gear up for game week continues today with Florida State:

• The Seminoles’ injury issues on the offensive line carried over from spring ball into August. The good news is that a lot of younger players got some reps, but there were too many bumps and bruises to starters along the way to know just how good this group can be. Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders both missed time with injuries, and David Spurlock just got cleared for full contact this week. The depth has developed but the cohesiveness has not.
• Clint Trickett has been named the No. 2 quarterback behind starter EJ Manuel.
• In addition to the offensive linemen, the running backs have also had their share of injuries. Chris Thompson played sparingly and was withheld from contact with a back injury, and Jermaine Thomas missed some time with migraines. Coach Jimbo Fisher was overly pleased with Ty Jones, and has said it was his best preseason camp. Because of the injuries to veterans, rookies Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. have gotten some reps and learned the system. Freeman, who participated in spring drills, looks like he can contribute this fall.
• Fisher was pleased with the play of Manuel, but he pushed him harder than usual this month so that Manuel is prepared for any situation. The receivers played well, but Bert Reed was highlighted for his maturity and play.
• The defense has been dominant, particularly up front where the line has created a lot of pressure. The secondary, in particular Lamarcus Joyner, has played well. The young linebackers have been impressive, and Christian Jones will start. The staff has raved about Telvin Smith and is pleased with the progress of Jeff Luc and Vince Williams.

Last week we looked at how the quarterbacks stacked up in the ACC. This week, we’ll take a closer look at the running backs. Again, the position rankings by team put heavy weight on the depth of the position -– hence the team ranking, not individual. Just because Virginia Tech has one of the best running backs in the ACC doesn’t mean that collectively, as a group, Virginia Tech is the best team in the league at the position. Florida State? Loaded. Wake Forest? Not. These are based on the best combination of talent, experience and depth.

Here’s a look at how each team ranks in the position:

1. Florida State: Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas combined for 1,862 yards, 6.1 yards per carry, and 17 touchdowns last year. Thompson had 1,000 yards combined from both rushing and receiving last year, and Thomas enters his senior season with 1,084 career yards -- the second most of any active ACC runner, behind only Montel Harris (3,600).

2. Boston College: Montel Harris could break a 33-year-old ACC rushing record this fall, and his backup, Andre Williams, is a bigger back who has proven more than capable of shouldering the load himself. Together they’re one of the best one-two combos in the league.

3. Miami: The transfer of Storm Johnson hurt, but Lamar Miller should be one of the best in the ACC, and Mike James was ahead of Johnson on the depth chart. The Canes also have Darion Hall, Maurice Hagens and incoming freshman Kevin Grooms.

4. Clemson: Andre Ellington will be the leader of the pack, but true freshman Mike Bellamy could also make an immediate impact, and the group runs deep with Roderick McDowell, D.J. Howard and Demont Buice.

5. Virginia Tech: Had Ryan Williams and Darren Evans returned, this would have been one of the premier groups of running backs in the country. Instead, it will be the David Wilson show (and Josh Oglesby). Not that the Hokies will have any problem with that.

6. Maryland: Davin Meggett and D.J. Adams are a talented duo, but depth should be a concern. Meggett posted a team-high 720 rushing yards in 2010, while Adams had a freshman school-record 11 rushing touchdowns.

7. NC State: The Wolfpack are in a much better position at running back than they were a year ago, when nobody with starting experience returned. Mustafa Greene, James Washington and Brandon Barnes should make NC State’s running game a bigger factor this fall.

8. Georgia Tech: Coach Paul Johnson isn’t concerned about his B-back position because it’s one of the deepest on the team. There isn’t one superstar like in recent years, but Richard Watson, Charles Perkins and Preston Lyons will work together to keep the Jackets one of the top rushing teams in the country.

9. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have to replace three tailbacks who accounted for 96 percent of their rushing last year. Ryan Houston is back for his sixth season of eligibility, but he is the only one who has seen significant playing time. Giovani Bernard, Hunter Furr and Travis Riley help the depth.

10. Wake Forest: Josh Harris could crack the 1,000-yard mark if he stays healthy, and Brandon Pendergrass is a capable backup. There are three true freshmen at the position, and it’s one area coach Jim Grobe can’t afford any injuries.

11. Virginia: Perry Jones and Kevin Parks are talented, but the Cavaliers will miss the production of Keith Payne, who accounted for 14 of the team’s 17 rushing touchdowns. Jones started all but one game last year, but only scored one touchdown.

12. Duke: The Blue Devils’ running game is starting to show progress, but last year it still ranked 104th in the country. Depth isn’t a problem, as Desmond Scott, Josh Snead and Juwan Thompson should help make it a more productive group this year.

Stay tuned for the top 10 ACC running backs for 2011 ...

My blogger colleagues had a fun idea and composed dream teams for their respective conferences, a good way to highlight the strongest position groups in the ACC. Here are my votes for the team I’d like to match up against anyone in this year’s Orange Bowl:

Quarterbacks: Maryland

At some point, Danny O’Brien deserves credit for his performance last season. There was a reason he was named the league’s 2010 Rookie of the Year: He’s that good, and he’s only going to get better. O’Brien had a 7-3 record as a first-year starter last season, and despite not starting the first three games, his 22 touchdown passes were third in the country among freshmen and second in school history. His efficiency rating of 134.5 last season is the best in the conference among returning quarterbacks. The question is how quickly he’ll adapt to the new offense, and which receivers will emerge as his favorite targets.

Honorable mention: Florida State, Duke

Running backs: Florida State

The Seminoles return their top three rushers in Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas, who combined to run for 1,862 yards last season -- an average of 6.1 yards per carry -- and 17 touchdowns. Thompson hit the 1,000-yard mark (exactly) in combination yardage with 845 rushing and 155 receiving. Thomas has rushed for 1,804 yards in his career heading into his senior season, the second-most of any active ACC runner, trailing only BC’s Montel Harris. Speaking of Harris, …

Honorable mention: Boston College, Miami, Clemson

Receivers: Duke

Conner Vernon led the ACC in pass receptions (73) and finished third in receiving yards (973). He has 128 catches in his first two collegiate seasons, while Donovan Varner ranked fourth in the ACC last season in pass receptions (60) and seventh in yardage (736). Their 274 combined pass receptions are the most of any active duo in the conference.

Honorable mention: North Carolina, Virginia Tech

Offensive line: North Carolina

This could be one of the biggest and most athletic groups under Butch Davis since he was hired in Chapel Hill. None of the players in the two-deep is under 305 pounds (the starting lineup averages 319 pounds), and eight of the top 10 linemen return, including three starters from last season’s roster. The left side of the line will be particularly strong with guard Jonathan Cooper (22 career starts), and tackle James Hurst.

Honorable mention: Clemson, Miami

Defensive line: North Carolina

All four starters return, making this what should be one of the most fearsome fronts in college football. Defensive end Quinton Coples played both tackle and end last season and had 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Tydreke Powell and Donte Paige-Moss should also be first-team all-conference candidates.

Honorable mention: Florida State

Linebackers: Boston College

The Eagles return Luke Kuechly, a unanimous All-American last season, and the top tackler in the country. Kuechly led the nation in tackles (183) and solo stops (110) a year after ranking second in those categories as a true freshman. But it’s not just Kuechly. Kevin Pierre-Louis will start alongside him on the outside. He started all 13 games as a true freshman and ranked second on the team with 93 tackles and 59 solo stops. The Eagles have to replace three-year starter Mark Herzlich, but Steele Divitto played in 11 games last season.

Honorable mention: NC State

Cornerbacks: Florida State

Greg Reid and Xavier Rhodes combined for 33 passes defended last season, the most of any pair of cornerbacks in the nation. Rhodes was named the ACC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year after he ranked No. 16 nationally in passes defended with four interceptions and 12 breakups. Reid finished tenth in the nation in passes defended with three picks and 14 deflections. He was also fourth in the ACC in punt returns and led the nation in punt returns as a freshman.

Honorable mention: Virginia Tech, Virginia

Safeties: Miami

Even though he wasn’t a starter last season, Ray-Ray Armstrong was third on the team with 79 tackles and tied for the lead in interceptions with three. He started four games last seaosn and also had 4.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery. Vaughn Telemaque has 24 career starts and finished last season with 58 tackles and three interceptions.

Honorable mention: Florida State

Punter: Florida State

Shawn Powell would have led the ACC in punting last season with a 44.3 average, but he didn’t have enough punts to qualify. Still, 16 of his 50 punts (32 percent) were downed inside opponents’ 20.

Honorable mention: Virginia

Kicker: Duke

Will Snyderwine ranked seventh nationally in field goals last seaosn, making 21 of 24 attempts. He has made 38 of 44 field goal attempts in his career, and his career field goal percentage of .864 ranks third among all active FBS kickers.

Honorable mention: Florida State

FLORIDA STATE

2010 overall record: 10-4

2010 conference record: 6-2

Returning starters

Offense: 8, defense: 8, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

QB EJ Manuel, WR Bert Reed, WR Taiwan Easterling, LT Andrew Datko, RG David Spurlock, RT Zebrie Sanders, RB Chris Thompson, RB Jermaine Thomas, DE Brandon Jenkins, DT Jacobi McDaniel, LB Nigel Bradham, CB Greg Reid, CB Xavier Rhodes, PK Dustin Hopkins, P Shawn Powell

Key losses

LG Rodney Hudson, C Ryan McMahon, QB Christian Ponder, DE Markus White, LB Kendall Smith, LB Mister Alexander

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Thompson* (845 yards)

Passing: Ponder (2,044 yds)

Receiving: Reed* (614 yds)

Tackles: Bradham* (98)

Sacks: Jenkins* (13.5)

Interceptions: Rhodes* and Mike Harris* (4)

Spring answers

1. Depth on both sides. Florida State returns all three leading rushers from last year, each of whom had at least 400 rushing yards in 2010. All of the Noles’ top receivers are back, but coach Jimbo Fisher was also pleased with young receivers like Jared Haggins and Greg Dent. The defensive line is deep, and the staff learned that Lamarcus Joyner can play safety at the collegiate level. The kicking game will be a strength, as FSU might have the best punter/kicker combo in the country. Dustin Hopkins booted a 60-yard field goal in the spring game.

2. Defensive improvement: The defense really made some strides in terms of knowing what it has to do, and has become more comfortable in the second season under coordinator Mark Stoops. The Noles found more depth on defense, as playmakers emerged even with players sidelined with injuries. The young linebackers were a particularly promising group.

3. It’s EJ’s offense now. In what was the first spring session he was healthy enough to participate in, quarterback EJ Manuel emerged as a leader heading into his first season as a full-time starter. He showed he can take command of the offense and goes into summer camp with nobody looking over his shoulder. He’s 4-2 as a starter and was able to take another step forward this spring.

Fall questions

1. Backup quarterbacks: Clint Trickett and Will Secord will take their competition into the summer, but Trickett got more opportunities in the spring game and made the most of them. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 137 yards. Secord completed 3 of 9 passes for 25 yards, but a clear No. 2 has yet to be named.

2. What will the offensive line really look like? It was a patchwork group this spring, as left tackle Andrew Datko was out with a shoulder injury, right tackle Zebrie Sanders was out after abdominal surgery, and left guard David Spurlock, who started the first seven games of 2010 before suffering a concussion, was only about 50 percent because of a hand/wrist injury. Key reserves like Rhonne Sanderson (foot injury) and Blake Snider (ankle injury) were missing. Jacob Fahrenkrug was supposed to take over at left guard, but finished the spring starting at center. This fall, the starting lineup will consist of LT Datko, LG Bryan Stork or Spurlock, C Fahrenkrug, RG Spurlock or Stork, RT Sanders. Despite the losses of Hudson and McMahon, there is experience up front, but building depth remains an issue.

3. How good is the defensive line? There’s no doubting Florida State’s defensive line will be good, but with the offensive line riddled with injuries, it was impossible to tell how good it can be. Newcomer Tank Carradine didn’t get a chance to go against Sanders or Datko, leaving for an unfair assessment.

Florida State held its first scrimmage of the spring on Monday and on Tuesday evening released the stats. The Seminoles' practices and scrimmages are closed to fans and the media. Here are the highlights, based on the school's report:

Offensive highlights:

• Quarterback EJ Manuel completed 29 of 42 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns (two to receiver Bert Reed and one to fullback Lonnie Pryor).
• Reed had a six-yard touchdown reception and a 36-yard touchdown catch in a two-minute situation. Reed finished the day with seven receptions for 81 yards.
• Pryor’s reception came from seven yards out in a red zone situation.
• Running back Jermaine Thomas rushed nine times for 121 yards.
• FSU’s starting offensive line of Henry Orelus, Jacob Stanley, Jacob Fahrenkrug, Bryan Stork and Garrett Faircloth each worked 65 plays. Fahrenkrug at center and Faircloth at right tackle both earned the highest grades on the line.

Defensive highlights:

• Linebackers Christian Jones and Telvin Smith each had eight tackles. Smith also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
• Cornerback Greg Reid had five tackles with two pass breakups and Mike Harris had six solo tackles and a pass breakup.

There's usually at least one question on the weekly chat that's worthy of a separate post, and Ryan from Florida wanted to know who the top five running backs will be this year. The position isn't as loaded or experienced as it has been in recent years, but there's still a good mix of young and proven talent to choose from. Here are the spring predictions for who the top five running backs will be in the ACC this year:

1. Montel Harris, Boston College: It has to start with Harris, who has been one of the most dependable, durable running backs in the conference. He's one of the most experienced returning to the position, and is the leading returning rusher in the ACC at 103.6 yards per game, but when he was injured, we learned there is a capable young replacement in Andre Williams. With quarterback Chase Rettig in his second season as a starter and more help in the backfield, Harris shouldn't have to carry the offense on his shoulders again. It's possible his carries decrease and so do his numbers in 2011, but he's got to start at the top based on what he's accomplished so far.

2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech: The departures of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans leave Wilson the most experienced player in the Hokies' backfield. He's one of the most explosive runners in the conference, as evidenced by his 26.5 yards per kickoff return, but he'll be expected to carry the load for Virginia Tech's running game this year.

3. Lamar Miller, Miami: I know, I know, I said Storm Johnson on the chat, and that's because he was at the top of the depth chart released Tuesday. One of those guys is going to have a breakout season, but based on what I've been told, Miller is the guy to watch. He could be the next great running back at Miami, but it's not a surprise to see Johnson pushing him.

4. Andre Ellington, Clemson:With Jamie Harper gone, Ellington will get the bulk of the carries, and as long as he stays healthy, he has the speed and explosiveness to be one of the most productive backs in the ACC. Through seven games last year, Ellington ranked 10th in the nation in scoring with 12 touchdowns and had four 100-yard rushing games, including 22 carries for 140 yards against eventual national champion Auburn. Coach Dabo Swinney called Ellington's return "as important as any aspect of our football team."

5. Chris Thompson, Florida State:He's a home run threat, but he's also in a crowded backfield that includes Jermaine Thomas, Ty Jones and true freshman Devonta Freeman. Thompson averaged 6.4 yards per carry last year and almost 900 yards, but will he separate from the pack this year?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A few quick notes for you from Thursday's news conference with Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher:

• The center position is one of the biggest questions marks facing the Noles following the graduation of Ryan McMahon. David Spurlock is injured and will participate in the early practices, but will be limited as contact increases. Bryan Stork has been working with quarterback EJ Manuel in Spurlock's absence, but Fisher will have to teach two or three players the position, including true freshmen Sterling Lovelady and Trey Pettis. “We'll train a lot of guys,” Fisher said.
• Over the past two and a half months, not one player has missed his weight workout.
• Injured players who will be missing when practices start on Monday: Defensive tackle Jacobbi McDaniel, offensive tackles Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, linebacker Holmes Onwukaife, linebacker Jeff Luc, offensive lineman Blake Snider, safety Nick Moody, offensive lineman Rhonne Sanderson, and punter Shawn Powell (he has an injured disc in his back, which also bothered him last year, but Fisher said he should be close to ready by the end of the spring).
• Running back Jermaine Thomas is still suspended, but it’s unclear how long that will last, according to Fisher. Last month, Thomas was arrested twice in one week for driving with a suspended license. “We’re still evaluating that,” Fisher said. “He’s doing well. I’ve been very pleased with his progress right now, the things he’s doing off the field, in the classroom. We’re evaluating that daily right now. I’ll make a decision on that here coming up. He may miss some, he may not. We’ll have to wait and see.”

The schedule wasn't the only news out of the ACC on Monday ...

• For the second time in one week, FSU running back Jermaine Thomas was arrested.
• Boston College scored big on its offensive coordinator hire, as Kevin Rogers has a reputation for developing quarterbacks. Just ask Donovan McNabb.
• Frank Spaziani hired experience. Might have been the best coordinator hire of the offseason in the ACC. We'll see. Not done yet.
• Virginia's staff also had a few shuffles.
• Virginia Tech's recruiting also got a big boost with the addition of Shane Beamer to the staff.
• Did you know Billy Hite was the longest-tenured assistant coach in the country?
• Miami versus Maryland: Get ready for it.
• What a great twist in the storyline if Miami was facing its former coach, Randy Shannon, who could become the Terps' new defensive coordinator.
• Clemson is in for a tough September.
• Doug Roberson has a few notes on each of Georgia Tech's 2011 opponents.
• Gotta love Georgia Tech-Virginia Tech on Thursday nights.
• Kyle Tucker is already predicting a 10-2 season for the Hokies. With that schedule? It's a safe assumption.
• Some big-name opponents are scheduled to face the ACC.

At this time of year, no news is usually good news ...

• FSU running back Jermaine Thomas was arrested and released on Friday after the Tallahassee Police Department charged him with a nonmoving traffic violation while driving with a suspended license.
• Former UNC defensive line coach Brian Baker has his reasons for bolting to the NFL quickly.
• That makes three defensive line coaches for UNC since the start of the 2010 season.
• Virginia coach Mike London has suspended three players indefinitely.
• The suspensions were related to a fight at James Madison, according to the Washington Post. (Good thing they didn't bring any Hokies along for help. Oh c'mon, it was right there ... )
• London's approach to discipline has been fair and balanced.
• Why isn't Miami developing its talent?

Here are three keys for Florida State against South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl:

1. Stop the run. Florida State has been much better against the run this year -- No. 25 in the country and third in the ACC -- but it showed some weaknesses against Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game that the Gamecocks can exploit. Marcus Lattimore has run for 1,198 yards and 17 touchdowns this year, and quarterback Stephen Garcia has scored six rushing touchdowns this year.

2. Pressure Garcia. Florida State is No. 2 in the country and first the ACC in sacks with 3.54 per game. The Noles have had 46 sacks this season, and Garcia makes mistakes under pressure. South Carolina’s ability to pick up the rush and handle defensive ends Markus White and Brandon Jenkins will play a huge role in the outcome of the game.

3. Establish the run. Florida State’s tailbacks have been banged up this year, but this could be the healthiest they’ve all been in a while. Ty Jones, Chris Thompson and Jermaine Thomas will force the Gamecocks to be disciplined, but South Carolina has a knack for finding the ball and has also improved against the run this year, ranking ninth in the country and leading the SEC with 104.31 yards per game.

FSU tailback Jermaine Thomas, who has been out since suffering a right knee sprain of the lateral collateral ligament against Clemson, returned to practice on Thursday, according to the team's practice report. Thomas missed three games and wore a blue non-contact jersey today.

“It felt good,” Thomas said, according to the report. “The knee really didn’t give me any problem; didn’t feel any pain or anything. I’m excited to be back out there and be part of the team again.”

“He was running good in drills,” coach Jimbo Fisher said in the report. “He didn’t get hit, but he did some good things.”

FSU quarterback Christian Ponder, who had surgery on Friday to repair soft tissue damage in his right arm, is expected to return to practice when the Seminoles arrive in Atlanta for their first on-site bowl workout at Georgia Tech on Dec. 26.