ESPN College Football

FLORIDA STATE

2009 overall record: 7-6

2009 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 10, defense 6: punter/kicker 2

Top returners

QB Christian Ponder, LG Rodney Hudson, C Ryan McMahon, WR Bert Reed, CB/PR Greg Reid, RB Jermaine Thomas, DE Markus White, LB Kendall Smith, LB Nigel Bradham, CB Ochuko Jenjie

Key losses

CB Patrick Robinson, S Jamie Robinson, LB Dekoda Watson, WR Rod Owens

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Thomas*(832 yards)

Passing: Ponder* (2,717 yds)

Receiving: Owens (729 yds)

Tackles: Bradham* (93)

Sacks: Watson (6)

Interceptions: J. Robinson, Jenjie* (4)

Spring answers

1. Tailor-made defense. We don’t know yet how much better it will be, but the new defensive scheme will create more playmaking opportunities under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops. The Noles will use more zone coverage and be more suited for the personnel. That should lead to some improvement.

2. Ponder will be 100 percent. He took every meaningful snap with the first team offense this spring and there didn’t seem to be a difference since he injured his shoulder last year. That means Florida State could have a Heisman contender this year.

3. Staff cohesion. The five new on-field assistants and first-year strength coach brought a new philosophy to Tallahassee and they clicked well together in their first practice sessions. Coach Jimbo Fisher does things differently than his predecessor. Both the offensive and defensive staffs met a lot together to look at film, and there was good feedback across the board between players and coaches.

Fall questions

1. Consistency at receiver. With the exception of Reed, dependability was sorely lacking in this group. Plenty of plays were made, but not continuously. Fisher said the execution is not where he wants it to be. Jarmon Fortson is one of the players who needs to step it up.

2. Tailback talk. Who’s going to win the tailback job, or will it be by committee? Chris Thompson passed Jermaine Thomas on the unofficial depth chart, but there’s also Lonnie Pryor, Tavares Pressley, Ty Jones and junior-college transfer Debrale Smiley, who is a fullback/tailback like Pryor. They all had their moments this spring.

3. Unsecure secondary. FSU has four good corners to count on in this scheme with Jenjie, Reid, Dionte Allen and newcomer Xavier Rhodes, but the two safety spots and depth remain in flux. Jenjie is the only returning starter in the secondary.

There wasn't much surprise Thursday night when former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller was the ACC's top overall NFL draft pick, as he was chosen ninth overall by the Buffalo Bills. Most analysts agree he was the best running back in this draft class.

Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan was chosen No. 16 by the Tennessee Titans, and former Jackets receiver Demaryius Thomas followed soon after with the No. 22 overall pick to Denver. The Jackets were one of eight schools to have more than one player chosen in the first round. It was also the first time since 1979 that the school had two players selected in the first round.

And finally, just like FSU coach Jimbo Fisher had predicted, former cornerback Patrick Robinson snuck into the first round with the 32nd pick to the New Orleans Saints. He was the program's first first-round draft pick since 2007.

ESPN's Todd McShay listed Morgan's move to Tennessee as one of his top five "Best marriages of need and value." Former Georgia Tech B-back Jonathan Dwyer and safety Morgan Burnett are both still waiting, but that's not a surprise, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper and McShay, both who left those players off of their final first-round mock drafts.

Two main points stand out from these picks:

• Message to Georgia Tech recruits: Yes, you can be a first-round draft pick at receiver in Paul Johnson's run-based offense -- if you're good enough.
• Any doubts about Spiller's ability should finally be erased. He's had his critics his entire career, but the vote of confidence from the NFL in his abilities should confirm what Spiller proved in 2009 -- he's one of the best players in the country.

A daily dose of ACC headlines for you.

• Maryland kicker Nick Ferrara is living his life for both himself and his late best friend.
• Former UNC defensive end E.J. Wilson never dreamed of playing in the NFL -- until now.
• Georgia Tech's defensive line was a question heading into this spring, but so far the group has adjusted well to the new 3-4 scheme.
• Virginia receivers coach Shawn Moore is the best quarterback the Cavaliers have.
• A lack of consistent attention to detail could prove costly for FSU's Patrick Robinson.
• Clemson coach Dabo Swinney talked about spring practices on Tuesday, and he's most excited about his linebackers.

I heard you missed me ...

• Move over Myron Rolle, you've got some company. BC lineman Anthony Castonzo has been nominated for a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Congrats to Castonzo, who is a well-spoken, hard working player who deserves a shot at both the NFL and the scholarship.
• Former Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer's failed drug test at the NFL combine was the result of prescription medication to treat a pre-existing condition.
• Clemson has elbowed its way into a three way race against the SEC for quarterback Christian LeMay, who has narrowed his choices to Clemson, Auburn and Georgia.
• Marc Verica appears to be the front-runner to be Virginia's quarterback, but can the Cavaliers win with any of their QBs this year?
• Former FSU cornerback Patrick Robinson should be a valuable commodity in this NFL draft.
• Optimism has returned for Virginia Tech defensive backs coach Torrian Gray.
• Wake Forest's offense stepped it up a notch in Saturday's spring game.
• NC State's receivers lived up to the hype against a secondary still struggling to find its identity.

Former FSU cornerback Patrick Robinson and linebacker Dekoda Watson both improved their 40 times from the NFL combine and clocked the fastest performances at this morning's pro timing day in Tallahassee.

Robinson ran a 4.38 and Watson a 4.4.

“I was definitely interested in posting a better number, because I didn’t feel like I ran like I was supposed to at the combine," Watson said in a release. "I wasn’t comfortable with the surroundings and the setting and looking at the film from the combine, I noticed that my knee lift wasn’t where it was supposed to be and knocked my 40 time down at the combine. That’s what I worked on and it really helped me out. … As long as it was in that 4.4 range, I can’t be mad.”

There were about 30 representatives from NFL and CFL teams, including San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary. In all, 14 total players participated. Drills included the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, standing broad jump, bench press and agility drills.

A few other highlights:

• Jamie Robinson had a 10-foot, 2-inch standing broad jump, which barely beat receiver Rod Owens’ 10-foot, 1 ½-inch effort. Owens also had a 34 ½-inch vertical jump.
• Defensive tackle Budd Thacker led the way in the bench press with 31 repetitions at 225 pounds.

Additional participants included: deep snapper Zack Aronson, receiver Louis Givens, receiver Richard Goodman, defensive tackle Justin Mincey, tight end Caz Piurowski, defensive tackle Kendrick Stewart and linebacker Recardo Wright. One-time FSU linebacker Jae Thaxton and receiver Preston Parker also participated.

We resume our breakdown of the ACC's strongest and weakest positions today with Florida State:

Strongest position: Offensive line

Key returnees: All five starters return in Andrew Datko, Rodney Hudson, Ryan McMahon, David Spurlock and Zebrie Sanders.

Key departures: Backup Brandon Davis has decided to graduate and move on instead of returning for his fifth season. He stared in place of Hudson the last two games of the regular season.

The skinny: This group will finally have seniors in McMahon and Hudson, and collectively there are 142 career starts between the five returning starters. Last year, all five of Florida State’s offensive linemen were nominated by opposing ACC coaches for all-conference honors. Assistant Rick Trickett said he’s never had that happen to one of his groups before. Sanders and Rhonne Sanderson are both injured. Sanders will be fine by summer camp and Sanderson is limited this spring after foot surgery.

Weakest position: Secondary

Key returnees: CB Ochuko Jenije

Key departures: CB Patrick Robinson, FS Jamie Robinson, RV Korey Mangum

The skinny: Aside from Jenije, the only returning starter, no one in the secondary has played more than one season. There are high expectations for cornerback Greg Reid, who will get a long look this spring to replace Patrick Robinson. Redshirt freshman Xavier Rhodes will also get a chance there. Terrance Parks and Nick Moody were both the backups at safety last year, and they’ll get an opportunity to move up. Redshirt freshmen Justin Bright and Gerald Demps will also challenge at safety.

REWIND:

• Boston College
• Clemson
• Duke

Unfortunately for the ACC, there wasn't much to talk about in this year's Senior Bowl. Former Clemson receiver Jacoby Ford played the most integral role and finished second on the North team in all-purpose yards with 59.

The good news for the ACC? Some of the conference's best players were juniors in 2009. Had it been the Georgia Tech/North Carolina Junior Bowl, this game might have been a different story. But without players like C.J. Spiller, Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Ryan Williams, etc., this game didn't paint a fair picture of what the ACC had to offer in 2009 talent-wise. Not that there weren't some talented seniors. According to Clemson sports information director Tim Bourret, Spiller was invited but chose to heal the turf toe that had been nagging him all season.

The final stats:

• Ford had one run for 6 yards, one catch for 7 yards and two punt returns for 46 yards.
• Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson had one carry for 1 yard, and one catch for 9 yards.
• Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson was second with six tackles and one pass breakup.
• FSU linebacker Dekoda Watson had three tackles.
• Miami linebacker Darryl Sharpton had three tackles.
• Former FSU safety Myron Rolle had three tackles.
• Maryland safety Terrell Skinner had three tackles.
• Virginia cornerback Chris Cook had two tackles.
• Maryland fullback Cory Jackson had two tackles.
• UNC defensive tackle Cam Thomas had one sack for a loss of 7 yards.
• Wake Forest cornerback Brandon Ghee had one tackle.

The best story to come out of the Senior Bowl for the ACC was that of Rolle. Following the week of practice, ESPN's Todd McShay gave Rolle a final grade of an A-minus and wrote that Rolle could be a third-round draft pick. That's impressive, considering Rolle spent the past year in Oxford studying as a Rhodes Scholar. He proved -- once again -- that being a standout athlete and student don't have to be exclusive of each other, and for that, the ACC couldn't have asked for a better representative in this year's Senior Bowl.

The final rosters for the Under Armour Senior Bowl have been posted. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 30 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. Duke and Georgia Tech are the only ACC schools that aren't represented in the game. The following is a list of ACC players who will participate:

NORTH

Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson

Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest

Rashawn Jackson, FB, Virginia

Terrell Skinner, DB, Maryland

Matt Tennant, C, Boston College

Cam Thomas, DL, North Carolina

Ed Wang, OL, Virginia Tech

SOUTH

Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami

Ted Larsen, OL, NC State

Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

Darryl Sharpton, LB, Miami

Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State

You might be familiar with the date Feb. 3. (Heck, some of you probably even take off work or ditch class for it.) Contrary to popular belief, though, it’s not a national holiday. It’s national signing day. And it’s coming up quickly. Every team has holes to fill after graduation and the NFL draft, but some are more pressing than others. Here’s a quick look at the Atlantic Division’s top areas of concern for this year’s class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Quarterback: The Eagles can’t afford to be in another situation where nobody on the roster has had a snap of collegiate experience like they were heading into 2009. This is the class where coach Frank Spaziani can build the future of the program at this position.

Running back: Montel Harris is one of the best running backs in the ACC, but he’s not invincible. After the transfer of backup Josh Haden midway through last season, the Eagles were forced to depend on Harris and only Harris. It’s time to bring in some help.

Wide receiver: BC will graduate three seniors from the two-deep in Justin Jarvis, Clarence Megwa and record-setter Rich Gunnell. Quarterback Dave Shinskie will be better in Year 2, but now he’ll have to help usher in a new supporting cast.

CLEMSON

Wide receiver: The Tigers will have to replace standout Jacoby Ford in 2010, but they’ll also have to prepare for the losses of Xavier Dye and Terrance Ashe, who will be seniors in 2010. It was a position of concern heading into 2009 and will be again.

Defensive backs: Two of the most experienced starting cornerbacks in the conference -- Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler -- have to be replaced, but the staff also has to look ahead. Next year, the Tigers will lose All-American safety DeAndre McDaniel, free safety Marcus Gilchrist and cornerback Byron Maxwell.

FLORIDA STATE

Linebacker: FSU’s biggest loss here will be Dekoda Watson, but two other players on the two-deep are juniors. The Noles were hurting at every position defensively, and while the bulk of players return, they need an overall upgrade in talent.

Defensive line: Save for defensive end Markus White, who will be a senior, and Budd Thacker, who will have to be replaced, this was a relatively young group. Still, the Noles struggled to stop the run and fluster quarterbacks most of the season, and it all starts up front.

Secondary: FSU will lose cornerback Patrick Robinson, Korey Mangum and Jamie Robinson. The addition of Lamarcus Joyner should give this unit an immediate boost.

MARYLAND

Secondary: Three starters -- Anthony Wiseman, Jamari McCollough and Terrell Skinner -- were all seniors, and standout Nolan Carroll, who was injured, will also have to be replaced. It’s time to usher in the next wave of talent here.

Linebackers/ends: The staff needs to find players here who can better fit defensive coordinator Don Brown’s scheme. Some of those linebackers could end up being defensive end/hybrid players, but the Terps need some speed off the edge.

NC STATE

Linemen: The Pack will lose three starters on the offensive line and all four on the defensive line. Those positions are what almost half of the staff’s commitment list is comprised of so far, and the depth at those positions had to be completely rebuilt under Tom O’Brien. Some junior college transfers could help.

Halfback: With the news that Toney Baker decided to forgo his sixth year of eligibility, and the graduation of fifth-year senior Jamelle Eugene, it couldn’t hurt the Pack to start to reload at this position.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive line: Seven members on the two-deep roster were redshirt seniors in 2009, and one, starting center Russell Nenon, was a redshirt junior. Three starters will have to be replaced in 2010.

Tight end: This position will be very thin, but the staff has added two in this year’s recruiting class. Wake could also help itself by adding a fullback or two to help with the blocking.

Linebackers: It was a unit comprised mainly of redshirt seniors and juniors in 2009, so the Deacs will have immediate holes there, as well as the need to restock for the future.

The Sporting News published a list of seniors invited to participate in the 2010 NFL scouting combine, Feb. 24 to March 2 at Indianapolis. Here are the ACC's representatives, but keep in mind it's not an official -- or final -- list.

Boston College: LB Mike McLaughlin, C Matt Tennant.

Clemson: OLB Kavell Conner, WR Jacoby Ford, DE Ricky Sapp, RB C.J. Spiller.

Duke: QB Thaddeus Lewis, Vince Oghobaase.

Florida State: CB Patrick Robinson, S Myron Rolle, OLB Dekoda Watson.

Maryland: CB Nolan Carroll.

Miami: TE Dedrick Epps, OT Jason Fox, TE Jimmy Graham, RB Javarris James, LB Darryl Sharpton.

North Carolina: OT Kyle Jolly, DT Cam Thomas.

NC State: C Ted Larsen, DE Willie Young.

Virginia: CB Chris Cook, FB Rashawn Jackson.

Virginia Tech: P Brent Bowden, S Kam Chancellor, CB Stephan Virgil, OT Ed Wang.

Wake Forest: OT Chris DeGeare, CB Brandon Ghee.

Wow, what a way for the ACC to ring in 2010 -- with Viginia Tech's convincing win over Tennessee and today's farewell to legendary coach Bobby Bowden.

Another bit of news on the Noles ...

Linebacker Dekoda Watson and cornerback Patrick Robinson will play in the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl. The 61st game is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. (ET) in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised live by the NFL Network.

I'm in Jacksonville, Fla., now, getting ready to head over to the stadium for the Gator Bowl. I'm expecting a bit of chaos today. In addition to Bowden's team walk, which is around 10:30 a.m., there are also about 500 credentialed members of the media for this game. That's about twice as many as normal. And of course, it's going to be a great crowd, considering it sold out in two hours. So far I've seen West Virginia fans on my plane, in the restaurant last night, and here in my hotel. I'm sure the Noles will represent well, though, in their home state. I'll be blogging throughout the whole game. See you there.

Here is the ACC's all: conference team, as voted upon by 40 members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association. Please keep in mind that this is not the ESPN.com list.

FIRST TEAM

Offense

QB: Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech (50)

RB: Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (67)

RB: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (63)

WR: Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech (63)

WR: Donovan Varner, Duke (50)

TE: George Bryan, NC State (39)

TE: Michael Palmer, Clemson (39)

OT: Jason Fox, Miami (57)

OT: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College (53)

OG: Rodney Hudson, Florida State (54)

OG: Cord Howard, Georgia Tech (47)

C: Sean Bedford, Georgia Tech (45)

K: Matt Waldron, Virginia Tech (27)

K: Matt Bosher, Miami (27)

Spc: C.J. Spiller, Clemson (76)

Defense

DE: Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (76)

DE: Robert Quinn, North Carolina (69)

DT: Nate Collins, Virginia (47)

DT: Allen Bailey, Miami (38)

LB: Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech (65)

LB: Luke Kuechly, Boston College (53)

LB: Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina (44)

LB: Alex Wujciak, Maryland (44)

CB: Kendric Burney, North Carolina (59)

CB: Brandon Harris, Miami (41)

S: DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson (57)

S: Deunta Williams, North Carolina (53)

P: Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech (57)

SECOND TEAM

Offense

QB: Thaddeus Lewis, Duke (18)

RB: C.J. Spiller, Clemson (62)

RB: Montel Harris, Boston College (39)

WR: Torrey Smith, Maryland (25)

WR: Jacoby Ford, Clemson (24)

TE: Greg Boone, Virginia Tech (16)

OT: Ed Wang, Virginia Tech (31)

OT: Chris Hairston, Clemson (26)

OG: Thomas Austin, Clemson (39)

OG: Sergio Render, Virginia Tech (37)

C: Matt Tennant, Boston College (29)

K: Casey Barth, North Carolina (21)

K: Will Snyderwine, Duke (21)

Spc: Torrey Smith, Maryland (17)

Defense

DE: Ricky Sapp, Clemson (29)

DE: Willie Young, NC State (24)

DE: Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech (24)

DT: Marvin Austin, North Carolina (32)

DT: John Russell, Wake Forest (29)

LB: Vincent Rey, Duke (29)

LB: Darryl Sharpton, Miami (21)

LB: Bruce Carter, North Carolina (17)

LB: Colin McCarthy, Miami (17)

LB: Dekoda Watson, Florida State (17)

CB: Ras-I Dowling, Virginia (26)

CB: Patrick Robinson, Florida State (26)

S: Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (51)

S: Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech (24)

P: Matt Bosher, Miami (37)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Here's who won't be in the lineup at 8 ET tonight:

FLORIDA STATE

Out For Season

• LB Maurice Harris (neck)
• TE Caz Piurowski (knee)

Out

• CB Dionte Allen (thumb)
• OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)
• OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)
• LB Aaron Gresham (knee)
• DT Demonte McAllister (knee)
• OT John Prior (knee)
• DT Budd Thacker (knee)

Questionable

• WR Richard Goodman (groin)
• RV Korey Mangum (shoulder)
• DT Justin Mincey (knee)
• CB Patrick Robinson (ankle)
• CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)
• LB Dekoda Watson (groin)
• LB Vince Williams (back)

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

• AJ Blue, RB/QB, Knee
• Carl Gaskins, OT, Knee
• Matt Merletti, S, Knee
• Trevor Stuart, DS, Knee
• Jamal Womble, TB, Wrist

Doubtful

• Lowell Dyer, C, Shoulder
• Ryan Taylor, TE, Knee

Questionable

• Joshua Adams, WR, Shoulder
• Jonathan Cooper, OG, Ankle
• Zack Pianalto, TE, Foot

Probable

• Anthony Elzy, RB, Shoulder
• Linwan Euwall, LB, Ankle
• Kyle Jolly, OT, Ankle
• Devon Ramsay, FB, Knee
• Cam Thomas, DT, Leg

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

If you don't see it, that's because I didn't get it ...

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR VIRGINIA TECH GAME

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

TE Jordon McMichael (hip) – OUT

FS Okechukwu Okoroha (leg) – OUT

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

DT Austin Giles (back) – DOUBTFUL

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – QUESTIONABLE

CB Roderick Rollins (Leg) – PROBABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – PROBABLE

DUKE

RB Jay Hollingsworth (ankle) -- Probable

OT Jarrod Holt (concussion) -- Probable

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT

CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- OUT

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

OUT

FB Daniel Gard (knee)

OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

OT John Prior (knee)

LB Vince Williams (back)

QUESTIONABLE

DT Justin Mincey (knee)

CB Patrick Robinson (ankle)

PROBABLE

ROV Korey Mangum (shoulder)

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Doubtful

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Questionable

Dominique Reese, Jr., S (shoulder)

Marcus Wright, So., RB (shoulder

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Travis Baltz (ankle)

Mike Barbour (leg)

Louis Berman (leg)

Bruce Campbell (leg)

Danny Edwards (concussion)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Joe Vellano (foot)

MIAMI

Probable

DL Olivier Vernon – Lower Extremity

Questionable

RB Graig Cooper - Lower Extremity

LS/TE Jake Byrne - Illness

Doubtful

DT Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

DL Steven Wesley – Lower Extremity

Out

DL Dyron Dye - Leg

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Surgery and Out for Season

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

NORTH CAROLINA

Out (Season)

Carl Gaskins OT Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Out (Game)

Lowell Dyer C Shoulder

Doubtful

Zack Pianalto TE Foot

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Questionable

Josh Adams WR Shoulder

Kyle Jolly OT Ankle

Mike Paulus QB Shoulder

Devon Ramsay FB Knee

Probable

Jonathan Cooper OG Ankle

Anthony Elzy FB Shoulder

Linwan Euwell LB Ankle

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

OUT

Jeff Rieskamp, DE - hip

Javon Walker, S - knee

QUESTIONABLE

Rashard Smith, CB - ankle

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Nekos Brown (illness)

Blake DeChristopher (ankle)

John Graves (ankle)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich

Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews admitted earlier this week that he “didn’t have the guts” to make changes to his starting lineup last Saturday against Boston College.

	Rick Dole/Getty Images
	Mickey Andrews said he’s got an “average defense” right now.

This week, he might not have a choice.

Freshman rover Jajuan Harley was expected to get his first career start in Chestnut Hill, but Andrews stuck with the experience of senior Korey Mangum. This week, as the Seminoles prepare to host No. 22 Georgia Tech, Mangum has been nursing a shoulder injury that has hindered his tackling ability and Harley is listed as No. 1 on this week’s depth chart.

And senior cornerback Patrick Robinson, who defended Georgia Tech star receiver Demaryius Thomas last year, sustained an ankle sprain in the first half against Boston College, and was in an immobilized boot earlier this week but practiced Wednesday.

“It will probably come down to how bad he wants to play, and how effective he can be if he plays,” Andrews said. “I think he’ll try. We’ll just have to see what he can do. A lot of healing is through the mind. If he thinks he’s hurt, he won’t play.”

Even though the Seminoles will be facing a run-based defense, they’ll need all the help they can get on Saturday.

Florida State’s secondary was a concern this summer and not much has changed in Tallahassee since two-a-days. While the future of Florida State’s football program was being discussed earlier this week by high-ranking university officials, there was no decision made that could immediately fix the problems with the Seminoles’ passing defense. Florida State ranks 112th nationally in pass efficiency defense, and 112th in pass defense.

“We can definitely be playing a lot better,” said cornerback Ochuko Jenije. “It’s the small errors that are killing us now. We’re focusing on being better at the small things. It’s basically just mental errors. We know what we’re doing during practice, but during the game we make errors on leverage, or different reads and people are getting behind us. That’s been our kryptonite right now.”

Part of the problem is that FSU hasn’t been putting enough pressure on the quarterback, but they’re also getting beat deep on occasion by the receivers, getting penalized for pass interference on third downs, and dropping potential interceptions.

“We’ve got to pressure better than that and we’ve got to cover better than that,” Andrews said. “Turnovers are caused by great pressure on the receiver and on the quarterback. You’ve got to whip people, you’ve got to whip blockers, you gotta whip the guys running the pass pattern, and of course eliminate the long plays, the long passes.”

Against Boston College, Florida State had 28 plays where they allowed a yard or less, but too many where they gave up big plays. Andrews said right now, he’s got an “average defense,” and that’s their choice.

When asked if he has the talent, Andrews declined to talk about it.

“We’ve got what we’ve got,” he said. “It’s our job to put them in position they can make plays.”

If Robinson doesn’t play, it will be up to Greg Reid to cover Thomas. Although Reid has had an impressive season for a freshman, he’ll be at a height disadvantage against Thomas. Reid is 5-foot-9 while Thomas is 6-foot-3.

“I don’t know if we’ve played anybody that’s as big as he is,” Andrews said. “I can tell you right now they’re going to throw the ball to him. … They’re going to get the ball to him, it’s just who’s on him, can they cover him, or will they cover him? He’ll be a big challenge, there’s no doubt about it. You can’t cover everybody and play the run like you need to and double cover him. You can, but they’ll penalize you. We’ve got it figured out if they’d just let us play with that extra guy. And they ought to, we need it right now.”