The ShowGirl

  (12:28 PM)

Alright folks, welcome to The Show! The fellas will be here shortly. Willie will be first at 12:30 and then Drew will hop in at 1:00.

Willie Reid

  (12:32 PM)

Hey, how you doing?

Justin (Memphis, TN)

Willie, What do you think it takes to be as successful as you have been in Punt Returns?

Willie Reid

  (12:33 PM)

What does it take? It takes a good other 10 guys on the team that block for you to be successful on a punt return.

Jeff: Coldwater, Ohio

Willie, Do you think there is any kind of weakness in that Penn State secondary that you guys might be able to exploit?

Willie Reid

  (12:34 PM)

All the players on that secondary are pretty strong -- I don't think they have any weaknesses. We just have to work on our execution as far as throwing and catching the ball.

SHARONE WRIGHT IN MADRID ,SPAIN

WILLIE, HI MAN IM FROM THE MIDDLE GEORGIA AREA AND HATED TO SEE YOU KILL MY SW PATRIOTS IN BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL. VERY PROUD OF YOU. MY QUESTION IS WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU NEED TO WORK ON TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Willie Reid

  (12:35 PM)

Different techniques, as far as route running is concerned. I'll need better knowledge of coverage as far as what defenses are giving you. At the next level, I'll just have to perform better all around.

Gerard: (Bridgewater, NJ)

Do see any difference in the offensive play calling this season?

Willie Reid

  (12:36 PM)

This year, I believe we keep it more spread out with four receivers. We still kept basically the same playbook, we just spread everything out a little bit more than we had in the past.

Scott: Denver, CO

Willie, as an FSU alum living a long way from home, I can't seem to get reliable updates on the team. Is everone getting sufficient time to get healthy?

Willie Reid

  (12:38 PM)

Oh yeah, most definitely. The guys that had to nurse their injuries are getting extra rest and the guys that are heathy are getting plenty of practice and rest to get better and to stay in shape.

David (palatka, fl)

Willie this is your last game for the noles, it seems like you've been here for a carrer,do you have any guarantees for the orange bowl?

Willie Reid

  (12:39 PM)

Oh no! (lauging) No guarentees. I just want to go out and play hard, that's all.

Mike, St.Pete, FL

Willie, love your style! Looking to see some special moves on special teams against PSU!

Paul (NYC)

Willie, as a senior you are a clear leader on this football team. Can you talk about playing with a freshman QB and how Drew has developed throughout the season? Thanks, and GO NOLES!!

Willie Reid

  (12:41 PM)

Drew has progressed tremendously throughout the season. He's reading defenses and making delieveries a lot quicker. We're just grateful that he's on our team and we're looking forward to bright things from him in the future.

Nole_Alum, Florida

Willie, First of all I think the team has done spectacular considering the injuries. Do you think we will be able to go deep early or are we going to have to grind it out with run first? It seems like when we score first and score on a big play the team just rolls from then on. Go Noles! Thanks! Willie - Drew

Willie Reid

  (12:42 PM)

Momentum is very importaant -- we had some good momentum plays against Va Tech and that helped to break it open. As far as gameplan, I'm not sure how we're going to go about it yet, but I'm sure our coaches have a strategy for these guys.

Kyle (Tallahassee)

In Jacksonville you gave your team and us in the crowd the spark we needed to win. If you can do it again we should not have any problem knocking off Penn St.

Willie Reid

  (12:43 PM)

(laughs) Thanks Kyle.

Jon (Bartlett, TN)

Willie, Is there any NFL receiver you try and model your game after?

Willie Reid

  (12:43 PM)

No, not necessarily -- Tory Holt and Steve Smith are two guys I like to watch, though.

jason (cleveland, oh)

willie, been a fsu for a long while now and i take some heat for that being that im from ohio, thanks for making me look good against v- tech and lets do it again against psu.....good luck .

Willie Reid

  (12:44 PM)

(laughs) Yeah!

Danielle (Georgia)

Willie, Is the team going to walk into the Orange Bowl in arms together again. I like that mindset for the team. Thanks, and GO NOLES.

Willie Reid

  (12:45 PM)

I'm not sure, we probably will, but it will be a gametime decision on how we come out.

Stephen: (Cincinnati, OH)

Willie, just wanted to say thanks, from here in Ohio, and from my friends who are overseas in battle, for giving us something to look forward to everyday.. a seminole win!

Jon (Bartlett, TN)

Willie, What is your best memory on the football field during your career at Florida State University?

Willie Reid

  (12:46 PM)

The punt return against Virginia Tech was probably one of my best highlights.

Justin (Memphis, TN)

Willie, Do you feel that practicing in pads the week of the Virginia Tech game played a role in the win.

Willie Reid

  (12:49 PM)

I think it was important, it put us in a more aggressive mindset. I think it worked pretty good for us -- we should try it again for Penn State!

Scott: Denver,CO

Willie, how is the team reacting to being more than a touchdown underdog? Are you using that as motivation, or is it not a factor? GO NOLES!!

Willie Reid

  (12:49 PM)

I think it's a non-factor. We don't really pay attention to what the critics think to be the outcome of the game before it's even played. We just take care of what we need to do.

scott (blakely PA)

Living in PA i get to see all the psu games and i did. If i was preparing to play psu i would be looking at the northwestern game, that i believe contains the blueprint on how to beat them using a spread attack. I know you can't give me the game plan but has any attention been focused on this game when studying film of psu?

Willie Reid

  (12:51 PM)

Yes, we've looked at some film of Penn State. They are a fundamentally sound defense, they are very good at what they do. We are just looking to maintain our own identitiy. We want to do what we normally do and not allow them to dictate our game.

Frank (Marlton, NJ)

Willie, what has it been like to play for Bobby Bowden?

Willie Reid

  (12:52 PM)

It's been a real good experience playing for the winningest coach in college football. Any time you get a chance to play for a legend, the experience is phenomenal.

Mike, Tallahassee

Willie, Not to draw attention away from the players, but how badly does the team want to win this one for Bobby? How badly do you think Bobby wants to quiet the critics who say that maybe his time is up, even though we all know he is still the man?

Willie Reid

  (12:53 PM)

I think it's pretty big for him to beat Joe Paterno. I think it would be one of his goals, personally, and we're working hard in practice to see that he gets his goal accomplished. I'd say everything looks pretty good right now from our end.

Brian (Lake Worth, FL)

Being that the players make the plays on the field, do you see the Joe Paterno vs. Bobby Bowden hype as being overrated?

Willie Reid

  (12:54 PM)

I think it's expected because they are so successful and this will probably be their last meeting ever. So, I think it's very important and they hype is expected.

DC Nole (DC)

Hey Willie...I cant thank you enough for that runback in the ACC Champ game. The flight back to DC with all those Hokies was a lot quiter then on the way there. How do you think the team will rebound next year with you and Leon gone and do you think that the program is turning back to what it was in the 90's?

Willie Reid

  (12:56 PM)

Oh most definitely. We have a lot of younger guys who are really talented and I think they will be just fine next year behind Drew, who will have had a year under his belt. They should be returning to old Florida State form.

MJ (Boston)

What was the most hostile enviormnment you played in this season? Please say Chestnut Hill

Willie Reid

  (12:56 PM)

I'd say it was The Swamp ... and Clemson has a tough crowd, too.

Tim (buffalo, ny)

Willie, ive read and heard alot about how earlier in the season the locker room was split between drew and xavier. Was the team really divided at all? Have you all settled everything?

Willie Reid

  (12:58 PM)

The team was never divided. I think it was more that people just wanted to be a separation between the two, but there was never any division in the lockerroom of any sort.

Dre (Tallahassee)

Willie, what advice do you give Xavier Lee who looks as if he won't play as long as Drew is around?

Willie Reid

  (12:59 PM)

I'd just tell him to hang in. You never know what might happen. QBs get their chance, a lot of times, when they least expect it. So, I just tell him to stay sharp.

Jen (Ft. Myers, FL)

Just want to say a quick thanks for your years here and for being such a team player. You've set a great example for the younger kids to follow. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Willie Reid

  (1:00 PM)

Thanks Jen.

Rob (Ft Lauderdale, FL

Willie...It would be nice to see you have the opportunity to showcase your talent in the OB game. Id love to see you at WR/PR/RB and even under center (ala Peter Warrick)....Is there any possibility (or have you asked) the coaches if they would consider that??

Willie Reid

  (1:01 PM)

Yes, I believe they would consider that. I think they look into getting the ball into my hands in a lot of different ways. We're looking at many ways to win when we go down to Miami and play the game.

Scott, Denver

Willie, That was one of the most amazing catches I've ever seen when you brought that ball down away from the defender by the goalline in the ACC championship!

Willie Reid

  (1:02 PM)

Thanks, Scott. I was just thinking about getting the ball. Focussing in on that!

Brandon (Tallahassee, FL)

What is the best part of playing collegiate sports?

Willie Reid

  (1:03 PM)

The experience. By far. The travel to different places and the chance to see so many different things that you wouldn't get to see if you werent' playing football.

Jason: Nashville, TN

Willie, Are you done with exams man? Sometimes we forget you are a student among all of the hype.

Omar (Tally)

So you graduate brother?

Willie Reid

  (1:04 PM)

Yes, I'm all done. I'm graduated with my degree in Social Science -- I'm finished with school!

Mahaanole (Apex, NC)

Willie - thank you for being the ultimate team-guy at FSU, and fighting through the difficult times. I have been ridiculed for saying you're as good as Reggie Bush when you're healthy. I wish you the very best of everything, especially a great pro career.

Gonzo, Clearwater FL

Willie, thanks for your play and commitment to FSU, you will be missed.

Willie Reid

  (1:06 PM)

Thanks everybody. Thanks for all your support for myself, and the team, and the university. Go Noles! I have to run. Drew is up next.

The ShowGirl

  (1:07 PM)

Thanks Willie! Send in your questions to Drew Weatherford, folks!

David(palatka, fl(

willie I Love you man thanks

Jeff: Coldwater, Ohio

Willie, thanks for everything you did at FSU and wish you luck in the future. Go NOLES!!!!

Craig (PA)

Why all these FSU players chatting and ESPN cant put any Penn State players?

The ShowGirl

  (1:10 PM)

Hey man, it's not our fault if your Lions are too cool to chat. We tried.

Drew Weatherford

  (1:14 PM)

Hey everybody, sorry, I had to get a little treatment ... those hits are starting to wear on me a little bit!

Brian (Fort Myers, FL)

Drew, what has been the biggest change in your play since that first game against Miami?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:16 PM)

Just being able to adapt as the game goes on -- many defenses try to throw things at you as the game progresses, and I feel like I've been able to adapt to that better as the season has gone on.

Mike (Bedford, TX)

Drew...What do you think about playing Miami as the first game of the season? Also, how big of a win was that for you in your first collegiate start?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:17 PM)

It was a great accomplishment, the challenge of it was just as great. To come out and have to play one of the best teams in the country year in and year out, was quite a conquest and we just got it done.

William: State College, Pa

Hey Drew, Congrats on getting to the Orange Bowl. As you can probably tell from my location I'm might be just a little biased, but Penn State has one of the best defensive end tandems in the country with Tamba Hali and the underated Matt Rice, How do you plan to keep them under control and off your back? Also going to Penn State I know that there is going to be a ton of Lion fans down there, myself included. So you guys better not think of this as a home game, because the Penn State Student section is gonna be loud

Drew Weatherford

  (1:18 PM)

(laughs) Thanks William! We'll have to play real conservative and not turn over the ball. I feel like the team that turns over the ball the least amount of times will come out on top.

Lamaar (irvington,NJ)

Drew how dors bobby bowden treat you when you make bad mistakes by like throwing interceptions

Drew Weatherford

  (1:19 PM)

Well, at the beginning of the season, he was much more lenient and understanding, but as the season progressed, he got tougher and new that I needed to be making better decisions -- which is obviously the case.

Tad Raleigh, NC

Drew, did you guys feel disrespected being such huge underdogs to VA Tech., and again to Penn State?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:20 PM)

In a way, because we know we have the talent to be one of the best in the country -- but, in a way, we kind of deserve it because we lost three games. We didn't get it done late in the season so now we'll just have to go out and prove ourselves.

tampa, fl

Drew, You guys are pretty heavy underdogs. Again as in VT, nobody believes you can beat PSU. How do you think the team will react to this? Your backs are against the wall again. True champions live for this....

Drew Weatherford

  (1:22 PM)

It's funny, actually, it seems like every time we have been heavy underdogs this year, we really show up. Every team will react differently to this sort of thing. I think that our team is one of those teams that reacts and comes through in situations like this.

Devon (Texas)

Whats your favorite FSU tradition?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:22 PM)

It would have to be when the horse comes out and the Seminole throws the spear at midfield.

David (palatka, fl)

Drew does it erk you to know that you easily could be undefeated right now?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:23 PM)

It's disapointing. If we could take back 10 plays this season, we probably would be undefeated, but that's what football is all about. So, hopefully, we can win this bowl game and make a run for it next year.

Chris (Orwigsburg, PA)

Drew, obviously the quarterback matchup should be an interesting one. On one side, there is you, a freshmen who likes to sit in the pocket and throw it around. For Penn State, they have Michael Robinson, the senior leader, who ran for almost 800 yards this season. Talk about this matchup from your perspective.

Drew Weatherford

  (1:25 PM)

I really just feel like it's going to come down to which QB will manage the ball the best and make the fewest turnovers. Whichever quarterback does that most efficiently, I feel like his team will come out victorious.

Jay (Jacksonville)

How comfortable is it throwing to Greg Carr being that he is 6'6"?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:25 PM)

(laughs) Comfortable is probably the best word to describe it! Even if he is covered like a blanket, you can just throw it up to him and have faith that he'll come down with it.

Conrad (Jacksonville, FL)

Drew, can you talk about how this year has been, from winning the job, to a hot start, then struggling, and not to mention the constant analysis from the media and fans about you and Xavier...also do you hope X stays around?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:28 PM)

Well, first of all, this season has really been like a rollercoaster. Up and down. With respect to Xavier -- having him right behind me nipping at my heels has really been good for me and very helpful in my improvement. We are really good friends and I do hope that he stays around because I really think that we can make eachother better football players.

Tom '02 Alumni (Hartford CT)

Drew, has Bobby mentioned anything about wanting to beat Joe P.? Has the team come togethermore so than usual to win this one for the coach?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:29 PM)

He hasn't necessarily directed this one any differently than any other, but with the win streaks with these two coaches -- two of the best in the land -- I really do think it makes this matchup a little bigger. And of course, as a player, you always want to represent your coach as best as you possibly can.

Brian (Fort Myers, FL)

Florida State has some great talent on the football field...but there is quite a lot of talent around campus as well. Do you see a difference in how you are treated during wins and losses? Weekends get lonlier?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:30 PM)

(laughs) Not really. At Florida State, we really do have faithful fans when it comes down to it. I really don't see much of a differnece -- I see a change in the general attitude around campus after wins and losses, but not directed to me, personally. ... And, as for my weekends, they are always pretty lonely.

Mikey (Boca)

Drew, do you listen to music before games?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:31 PM)

Yeah, I do. Typically, I just listen to Christian music. It kind of calms my nerves and gets me ready to play. ... And the soundtrack to Braveheart -- you can't go wrong.

Jason (New Haven)

Best food in town?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:33 PM)

That's a tough one. It depends on what you're going for. Breakfast -- Bagel, Bagel. Lunch I love Po Boys ... and dinner, well, let's just put it this way, it's NOT the Turning Table.

Rik (State College, PA)

Drew, the word around State College is that Penn State feels as though they were shafted in playing a lower seeded team in such a high profile bowl. How do you respond to that?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:34 PM)

That's their personal opinion. We believe that we have the talent and we believe that we will match up just fine with Penn State.

Kyle (Tallahassee)

Drew, how has you confidence grown as the season went on. It seems like you have begun to find a little chemistry with some of the wide outs. Great win in Jacksonville!!

Drew Weatherford

  (1:35 PM)

My confidence has really grown, after Miami, I was a little shaken, I didn't play very well, but as our chemistry built, so did my confidence and things kept getting better.

FLID (Tallahassee FL)

Drew, It's great to see you really mold into this offense now! At what point in the season did you really start to shake off the whole race with Xavier and focus on becoming the quarterback at FSU for the next couple of years?

Drew Weatherford

  (1:36 PM)

I think it was the win at Boston College. That was really the turning point in my season, I felt like that was when I secured the job and could focus on the team instead of trying at the next practice to beat out Xavier.

Corey (Clearwater FL)

Drew, just wanted to say I admire your toughness. You showed everyone that you can take the hits and still deliver a good ball. Thanks for everything this year and the memories you have given us all.

Drew Weatherford

  (1:39 PM)

Thanks for all the support from Seminole Nation. We really appreciate everything from the fans. This season has been great so far, we're all looking forward to the Orange Bowl, and I'm looking foward to being around a long time and hopefully bringing some national championships back to Florida State.

Mark (Tampa, FL)

Drew, I knew you were a star at Land O Lakes and am so happy that you are a Nole. You will be one of the best Qb's in FSU history! Good luck against Penn State.

Drew Weatherford

  (1:40 PM)

Thanks everybody! Take care.