World Cup Games in Doak?

Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium has confirmed their interest in being a host stadium for the United State's 2018 or 2022 World Cup bid. 

Doak is one of 20 Stadiums included that currently is the primary venue for Division 1 football. 31 of the 32 NFL stadiums have confirmed their interest.

The United States, Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia have formally declared their desire to host to the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain have each submitted joint bids for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, while Qatar and South Korea have applied as candidates to play host only to the tournament in 2022.
FIFA has set May 2010 as the deadline for countries to submit their final paperwork to play host to the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. FIFA’s 24‑member Executive Committee will study the bids, conduct site visits and name the two hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010, completing a 21-month bid and review process.

The reality of Doak becoming a finalist is slim. Tallahassee's airport and hotels have enough trouble handling parent's weekend, let alone an international sporting event. It would be pretty sweet though, to have World Cup games right here in our backyard, until the British begin to riot when England chokes again.

Rough Draft

Well my projection couldn't have been more wrong. Everette wasn't drafted until the 2nd round, but he was that team's first pick. Carolina traded away next year's first round pick to San Fransisco to make sure they got EB with their first pick in the second round (43rd overall). Everette was gracious despite having a bit of a Brady Quinn moment while ESPNs cameras were rolling on him while he watched the draft from Greenville, North Carolina.

Some silver lining for Brown is that he got to go to the hometown team and he gets to stay as DE. He will no longer have to worry about trying to make the transition from 4-3 DE to 3-4 LB. He could possibly get to learn from Julius Peppers, but not likely as it seems that Peppers is New England bound in a trade possibly to recoup the first rounder the Panthers gave up for Brown.

Why Everette fell so far is a bit of mystery. I know his height was a knock but I didn't think it was enough to push him out of the first round. The only thing I can think of is teams were worried about his ability to stop the run. While he is a tremendous pass rusher he does struggle a bit when teams run right at him. I don't think he would have had a lot of success as a LB in a 3-4 defense so thats why anyone with a 3-4 passed on him. Either way Everette is a steal at 43rd.

My other projections were off as well, since no other Seminole was drafted. So far four have singed free agent contracts though.

Graham Gano-Baltimore Ravens

Michael Ray Garvin- Arizona Cardinals

Derek Nicholson- Atlanta Falcons

Tony Carter- Denver Broncos

I'll update those as they sign.

Who Else?

According to Todd McShay's full mock draft, Everrette Brown will be the only Seminole to come off the board... in all seven rounds.  I do think it is a real possibility but I have faith that out of Greg Carr, Tony Carter, Grham Gano, and Antone Smith at least one will be drafted, if not more.

Gano is the second highest rated kicker in the draft, which could mean he goes as early as the third round. Unlike the other three I listed, Gano also has a advantage in that he was invited to the combine to work out for the scouts, which makes him the front runner of this group to be drafted.

Antone Smith had a very impressive Pro Day running a 4.33 forty. The Patriots were impressed enough to pull him aside later on for a private interview. Even with his pro day I think it's more likely that Smith is brought into an NFL camp as a free agent.

Greg Carr in my opinion is the most likely to be drafted even ahead of Gano. Carr's production dropped off drastically with the arrival of Jimbo Fisher who prefers smaller quick receivers for bubble screens. But at 6'6 Carr is a red zone threat that most NFL offensive coordinators would like to have. ESPN the Magazine's Vincent Verhei has a formula that projects receivers production in the NFL (Note: formula was developed off of production by first and second round picks only). It is TD's per game multiplied by Yards per catch to give you a super score. Of all the available receivers in this year's draft Greg Carr (10.5) ranks third in super score behind Michael Crabtree (21.3) and Jarett Dillard (17.4) of Rice. Carr's score is higher than Jermey Maclin of Missouri and Hakeem Nicks of UNC, and Percy Harvin all of whom are projected to go in the first round.

Tony Carter's stock has been on the rise since pro day. The Patriots came to give him a workout in Jacksonville, and the Houston Texans flew him out for a visit. Carter is very talented and has a great football IQ but his size (5'9) will probably prevent a team from using a draft pick on him. But he will certainly be signed as a free agent and once in camp I think he has a legitimate shot at making an NFL roster.

Michael Ray Garvin's future is more likely in track than football. No team will take him as a corner (unless they have not seen any film of him... ever). Garvin could however find a niche as a kick returner. Garvin was second in the nation last year with a return average of 30.1 yards per return. I think Garvin will be singed and not drafted as well. He should be interesting to watch in the pre-season to see how his speed translates to the NFL returning kicks.

Draft Projections

I will break down where and when FSU players are projected to go in this weekends draft. I'll list them as I think that they are expected to come off the board.

First off the board for the Seminoles will obviously be DE Everette Brown. Brown has been projected from as high as 5th overall to 18th in the first round. ESPN's Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr's latest mock drafts both have Brown projected 18th to Denver (Surprised they both can actually agree on something). Pat Kirwan of NFL.com has him projected as 13th to the Redskins. I do think that Brown will go higher than 18 but not to the Redskins because I think that Dan Snyder really likes Mark Sanchez and will try to trade up to get him if he doesn't go to Seattle at five. 

I think I am going to go out on a limb and project Brown to go 9th overall to the Packers. Green Bay is in the process of putting in a 3-4 defense and I do think that Brown could be that pass rushing end in that scheme as well as drop into coverage as a linebacker. Either way wherever Brown ends up going, that team will be getting not only a talented DE, but a great guy off the field.

Tomorrow I will project who will be the second 'Nole off the board this weekend. Disagree with my projection? Comment below and we can battle it out McShay and Kiper style.

'Nole of The Week

This week the honor will be shared by former Florida State pitchers Daniel Davidson and Hunter Jones. Both were recently called up to the majors to replace some injured stars.

Davidson was called up to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (they should have stuck to the California Angels) because Vlad Guerrero was put on the DL. He played for FSU in 2002 and 2003 after transferring from Gulf Coast Community College. He made his major league debut last night throwing 1 inning, walking just one batter and not surrendering a hit.

Hunter Jones was called up to replace Dice-K on the Red Sox roster. Jones played for FSU from 2004 to 2006. He had quite the trip trying to make it to Oakland in time to throw an inning of relief for Tim Wakefield on Wednesday. As it turned out Jones was not needed because Wakefield threw a complete game and Jones had to wait until today to make his debut. He pitched a perfect 9th inning in a 12-1 win over the Orioles.

'Nole of The Week

So far so good for the Ryne Sandberg and Tony Thomas Jr combination. Thomas homered twice in a game for the first time in his young minor league career. His big day came against the Marlins AA affiliate, the Jacksonville Suns at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, a place he knows well. The ACC baseball tournament was held in the Baseball grounds of Jacksonville while Thomas was in school. In 2007 he was named to the All-Tournament team ( He hit more HRs Friday than he did that whole tournament). He finished the series batting a scorching .533 going 8 for 15 with 7 RBI, scoring 6 runs, and had one stolen base.

Rough Day

FSU's Drew Kittleson had a rough first round at the Masters today shooting a 6 over 78. He blames himself for the poor round, but hey like he said earlier in the week, he's playing with house money. He can take solace in that he wasn't the worst of the Amatures, Steve Wilson shot 7 over. Michigan State's Jack Newman lead the way with an even 72, Kittleson tees off tomorrow at 8 A.M. and it could be his last round but you never know he could make a push and make the cut. 

Kittleson had a couple of notable fans in the gallery for him Thursday. Former Seminole and 1988 PGA Championship champion Jeff Sluman (Sluman's caddie Jimmy Walker is caddieing for Kittleson) and All-

American  Corey Simon were on hand to be part of 'Drew's Crew' (I don't know if that's what Kittleson fans call themselves but that's what I imagine they would).

Ever what happened to sensational second baseman Tony Thomas Jr? You know the guy who hit .430 and was ACC player of the year. Turns out he is still swinging away in the Cubs farm system. Now he is learning to play second base in AA Knoxville, from the greatest 2nd baseman in cubs history Ryan Sandberg.

Spring Football is finally over and I think that Mickey Andrews is the only person happier than me. Don't get me wrong I love football, I just think that everyday coverage of spring football is a bit monogamous. Obviously the offense is going to struggle in the spring as it puts in new plays, stats for spring scrimmages are pretty much worthless. I could do with like a weekend scrimmage coverage and a few features but updating how each day of spring football goes seems a bit worthless. 

It could be Corey Surrency's last act as an FSU player since the NCAA seems to be unable to use common sense.

Three lady Seminoles were drafted in today's WNBA Draft.

Kittleson's Dream Week Continues

Drew Kittleson continued living a life most of us will only dream of yesterday by playing a practice round with Phil Mickelson. Kittleson and Mickelson have the same swing coach; Butch Harmon.

Tomorrow will be another special day as he plays a practice round with Adam Scott, who without question has the hottest following of any player on tour, Lefty and Tiger included. Then his dad will be on the bags for him the Par 3 contest which will be on ESPN at 3 p.m. He will be playing with Bubba Watson.

The pairings were announced and he will be playing with Augusta native and 1987 Masters champion (That was before Kittleson was born) Larry Mize and John Merrick who will also be making his first Masters appearance.

With the loss of Owens to a DUI for who knows how long and Surrency to the NCAA, FSU receivers are lacking depth on paper. But in all honesty Traffic School wouldn't have seen a ton of playing  time anyway. Reed is the leader, Easterling will contribute baring any setbacks in his recovery from an achilles injury. Jarmon Fortson is developing into a deep ball threat and Richard Goodman looks ready to contribute. Avis Commack continues to get open, but can't seem to catch it. And of course it looks like FSU will have no choice but to Give my boy Louis Givens a scholly and he brings more speed to an already fast unit. So really as long as Easterling doesn't flirt with anyone's girlfriend and start a brawl this off season they should be ok. 

It's the depth at running back that worries me. Ty Jones looked very good early on but can't seem to hold onto the ball now. Jermaine Thomas is the obvious choice for starter at this point but after him I truly think that it will be Chris Thompson or Lonnie Pryor battling it out for No. 2 on the depth chart.

FSU Selling Grass to Combat Budget Issues

In an effort to help combat a ten percent budget cut coming next year the Seminoles have resorted to dealing grass (Perhaps Preston Parker can refer them a client list). FSU is bringing in some top of line stuff for themselves so they will sell you the old stuff for just $20 a pop. You only have until April 8th to pick it up or Preston Parker will smoke it all. Following a negative weekend all around for FSU, the grass selling might be a positive.

Rod Owens wasn't smoking grass, but he was drinking  a tad too much. Owens was out celebrating the Offense's big triumph in the spring game Saturday night and was arrested for a DUI. Owens has been suspended indefinitely. Perhaps now his nickname will be changed from Old School to Traffic School.

Oh what'd you say? Why would Owens be celebrating the spring game--The offense looked terrible.? The offense fumbled seven times? and lost for the third consecutive year 39-27?...Well it was ugly to watch that's for sure. The offense that dominated all spring long was no where to be found.  Jimbo Fisher will have three more days to get things right before the spring season will conclude on wednesday.

They had a scrimmage today and the offense rebounding nicely, Ty Jones only fumbled once and Ponder found Bert Reed for a 21 yard score. Jarmon Fortson was the star of the day though making a couple nice grabs and throwing a huge block.

Correy Surrency had a nice catch on a slant, but it could be his last action as as a 'Nole. His request for a fourth year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA today. FSU plans to appeal the ruling but things don't look good.

There was some good news for FSU today. Basketball coach Leonard Hamilton flirted with Memphis, but decided to stay in Tallahassee agreeing to a five year extension with Florida State.

FSU golfer Drew Kittleson started his masters week off by playing a practice round with 1998 champion Mark O'Meara. He tees of early tomorrow with Phil Mickelson for another practice round.

FSU Steals One From UF.

In the second game of FSU-UF's three game, three city tour, Florida State came away with the win in a rain shortened contest.

Jack Posey homered in the fifth to put the "Noles ahead 3-2. Freshman ace Sean Gilmartin came in the bottom half of the inning with FSU in a jam. Gilmartin put the flames out with just one pitch. Jason Stidham caught a blooper and tagged second for the inning-ending double play. 

The Game was canceled after the play when there was lighting in the area that prevented the teams from retaking the field.

Since these two teams met on St. Patrick's Day FSU has really turned things around winning eight of their last nine. First they took two of three from Clemson, then they swept FGCU in a mid-week series, and last weekend the pummeled Maryland for three W's, and tonight's game against the Gators.

They will travel to Miami this weekend in what should be a great test of how far this team has truly come after their rocky start.

With Tiger Woods storming back last weekend to win Bay Hill he will most certainly be the heavy favorite in next week's Masters. But could Tiger's competition come from a current Seminole?

The Football team held a half scrimmage on Monday it was all offense... like, I'm not even sure if FSU's defense was there. The offense broke off numerous big plays. Bert Reed and Jermaine Thomas each had matching 64 yard touchdowns, and Louis Givens had another 60 plus TD called back due a holding call on Correy Surrency. You knew it was bad when Christain Ponder broke off a 5o something yard run in a non-contact jersey. I mean all you have to do is get a pinky on the guy and he's down, yet he broke a couple big runs.

The lone brightspot for the defense was Brandon Jenkins who enrolled early to participate this Spring. Jenkins was credited with four sacks on the day.

Don't forget to check out Michael Snaer in tomorrow night's McDonalds All-America game. Snaer is considered by most to be the guard that will fill 3rd team All-American Toney Douglas' scoring role.