Rodney Hudson would like to repeat this often next Thursday at UNC.

After Two-Day Break, 'Noles Get Started On UNC Prep

Oct. 14, 2009

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - An open Saturday on the schedule doesn't translate to much time off for the Florida State football team, which returned to the practice field Wednesday after a two-day respite to begin preparation for next Thursday's, nationally-televised game at North Carolina.

Out to snap a rare, three-game losing streak, the Seminoles' stout offense will face a significant challenge from the Tar Heels' defensive unit in the first-ever Thursday night game at Kenan Stadium

"They're a good, solid defensive football team," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "They're No. 1 in the conference and they deserve it."

UNC's defensive strength is the front seven, led by tackle Marvin Austin, end Robert Quinn and the linebacker trio headed by Quan Sturdivant.  

"Their whole front - the linebackers and defensive ends - are big, physical guys," said FSU offensive line coach Rick Trickett. "They've got two big 'ol boys inside. It's our biggest challenge so far. Plus they're athletic and they can run."

Trickett's unit is coming off one of its best collective efforts in Saturday's 49-44 loss to Georgia Tech, when they helped pave the way for a 539-yard offensive performance. Junior guard and All-American candidate Rodney Hudson led the way with an off-the-chart grade of 97-percent, which Trickett said was the highest mark he has awarded an FSU linemen in his three seasons.

 "It kind of snuck up on me," Trickett said of Hudson's score. "Usually I don't let it get that high, but if he's doing what he's doing, you've got to give it to the guy. If you (score) 80s on me, it's pretty good."

According to the Seminoles' salty line coach, the keys to a winning effort against the Tar Heels are, "technique and leverage; get a hat on a hat and come with the attitude to play."

FSU will be without the services of senior tight end Caz Piurowski, who has been lost for the season due to an knee injury. Piurowski will be replaced in the starting lineup by Beau Reliford, who collected his first career touchdown reception against the Yellow Jackets.

Tight ends coach James Coley still expects to get plenty of behind-the-scenes help from Piurowski.

"Caz is a leader," said Coley. "He was a leader today in our meetings. He's a leader when we go on the road. He's embracing this leadership role. Obviously he's disappointed he can't help his team out in a physical manner, but he's going to help us out with leadership and talking with the young guys."

The Seminoles will practice again Thursday afternoon, take Friday off as mandated by NCAA rules, then restart their final preparations for the Tar Heels Saturday morning.

www.seminoles.com