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Concussion Leaves Weatherford Woozy

Published: Nov 11, 2007

BLACKSBURG, VA. - More than three hours after the helmet-to-helmet collision with Virginia Tech CB Brandon Flowers, Florida State QB Drew Weatherford remained woozy resting on a metal chair outside FSU's locker room Saturday night.

On FSU's first drive of the second quarter, Weatherford escaped the pocket for a 6-yard gain, but the run ended when Flowers planted a hit to Weatherford's head. As Weatherford tried to get to his feet, he stumbled into OL David Overmyer for support and was forced to leave the game.

Weatherford didn't return and barely remembered the hit after the game.

"It's starting to come back to me," said Weatherford, a former Land O' Lakes High star. "They are doing what they are taught to do, trying to take peoples' heads off. They got me."

Weatherford suffered a concussion - the first of his career - and will be re-evaluated Monday by team doctors. While it remains too early to know his status for next week's game against Maryland, Weatherford (5-for-15, 46 yards) is determined to play after regaining the starting quarterback job two weeks ago.

"I'll be ready to go next week," he said. "I wanted to come back in but I think they realized I was in no position to."

BANGED AND BRUISED: Weatherford wasn't the only Nole to go down Saturday. By the end of Virginia Tech's 40-21 win, LB Toddrick Verdell (foot), RB Antone Smith (shoulder), RB Russell Ball (ankle) and CB Tony Carter (head) left the game due to injury. Verdell was hurt covering a first-half kickoff, leaving FSU even thinner at linebacker. The Noles entered the game without LBs Marcus Ball (one-game suspension) and Rodney Gallon (ankle).

Smith's injury could cost FSU the most if he is unable to play against Maryland. Smith, trying to make a block on a blitzing Hokie, left on FSU's final drive of the first half with a bruised shoulder and did not return.

"Right now it is feeling real bad," Smith said after the game. "It is real stiff."

Smith is scheduled to have an MRI on Monday and said he is "probably 50-50" to play FSU's next game. As for Carter, he did not return after hitting his head on a long pass play in the first half. Russell Ball, who received his most significant playing time since coming to FSU, suffered a sprained ankle late in the game.

"We'll have to go back and take roll to see who can answer roll," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. "They made us pay the price."

DEFENSIVE GEMS: When LB Dekoda Watson picked off a pass by Tyrod Taylor and returned it 40 yards for a TD in the third quarter, trimming Virginia Tech's lead to 20-15, it marked the fourth interception return for a TD this season for the Noles. Michael Ray Garvin had a 43-yard return against N.C. State, Verdell had a 45-yard return against Miami, and Geno Hayes' 38-yard interception return for a TD sealed FSU's 27-17 victory at No. 2-ranked Boston College last week.

"The pick played a big factor [in our comeback]," Watson said. "It was a way to get back on our feet, really. In the first half, we weren't playing to the best of our ability."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: As Bowden left his postgame news conference, he tossed his signed hat to the only fan standing nearby - a man wearing a Virginia Tech sweatshirt and hat.

"Here you go," Bowden said. "I usually give my hat to Florida State people."

What Bowden didn't know is that Charles Rouse, celebrating his 59th birthday on Saturday, is actually an FSU fan who lives in Damascus, Va. Rouse said he was wearing Virginia Tech gear because his daughter, a rabid Hokies fan, got him tickets to the game.

HE SCORES: FSU kicker Gary Cismesia's two first-half field goals increased his career scoring total to 279 points, passing former Noles RB Greg Allen (278) for sixth place in school history.

EXTRA POINTS: Robinson's bid to break Terrell Buckley's school record for most consecutive games with an interception failed. Robinson and Buckley share the record with an interception in five consecutive games. … FB Seddrick Holloway rushed for 16 yards Saturday, making him the first FSU fullback to gain more than 100 yards in a season since William McCray in 2000. … DE Neefy Moffett started in place of Justin Mincey and Garvin replaced Robinson in the starting lineup … Virginia Tech P Brent Bowden is a distant cousin of Bobby Bowden.

Scott Carter