Offense continues to sputter behind freshmen quarterbacks

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida State&#39;s offense continued to misfire during a sweltering situational scrimmage Saturday when Xavier Lee struggled in his bid to win the starting quarterback job.<br> <br> Lee, Florida&#39;s ``Mr. Football&#39;&#39; two years ago from Daytona Beach, completed an 18-yard pass to Willie Reid early in Saturday&#39;s controlled scrimmage, but then his only other completion in seven tries was a 5-yard scoring toss to Lorenzo Booker for the lone touchdown in the scrimmage.<br> <br> Drew Weatherford, another redshirt freshman, connected on 4-of-6 attempts, but for only 18 yards.<br> <br> ``We know they are going to make mistakes,&#39;&#39; senior running back Leon Washington said, noting the Sept. 5 opener against archrival Miami. ``We have two more weeks to get it right so hopefully by that time we will get it done.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Both quarterbacks also had difficulty in Wednesday&#39;s first scrimmage when Weatherford completed 12 of 20 passes for 90 yards while Lee was just 2-of-17 for negative passing yards.<br> <br> ``The offense has still got too many busted plays,&#39;&#39; coach Bobby Bowden said Saturday. ``We&#39;ve still got a long way to go.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Bowden said Lee needs to have more confidence in his strong arm.<br> <br> ``He has trouble when he tries to guide the ball,&#39;&#39; Bowden said. ``He&#39;s got a good enough arm that he just needs to drop back and fire it.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen and linebackers A.J. Nicholson, Sam McGrew and Lawrence Timmons also broke through to make tackles for losses.<br> <br> ``Obviously the defense has an idea what you&#39;re going to do so it&#39;s kind of tough to execute sometimes,&#39;&#39; Weatherford said.<br> <br> Bowden repeated the possibility of both freshmen seeing a lot of playing time this season.<br> <br> ``These two guys are too close,&#39;&#39; he said. ``It&#39;s kind of like you got a starter and you got a closer, just like baseball. You&#39;ve got a starter and you&#39;ve got a closer, whoever it is.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Bowden not only has to decide on a quarterback, but a place-kicker as well.<br> <br> Gary Cismesia, who took over the kicking chores late last season in place of the slumping Xavier Beitia, is losing his grip on a starting job as placekicker.<br> <br> Cismesia missed once from 32 yards and had another field goal try blocked by senior safety Pat Watkins. Chase Goggans hit four straight and freshman Graham Gano, who has the strongest leg of the three, was 3-for-4, missing once from 47 yards.<br> <br> ``We gave them a lot of at bats today,&#39;&#39; Bowden said. ``Just try to get them under pressure.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Although the heat and humidity Saturday sent several players into the locker room early, Bowden believed the team held up well.<br> <br> We&#39;re making some progress,&#39;&#39; Bowden said. ``(But) Are we making enough? We still got two more weeks.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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