Kicker Roberto Aguayo was named a semifinalist for the 2014 Lou Groza Award
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A healthier Florida State team took the field for a high energy practice on Thursday at the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility.
The No. 2-ranked Seminoles continued preparation for Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. homecoming clash with Virginia during what head coach Jimbo Fisher called “one of our best weeks” of practice.
“It was very energetic,” Fisher said. “You really see in those young guys playing with consistency now practicing with consistency. The energy level was high I thought all week. I thought today was a good day offensively and defensively.
“I am very happy where we are at right now in our development. We have a lot of areas to improve in, but I am anxious to see us go to the field on Saturday. I really am.”
The excellent practice habits come at the perfect time as the Noles are entering the final stretch of the season. This month, Florida State will have the opportunity to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division and a third straight appearance in the ACC Championship Game as well as bolster its resume for the four-team college football playoff.
At his weekly press conference on Monday, Fisher said he was instilling in his players how important the final few weeks of games are because “they always remember November.” He echoed those points following Thursday’s practice.
“I think that they understand that they put themselves in position where November games matter,” Fisher said. “You need to be playing your best ball as you peak towards the end of the season.”
And FSU will be playing with some important pieces back as the month begins. The Seminoles are the healthiest they’ve been in weeks and will welcome the return of backup running Mario Pender (ankle) as well as backup linebackers E.J. Levenberry (concussion) and Jacob Pugh (concussion) this week.
Eligwe Dismissed
Fisher confirmed that redshirt sophomore linebacker Ukeme Eligwe has been dismissed for a violation of team rules.
Florida State Injury Report vs Virginia – Nov. 6, 2014
Questionable
DB Tyrell Lyons (hamstring)
Out For Game
OL Austin Barron (arm)
Out For Season
DB Colin Blake (shoulder)
DT Nile Lawrence-Stample (pectoral muscle)
LB Delvin Purifoy (ankle)
Aguayo Named a Semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award
The reigning Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award winner is one step closer to becoming a repeat honoree as Florida State redshirt sophomore Roberto Aguayo was named one of 20 semifinalists for the 2014 Groza Award on Thursday by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
Aguayo is one of six returning semifinalists and is looking to join Seminole great Sebastian Janikowski as the only two-time winners of the national placekicker of the year award. Janikowski won the award in 1998 and 1999.
Aguayo has made 93.3 percent of his field goal tries this season (14-of-15) and all 37 of his extra points. He ranks second overall in the ACC in scoring at 9.9 points per game and first among kickers. Nationally, the Mascotte, Fla., native is tied for 11th in scoring among all players and tied for fourth among kickers.
For his 22-game career, Aguayo has made an astounding 98.8 percent of his kicks, drilling 35 of 37 field goals and making all 131 of his point after attempts. He is 3-for-3 on field goals from 50 yards or longer.
Semifinalists will be voted on by FBS Head Coaches and SIDs, past Groza finalists, and national and regional football writers to select the three finalists. These finalists will be announced on November 24th and honored at the 23rd annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on December 9th in West Palm Beach, Florida. The winner will be announced live on ESPN at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, December 11th.
The award is named in honor of one of the all-time great kickers in football history, Lou Groza. Groza played 21 seasons for the Cleveland Browns setting numerous franchise records, including most games played, most points scored, and an amazing 107 consecutive games in which he scored a point. Groza was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
For more information regarding the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, please visit LouGrozaAward.com, or follow @LouGrozaAward on Twitter for updates as they happen. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Kris Pursell, Director of Event Operations at the Palm Beach County Sports Commission at (561) 233-3124 or kpursell@palmbeachsports.com.
Head Coach Jimbo Fisher Post-Practice Quotes
Opening Statement:
“We had a very good practice today. It was one of our best weeks. It was very energetic. You really see in those young guys playing with consistency now practicing with consistency. The energy level was high I thought all week. I thought today was a good day offensively and defensively. Defensively, I was very happy with things that they got done and the kicking game. Hopefully we can take it to the field and play well on Saturday. I like where our team is going right now. A lot of small things you can see as a coach. Even when a mistake is made, the young guys say ‘I should have did this, or can I do that one more time?’ Just the responses and the body language of knowing what is going on all the time. I am very happy where we are at right now in our development. We have a lot of areas to improve in, but I am anxious to see us go to the field on Saturday. I really am.”
On if they are having the same energy in practice that he saw after the Clemson game:
It is. It’s the confidence, putting it behind them and moving on to the next game. It is important that we play well going down the stretch. That is what I am hoping can do. We have a great schedule down the stretch and we have to start it with Virginia.”
On redshirt sophomore linebacker Ukeme Eligwe’s dismissal:
“Team violation. A violation of team rules.”
On the injury status of redshirt sophomore running back Mario Pender:
“He will be able to play. He will be available this weekend.”
On if he thinks the team is becoming more excited as the end of the season nears:
“Sometimes. It depends on how hard the previous game was. As crazy as it sounds, but the cool weather. It brings a little pep in your step. You aren’t out there in ninety degree weather and wearing down so much. It helps the players. I see it in practice. I know that sounds crazy, but it does. I think that they understand that they put themselves in position where November games matter. You need to be playing your best ball as you peak towards the end of the season.”
On having players coming back from injury:
“I am very happy that we are getting guys back on the field. Especially in this time of the year where you have taken all of those reps and your body takes a beating. It is good to be able to sub guys in and give guys limited reps as far as not having to overdo it and keeping them fresh throughout the season.”
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