• A freshman guard Aubrey Phillips leaving FSU?  Is the move Permanent?  
• Some links to recent FSU articles.
• Exciting news about cheaper FSU Hotels!
• Three links on Clemson's off-season
• A BYU Preview
• A UNC Preview
• Georgia Tech guys looking at last season's performance.
• Recruiting news and rumors...

Phillips via media.commercialappeal.com

As you've probably heard, there's a rumor that freshman 4* offensive guard Aubrey Phillips went home yesterday afternoon.  I spoke with someone with knowledge of the situation and they indicated that Aubrey left the team, but also indicated that it's not unheard of for a homesick player to take some time for himself before the start of two-a-days.  As of right now, the finality of this absence is unclear.  If Aubrey wants to come back within a reasonable time, FSU will welcome him back.  It's important to note that this isn't a Rick Trickett casualty- Trickett isn't allowed to work with these guys yet (though he is enormously demanding once he starts to work with them come August).  I hope that Aubrey comes back. 

I updated the Eligibility-Roster-Tracker to relflect his departure.  FSU only has 74 guys on scholarship right now.  Crazy stuff.

FSU ARTICLES

ACC - ESPN
But it's not surprising to learn Paterno has taken this stance. After all, he's just like Bowden -- too far removed from everything to strike any fear into the hearts of his players.

Tallahassee Convention and Visitor's Bureau and ISP Team with Hotel Association to Make Florida State Home Games More Affordable - FLORIDA STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
The Tallahassee Convention and Visitor's Bureau has joined with ISP and Seminole Sports Marketing to work with local hotels and attractions to lower home game weekend rates and in many cases eliminate the two-night minimum common in previous seasons. Michelle Wilson, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Hampton Inn and Suites in Tallahassee and a member of the Board for the Tallahassee CVB, is happy with the cooperative effort. "We (Hampton Inns) are a proud partner with Florida State University and ISP Sports," she said. "This football season we recognize the importance of having guests travel to Tallahassee and we are offering discounted rates and a portion of our inventory at one night stays." Florida State fans are encouraged to check with their favorite local properties and discover how much more affordable attending the 2009 home season will be. "We've been very pleased with the fact that our partners and the Tallahassee business community recognize what a strain current conditions have placed on our out of town fans," said Jason Dennard, FSU Director of Marketing and Promotions. "In most cases the hotels have significantly reduced the cost to come to one of the home games and that will in turn help not only FSU football but the entire community. We've also introduced some new ticket packages including those in the new Family Zone as well as two mini-pack options that include just three home games."

KEEPING TRACK OF OUR OPPONENTS

Line aims to drive Tigers | GreenvilleOnline.com | The Greenville News
One national publication lists the Clemson University football team's offensive line as the seventh best in the nation, but the Tigers as a team are an afterthought in the magazine's preseason.  This article discusses some of Clemson's offensive line issues.

Tigers analysis: Better or worse this fall? - CharlotteObserver.com
Dabo Swinney, Clemson's interim coach the final six regular-season games last season, begins his first full campaign next month after an offseason to implement his philosophies and strategies.

Rivals.com College Football - Rivals.com 120 Countdown: No. 32 Clemson
Good preview of the Tigers who will be a tough road test.

Scout.com: 2009 CFN BYU Preview
Free. Excellent job. Make sure to read the general, then click on both offense and defense. Oh, oh defense, Russel Tiavalea (sp?) is off the team.

Scout.com: NEW ... 2009 CFN North Carolina Preview
A very nice look at UNC. Butch Davis is building something special. Make sure to read the link, then click on offense and defense. Very in-depth.

POST-SEASON ANALYSIS

The Legacyx4: Industrial Touchdown Complex and Guarantees
An excellent look at efficiency from the Smart Guys at GTech: "So basically, because BC has such a good scoring D and special teams, they make up for having a below average offense. FSU's defense needs to pick it up when their offense is kicking so much ass."

RECRUITING NEWS & RUMORS

TR Forums - View Single Post - A couple Monday tidbits
Tharinger predicts a commitment from CB Terrance Brooks at Seminole Showtime as well as some other predictions.

RB Eduardo Clements and  WR Quinton Dunbar from Miami Booker-T Washington showed up, as well as QB Godfrey, RB Gainer,  and WR Resse, from Miami Central.  And some other studs showed up. They are going to be working out tomorrow. Booker-T also brung up another kid who’s on my lil camp squad and he put on a show. He snagged a 50 yd one handed interception and covered side line to sideline. I got to get his name.

LaMarcus Joyner is still there and everyone has been impressed with his maturity.

From all accounts, the camps are going very very well.