10-25-2003, 11:25 AM
Quote:Bunkley, Seminoles Set To Tackle Wake Forest
By DOUG CARLSON
Tampa Tribune
Published: Oct 25, 2003
TALLAHASSEE - Brodrick Bunkley only got into the game against Wake Forest late in the fourth quarter last year, but it was enough to give the Florida State defensive tackle an idea on what to expect today.
The Demon Deacons run one of the most unique offenses in the Atlantic Coast Conference and use sophisticated blocking patterns that give fits to defensive linemen who often are confused by the misdirection and the sudden appearance of a low-driving blocker at an odd angle.
Bunkley, who said he got used to chop blocks when he was one of the tallest players on the field at Chamberlain High, makes his second career start for FSU today when they entertain Wake Forest at 3:30 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Bunkley's first start came last week in a win at Virginia after starter Jeff Womble tore a triceps muscle against Miami.
While most teams struggle to deal with Wake Forest's blocking schemes because it's usually the only time they'll see it all season, Bunkley said he'll be ready. Last year's game against the Demon Deacons is still fresh in his mind.
``The chance I did get to play, man that blocking scheme was crazy,'' Bunkley said. ``I mean, on one pass I came off on a pass rush - the center cut me, I hopped over him and the guard tried to cut me right in back of me. I'm out there looking like a frog.''
With backup defensive tackle Travis Johnson (sprained ankle) also bat tling an injury, Bunkley likely will play most of the game today. He was in on more than 40 of Virginia's 63 offensive plays last week, finishing with no tackles in part because of another unusual offensive approach.
The Cavaliers opted to fight FSU's speed with a quick-release passing game, resulting in 54 pass attempts and only nine rushes.
Bunkley's opportunities should increase today. The Demon Deacons threw only four passes last week against Duke.
``Wake Forest runs misdirection about as good as anybody,'' FSU coach Bobby Bowden said. ``They really have an excellent scheme and that's one reason they give everybody fits - their offense. They run cross-bucks, where somebody hits up the middle and somebody swings wide. Are you going to defense the middle, or are you going to defense wide?''
The 'Noles didn't defense either in the early going against Wake Forest last year, falling behind 14-0 at the end of the first quarter and by 21-7 at the half.
Even when Bunkley entered in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles were struggling to get a grip on Wake's blocking. But he said some film study, some memories of last year and lessons he learned during his high school career in Tampa give him confidence.
``You just kind of get your hands locked down, stay low and be able to put 'em down whenever you need to,'' Bunkley said. ``I'm not even worried about it.
``Once you know a team's blocking scheme, it's pretty much gravy. That first defensive drive, figure out how they block, figure out who you're going up against and the rest of the game it's up to you to manage what's going on.''
:wave: :wave: :wave: Seminole Fans Doing the Warchant :wave: :wave: :wave:
