Boston Weather Won't Bother Manuel

Florida State junior quarterback E.J. Manuel answered questions from members of the media Monday for about 15 minutes at his weekly press conference before the Seminoles took to the practice field, and here are some of the more noteworthy things he had to say during that time:Manuel isn't worried about possibly playing in cold and windy weather in the Boston area since he grew up in Virginia Beach and should be quite used to it, plus the forecast doesn't look too bad ahead of Thursday's game at Boston College. ...

Because of the abbreviated five-day turnaround, Florida State actually practiced Sunday instead of having the day off to rest. According to Manuel, he said he felt rather good and wasn't very sore. If anything, the work allowed him to get rid of the lactic acid players tend to feel a day or two after playing a big game. ...

Freshman receiver Rashad Greene did participate in Sunday's practice, and he might be available for the Boston College game. Manuel suggested Greene is going to play, as he did Saturday when talking to reporters right after the 34-0 shutout of NC State. ...

Manuel said he appreciates the firepower he has at his disposal, be it at receiver, tight end or running back, and even though guys are telling him in the huddle they're open, it isn't a selfish bunch and they're happy for each other when they do well. ...

Running the option was again a topic of conversation, as Manuel has proven to have a very instinctive feel for that play the last few weeks. Most importantly, he wants to make sure his tailback stays in good position for the pitch, even if he's already 20 yards downfield. The 6-5, 245-pounder has shown already that he isn't afraid to be extra aggressive on the pitch and will give up his body if necessary. ...

When asked about the critical comments Jack Nicklaus made in the booth during the game, intimating that the Seminoles aren't doing a good enough job getting the ball to his grandson, freshman tight end Nick O'Leary, Manuel simply laughed it off and said he didn't want to have a legend on his bad side. ...

When it comes to breaking down tape, Manuel said he tends to focus on the other team's defensive backs. They'll give him the best indication of where to go with the ball on a given play. ...

Manuel was complimentary of his interior offensive linemen when asked about them, especially junior left guard Jacob Fahrenkrug. ...

Despite the fact that he still considers himself a jokester that likes to have fun, Manuel understands that he's expected to be a leader on this team -- THE leader, as a matter of fact. He believes that all of his teammates like him, and he likes all of his teammates. Definitely, he sees himself as a great teammate. ...

Because he and NC State quarterback Mike Glennon are friends, the two of them had a short conversation after Saturday's contest. Glennon said he didn't understand just how good FSU's defense can be. On top of that, Manuel thinks the depth and talent he faces in practice from the 'Noles along the defensive line can only make the offense better as a result.