ATTENTION TO KICKING GAME

TALLAHASSEE -- Though their coverage units have been solid this season, the Seminoles devoted extra attention to their special teams Tuesday.

FSU coach Bobby Bowden said his team won't face a more dangerous pair of return specialists than they will Saturday at Clemson. The Tigers' C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford each have scored touchdowns on kickoff returns this season, and Spiller ranks second in the ACC with 38.2 yards per kickoff return. He has returned three kicks and one punt for touchdowns.

``The kicking game's going to be so important this week because they have such great returners,'' Bowden said. ``Spiller and Ford are probably two of the fastest guys in the country. We're going to have to really be good in that area.''

Clemson leads the ACC in kickoff returns and ranks second in punt returns.

FSU's best defense might be the leg of freshman place-kicker Dustin Hopkins, who leads the ACC with 16 touchbacks. The Seminoles rank fifth nationally in that category.

BACKUP QB SEES MORE ACTION

With junior quarterback Christian Ponder nursing sore ribs, freshman backup E.J. Manuel has seen more action with the first-team offense. However, Ponder said he expects to be full speed against the Tigers.

-- IRA SCHOFFEL

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