Buster Sports

Sorry to all you 'Nole fans out there, but according to the NoleSports.com, Florida State QB Christian Ponder is done for the season.  In Saturday's 40-24 loss to Clemson, Ponder was picked off by Tiger defensive back DeAndre McDaniel late in the fourth quarter.  As McDaniel set his sites on the end zone he collided with a frustrated Ponder for a devastating hit. However, the devastation was much less felt by McDaniel than it was by the FSU signal caller.

The collision resulted in a Grade 3 separation of Ponder's right shoulder (his throwing arm). The injury will require surgical attention and Ponder plans to go under the knife in a couple weeks. Due to the severity of the injury and the need for surgery, Ponder will have to miss the remainder of the 2009 season.

For a Florida State squad that just can't seem to get everyone stepping together in unison this year, this report is just another dose of bad news for the Nole faithful. Now redshirt freshman, and highly touted prep QB, EJ Manuel will take the reigns late in the season and attempt to lead the struggling 4-5 Seminoles to a bowl game. While this news is certainly not what FSU fans wanted to hear, Ponder, who is just a redshirt junior, will return in 2010 to continue the development of a young squad that Bobby Bowden has faith in.

                  
                    Photo by PHIL SEARS/Tallahassee Democrat