When Florida State takes the field for the Chick-fil-A Bowl game against South Carolina, they might have Christian Ponder back. Or they might not. Definitely, though, one of the two.
Ponder’s injured right (throwing) elbow knocked the senior out of the ACC title game loss to Virginia Tech. Head coach Jimbo Fisher said Monday that he’s hopeful the time between now and the bowl game -- it’ll be played Dec. 31 -- will allow Ponder to finish his Seminoles career on the field, but it’s far from guaranteed and likely won’t be known for a couple of weeks.
“We have to evaluate his arm and do what’s right for him,” Fisher said according to the Orlando Sentinel. “I would think the amount of time he has between now and the bowl game he should be OK. But we’ll have to evaluate it to see if there’s anything else that could be done.”
If Ponder is unable to resume the position under center, E.J. Manuel would get the call again. Given the circumstances and the stakes involved, the redshirt sophomore acquitted himself relatively well in the loss to the Hokies, completing 22-of-31 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown. He did, though, toss two interceptions.
