Fisher says FSU focuses 'on things we control'

The first question to Florida State's Jimbo Fisher on Wednesday's weekly ACC teleconference came from a Baltimore radio host asking how the coach keeps his No. 2-ranked Seminoles "from listening to that garbage every day — hearing that hoopla."

Fisher had just opened by touting the "national stage" on which Florida State will stand Thursday when it plays at the University of Louisville, days after running back Karlos Williams was investigated by Tallahassee Police and before quarterback Jameis Winston's school hearing related to an alleged sexual assault.

"We focus on the things we control," Fisher said. "That's how we prepare and how we play. That's part of growing up and maturing, and that's what we do."

If the Seminoles are at all distracted this week, Fisher isn't saying so. He wasn't pressed further on off-the-field issues and went on to tout U of L, saying, "You'd don't play the level of ball they play without being complete in all three phrases."

And then it was Cardinals coach Bobby Petrino's turn to speak.

"Our team is really looking forward to the game tomorrow night," Petrino opened. "We really expect a great atmosphere — one that our players will be excited about. I think it's a great opportunity for our program and our players. We're facing the defending national champion, which is a great challenge, but we're certainly looking forward to it."

More of what Petrino said:

• On the offensive line's growth: "I think we've shown improvement. Like last week, we were able to run the ball and protect the quarterback, so it's been a work in progress. But they continue to work hard and get better…It's a little bit of everything. We're doing a much better job on our assignments. We're utilizing our techniques. And I think they worked harder on finishing and playing until the whistle."

• Will Florida State turn into a rivalry? "I think all of that is yet to be seen. We're excited about being in the ACC and have had some great games so far. We're just looking forward to this game tomorrow night and being able to be on the same level and competing for a championship in our division."

• On the 2002 upset: "No, we really haven't even talked about it. I remember watching it on TV, and I think it was a weekend when a hurricane came through, so it was awful weather. It was a great win for the program at that time."

• What makes Florida State dangerous? "They're very good. They've got a great offensive line. They run block really well. They protect the passer. They've got a great quarterback and talent at all the skill positions, so it's a great challenge for our defense."

• On slowing Florida State's Winston: "The first thing we're going to have to do is stop the run so they don't have great down and distance situations, so that's important, and they're very good at running the football. We're going to have to make sure we have good, tight coverage and be able to put pressure on the quarterback. We're going to have to change up our looks, because he's very good at reading defenses and going through his progressions and he has a quick release. He's a great player. It's a great challenge."

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199. Follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.