FSU loses Thorpe for season

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The Florida State Seminoles will be without leading receiver Carphonso Thorpe for the balance of the season.

The speedster has undergone surgery after suffering a broken lower tibia and fibula in his right leg on the next-to-last play of last Saturday's 50-44 double overtime victory over North Carolina State which gave the Seminoles the 11th ACC title in their 12 years in the league.

P.K. Sam, second on the team with 46 receptions, now becomes its top receiver.

Thorpe, a native of Tallahassee who had to be carted off the field, finished his junior campaign with 994 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"Somebody else will have to step in and pick up the slack," said Coach Bobby Bowden. "It will be vital to run the ball to help open up the passing game."

The Tallahassee Democrat reported FSU Director of Sports Medicine Randy Oravetz said his staff will aim to have Thorpe ready for the first day of 2004 preseason practices. He also is a member of the school's track team.