News:EJ Manuel completed 26-of-38 passes for 291 yards and a touchdownd, and ran six times for 26 yards and a score in Tuesday's Orange Bowl against Northern Illinois.
Analysis: It marked the first time EJ Manuel had topped 200 yards in the last four games. He departs FSU with a 4-0 bowl record, but is probably best described as a "good" quarterback. Clint Trickett, Jacob Coker and Jameis Winston will battle to replace Manuel.
News:EJ Manuel fully participated in practice Monday and said he will play against Georgia Tech on Saturday in the ACC Championship game, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Analysis:EJ Manuel took a hard hit during last week's loss to Florida and was evaluated for a possible head or rib injury after the game, but it looks like he'll be fine to play.
News:EJ Manuel completed 25-of-42 passes Thursday at Virginia Tech, for 326 yards and three touchdowns.
Analysis: He was intercepted once, but it's his third game of the year over 300 yards. EJ Manuel has 25 yards less than he had all of last season, and his 19 touchdowns are a career-high.
News:EJ Manuel completed 21-of-31 passes for 229 yards Saturday at Miami.
Analysis: It was EJ Manuel's first game all season without a touchdown, as the 'Noles used their rushing attack to gash a soft Miami defense. Owners have to be disappointed in the output here, and Manuel will look to bounce back against Duke in Week 9.
News:EJ Manuel completed 17-of-29 passes for 218 yards, with a touchdown and an interception Saturday at North Carolina State.
Analysis:EJ Manuel boasts a nice 10:2 touchdown to interception ratio through six games, but he's on pace for an awfully similar season to his 2011 campaign, which was a modest year. Short of a huge game against Clemson, Manuel hasn't been a great fantasy quarterback.
News:EJ Manuel completed 19-of-26 for 242 yards and a touchdown Saturday at South Florida.
Analysis:EJ Manuel had been on a role, but came back down to Earth Saturday night. He's only been intercepted once this season, and is among the safest options out there.
News:EJ Manuel completed 27-of-35 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing 12 times for 102 yards Saturday against Clemson.
Analysis:EJ Manuel was a yardage machine, and is quieting a lot of his doubters, both nationally and in fantasy circles, this September.
News:EJ Manuel hit on 15-of-24 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 48 yards and another score on eight carries Saturday against Wake Forest.
Analysis: That's back-to-back three score outings for the signal caller. EJ Manuel's yardage totals are being severely limited by the 'Noles blowout victories. He's projecting as a quality option if he ever plays 60 minutes, though.
News:EJ Manuel completed 11-of-13 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns in limited action against Savannah State on Saturday.
Analysis: A near perfect performance from EJ Manuel, and this could possibly be his best performance of the season.
News:EJ Manuel connected on 16-of-22 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown against Murray State on Saturday.
Analysis:EJ Manuel was picked off once, and pulled early in the blowout. Truthfully, Manuel is more valuable to the 'Noles than he is to your fantasy roster. He has simply not been a terrific fantasy quarterback in his career.
News:EJ Manuel remains an active participant in practice, despite a noticeably tender ankle, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Analysis: We're a little surprised at this relatively aggressive approach. EJ Manuel knows the offense, and probably doesn't need the extra reps. You'd think FSU would want Manuel 100 percent healthy heading into the season, but with two FCS teams on the docket, Manuel still has ample time to fully mend.
News:EJ Manuel is sitting today's scrimmage out for precautionary reasons after injuring his ankle late Wednesday, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Analysis: Though this doesn't sound at all serious, it's certainly not going to help dispel the notion that EJ Manuel can't stay healthy.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns in a win over North Carolina State. He was picked off once.
Analysis: Amazing that a quarterback can top 300 yards, his team win 34-0, and be the only standout. The ground game struggled again, and the 'Noles spread the receiving yards around, as eight players caught passes. Manuel has been good since returning from a shoulder injury, and is by far the safest Seminole option; he's the only one we know will touch the ball.
News: Florida State started Clint Trickett at quarterback at Wake Forest, only to replace him with E.J. Manuel after struggling to a 29 yard, two INT first half.
Analysis: Manuel entered late in the second quarter, and threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns, while being picked off twice. It should put to rest any potential QB controversy in Tallahassee, and with no running game to speak of, Manuel should post very solid numbers against Duke next week.
News: Despite practicing fully this week, Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel is being called a game-time decision for Saturday's match up with Wake Forest.
Analysis: Head coach Jimbo Fisher says he just wants to make sure there is no new soreness come Saturday, and we fully expect Manuel to lead the 'Noles this weekend. Tune in for pregame announcments, just so you can rest easy.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel (shoulder) expects to be under center Saturday when the 'Noles take on Wake Forest.
Analysis: Last week's bye came at the right time, and barring a setback, you can feel free to use Manuel as you normally would have.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel (shoulder) took snaps at practice Thursday, and head coach Jimbo Fisher expects Manuel to be back with the first team offense Monday.
Analysis: Manuel is obviously healing nicely, so lets hope he is improving as rapidly as he is getting healthy. Even mediocre performances upon return against Wake Forest and Duke will have fans calling for Clint Trickett.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel's (left shoulder) range of motion is improving, and he's beginning to do some light tossing.
Analysis: His status for the 'Noles October 8th matchup with Wake Forest is uncertain. It seems odd that light tossing is considered progress when the injury is to his non-throwing shoulder. It's early, but I'm guessing Manuel is out of action a little longer than originally anticipated.
News: Trying to dispell fan and internet rumors, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said "E.J. (Manuel) is our starting QB, and when he gets healthy, he'll be back."
Analysis: The question now becomes when will Manuel's shoulder be healthy. FSU is off this week, but the longer Manuel misses practice, the more Clint Trickett whispers we'll here.
News: Florida State quarterback Clint Trickett threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns at Clemson.
Analysis: Not bad for your first start, on the road, in front of 82,000. Trickett looks more than capable of being a very good quarterback, and there should at least be some questions in Tallahassee right now. It wouldn't shock me to see E.J. Manuel's shoulder need a few more weeks of rest.
News: Florida State quarterback Clint Trickett started today's game at Clemson.
Analysis: E.J. Manuel (shoulder) was available only in an emergency. The 'Noles are off next week, followed by games against Wake Forest and Duke, giving Manuel ample time to recover.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel (shoulder) is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Clemson.
Analysis: While that's the official report, other outlets are saying Manuel won't play. It seems obvious that Manuel will be a game time decision, and it looks like FSU is content to play it safe here, and not risk further injury. Expect Clint Trickett to be under center in Death Valley.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel (shoulder) and wide receiver Bert Reed (ankle) both missed their third practice of the week.
Analysis: Both injuries are starting to become concerning. All indications are Manuel can play regardless of practicing, with the issue being pain tolerance in his non-throwing shoulder. Reed, on the other hand, hasn't practiced since the 'Noles game against Charleston Southern September 10th. If you haven't already, look for other options this week.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel sat out Monday's practice, but the good news is an MRI of his left (non-throwing) shoulder revealed no structural damage.
Analysis: Manuel's status for Saturday's game against Clemson is questionable, but we expect him to play.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel's left shoulder injury is being called a bruise, and he was cleared to play in the second half last night against Oklahoma.
Analysis: Head coach Jimbo Fisher chose to not risk further injury, and stayed with Clint Trickett. Fisher also said he wasn't ready to declare Manuel ready for next week. Seems like a lot of smoke and mirrors here, but there are certainly no guarantees Manuel starts against Clemson.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel left tonight's game after injuring his shoulder/collar bone, and did not return.
Analysis: He was back on the sideline, but Clint Trickett remained in the ballgame. Manuel had 85 yards passing and 49 rushing before departing, and was picked off twice. Showdown Saturday is shaping up to be a mash unit across the country.
News: Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel went 22 of 34 for 252 yards and two touchdowns against Louisiana-Monroe.
Analysis: Led by wide receiver Rodney Smith's six catches for 78 yards, ten different 'Noles caught passes. Six running backs had carries, with Manuel's eight attempts being the most. It's clearly a team effort here, which makes it an absolute nightmare for fantasy players. Start any Nole at your own risk.
News: Florida State receiver Taiwan Easterling has signed with the Chicago Cubs and is leaving the football team.
Analysis: Not great news for new starting quarterback E.J. Manuel. But he still has Bert Reed, Rodney Smith and Willie Haulstead to throw to.
News: ESPN blogger Heather Dinich lists Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien as the league's top quarterback. O'Brien threw for 2,438 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall.
Analysis: The fantasy prospects at quarterback look thin in the ACC. O'Brien is one of the bright young talents in the conference, but his fantasy prospects look limited. Florida State's E.J. Manuel and North Carolina State's Mike Glennon have more upside.
News: Manuel started Saturday's ACC Championship Game against Florida State.
Analysis: Christian Ponder is battling an elbow injury, and the Tallahassee Democrat reported earlier in the day that he would not start. He is available, however, so if Manuel gets hurt or the 'Noles get in a bind, they may have to turn to an injured Ponder.
News: Manuel completed 15-of-25 passes for 208 yards and an interception, but had 79 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown against Clemson on Saturday.
Analysis: Manuel got the start for an injured Christian Ponder and really took advantage, having a decent game through the air but a big game on the ground. Still, we'll have to wait for the status of Ponder before assessing Manuel's value.
News: Manuel went 4-for-8 for 109 yards and a touchdown along with one carry for five yards in Florida State's loss to Oklahoma on Saturday.
Analysis: Manuel will serve as Christian Ponder's backup this season, and barring a major injury to Ponder will not play extensively.
News: Manuel went 10-for-13 for 129 yards with an interception along with one carry for eight yards against Samson on Saturday.
Analysis: Manuel will not normally play this much in a game, barring injury to Seminoles' starting quarterback Christian Ponder.
FSU's Manuel 100% After Offseason Shoulder Surgery
News: Manuel is back at 100% after offseason surgery on his right shoulder, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Analysis: Manuel will serve as Christian Ponder's backup this season, but could be a player to watch for 2011.
News: Manuel threw for 189 yards and rushed for 69 yards and one touchdown Saturday in the 2010 Gator Bowl, giving Bobby Bowden his 22 bowl win of his career and earning himself the game's MVP trophy.
Analysis: Manuel started off shaky, but quickly gained his composure, looking like a veteran leader for Florida State when it most counted. His performance in the 2010 Gator Bowl should make for an interesting quarterback battle heading into the spring and fall, especially given the return from injury of Christian Ponder.
FSU's Manuel - as Expected - Has Rough Outing vs. UF
News: Manuel completed 19-of-31 passing for 186 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions Saturday as Florida pummeled Florida State 37-10 in Gainsville.
Analysis: Manuel also managed 11 carries for 27 yards, but was completely outshined by Florida's Tim Tebow, playing in his last game at the Swamp.
News: Manuel completed 17-of-27 passes for 206 yards and three interception, and also ran six times for 49 yards in a 29-26 win over Maryland on Saturday.
Analysis: Manuel's legs are his best weapon at this point in his development, although getting the start the last few weeks of the year could go a long way in his confidence with his arm. Right now there is no reason to play Manuel on any fantasy team.
News: Manuel went 15-for-20 for 220 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Florida State's win over Wake Forest on Saturday. He also had 10 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown in the game.
Analysis: Manuel played solidly in his first collegiate start, but doesn't necessarily make for a good fantasy option.
News: Manuel will start next Saturday against Wake Forest with Christian Ponder (separated right shoulder) out.
Analysis: Manuel is a freshman and will be making his first collegiate start against the Demon Deacons. Expect a heavy dose of RB Jermaine Thomas in the game.
News: As starter Christian Ponder nurses his bruised ribs suffered against NC State, Manuel has taken all the first team reps in practice this week, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: If Ponder cannot play Saturday against Clemson, Manuel will get his first collegiate start.
News: Florida State built enough of a lead Saturday night against Brigham Young to allow Manuel, a freshman, to see his first collegiate action, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Not much to write about, but Manuel hit one of two passing for four yards and notched an eight yard gain on his only carry for the game.
