TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - If EJ Manuel's nervous going into his
first collegiate start, he doesn't show it.

The Florida State redshirt freshman was relaxed and confident
Tuesday during a brief meeting with a group of reporters. The
19-year-old from Virginia Beach, Va., said he's familiar with 100
percent of the Florida State playbook and ready for his first
extended collegiate action.

Manuel is being pressed into action because of a season-ending
shoulder injury suffered by Christian Ponder in last Saturday's
40-24 loss at Clemson.

Florida State (4-5, 2-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) must win two
of its last three games to avoid its first losing season since 1976
in coach Bobby Bowden's first year at the school.