November 8, 2009

Corey Dowlar
Warchant.com Staff

As if a four interception night couldn't be any worse, Florida State quarterback and undisputed team leader Christian Ponder has separated his throwing shoulder.

After throwing an interception along the sideline, a frustrated Ponder was determined to make the tackle. The competitive signal caller threw himself into Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel resulting in a powerful collision.

Ponder struggled to his feet and showed signs of pain after making the tackle. He then headed over to the sideline before leaving for the locker room.

On the following drive, redshirt freshman E.J. Manuel entered the game where he would stay until the clock struck zero.

During post game interviews, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jimbo Fisher delivered the disappointing news.

"He's banged up," Fisher said. "Looks like he might have a separated shoulder. Looks like his shoulder is separated. It's the right shoulder."

Coming into the game, Ponder was already suffering from a rib contusion. With the addition to a possible separated shoulder, Fisher may have to turn to his redshirt freshman for the remainder of the season.

But before making the decision, a more thorough assessment of Ponder's condition will have to be made.

"We will have to evaluate it and see what happens," Fisher said. "I mean he has bruised ribs and a separated shoulder."

Even after fighting through all the pain from both injures, Ponder still took the blame for the offenses performance in Death Valley.

"(I) am definitely disappointed," Ponder admitted. "A lot of it fell on me. We had a chance to win the game and I didn't come through."

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