Mark Stoops may help FSU in Orange Bowl preparation

While Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops has been spending most of his time preparing to become the new head coach at Kentucky, he may still be able to squeeze in some time helping his old team get ready for the Orange Bowl.

Since there is a recruiting dead period in college football from mid-December to early January, Stoops, as well as FSU DE coach and future Kentucky defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot, may have time to help the Seminoles prepare for the game in Miami.

That's what Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said in a press conference this week (courtesy of Tallahassee.com):

"Some of the coaches will come back and help coach in the game," Fisher said. "I know D.J. Eliot will. And Mark may even come back and help with preparation when the dead period starts."

While Northern Illinois has gotten beat up in the media in terms of whether they deserve to play in a BCS game, their high-powered offense, which ranks No. 9 in the country, has the attention of what's left of the Florida State defensive coaching staff.

At the press conference, Fisher gave no word as to when a replacement for Stoops would be hired.