Surgery Leaves FSU Pondering QB

TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) - Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder underwent surgery last week to remove scar tissue that had built up in his upper forearm in his throwing arm, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The most recent surgery has left his status for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in doubt.

Ponder injured his elbow earlier in the season and it forced him to sit out a victory against Clemson and a loss to Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game.

Ponder won't practice with the team again until December 26, when the Seminoles begin preparing for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against the Steve Spurrier-led South Carolina Gamecocks.

The senior quarterback's injury was described by the Sentinel as tissue separated from a muscle near his elbow. That, in turn, created a void where fluid built up and caused his elbow to swell.

Florida State handled Clemson fairly easily with backup quarterback, and next year's starter, E.J. Manuel in the game. However, against Virginia Tech's much more stout defense, Manuel struggled.

The Seminoles are an early 3 point favorite against the Gamecocks.