Ponder held out of ACC title game

No. 20 Florida State is going with backup E.J. Manuel at quarterback in the ACC championship game because of Christian Ponder's sore throwing elbow.

Ponder's been plagued by right elbow pain for most of the season and had fluid drained on Sunday. He warmed up with the second team Saturday and at least once clutched his elbow after a throw.

Ponder would be available to play against No. 12 Virginia Tech, but only in an emergency.

The senior's thrown for 2,038 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, and his absence leaves the Seminoles without a key offensive weapon.

Manuel, a sophomore, has played in eight games and started Florida State's win over Clemson when Ponder was sidelined earlier this season.