Florida
State 46, Va. Tech 29
A Perfect Ending For
FSU
by David Odell
01/05/00 6:30 PM
(New
Orleans, La.) Florida State won a national championship Tuesday
night. Peter Warrick proved that he is indeed the best player
in college football and Bobby Bowden deserved his undefeated
national championship season. However, Virginia Tech could have
easily won this game and probably should have.
With VT ahead 29-28, and FSU facing 3rd down deep in its own
territory, the Seminoles converted for a first down. This has
to be the final turning point in the game. FSU soon scores and
takes the air out of the Hokies comeback bid.
Anyone who can spot the Noles a 28-7 lead and overcome it has
earned it's pedigree.
Anyone who thinks the Hokies (or Noles) didn't belong in this
game are probably from Nebraska. BCS officials have to be beaming
with pride at an event so spectacular and a system seemingly
on the right track in determining the two best teams in the nation.
Despite not showing up for the third quarter, FSU wore out the
Hokies in the end. Florida State gave Virginia Tech a little
bit of their own medicine. At least for 1999, the Noles proved
their special teams kick coverage is better than the Hokies.
Being victimized by a punt return (by Warrick) and a block punt
has not happened to VT in years.
I don't know about you but I vaguely remember Corey Moore being
mentioned during introductions (sarcasm). Obviously, FSU scoured
the VT/WVU film and discovered that the "mouth of the south"
could be contained if double-teamed. On one play he did break
up, the first play of the second half, after swatting down an
apparent lateral, Moore didn't realize he could have caught the
ball for an interception. Instead the ball went out of bounds
and FSU retained possession.
Except for Michael Vick, Peter Warrick is easily the best athlete
in college football and should have been the Heisman winner had
he not introduced himself to the criminal justice system. How
sweet he must have felt to contribute so mightily in such an
important game. He won't need any more clothing discounts after
his NFL contract is negotiated.
As for Vick, his performance under the glare of national title
focus can only be described as amazing. Next season's Heisman
Trophy favorite is a foregone conclusion.
As for next year, provided Chris Wienke returns, FSU will most
likely be preseason number one once again. Kirk Herbstreit, an
ESPN college football analyst, said his top five teams for next
year are Florida, Florida State, Kansas State, Michigan, and
Nebraska. A survey of college football analysts at the Sugar
Bowl turned up a list of other contenders: Alabama, Miami, Mississippi,
and Washington. Which makes me wonder? What about Virginia Tech?
With Vick and most of the offense returning, I would think some
serious points could be scored. I will just let the Big East
go ahead and tout it's now-stepchild, Miami University as the
favorite for the conference title again. Previous results have
proven well for the Hokies.
My final order of finish for 1999: FSU #1, VT #2, Nebraska #3. |