MythMan: Here is an honest comparison from a NOLES fan thought you might enjoy......( I feel he left out mentioning a few key VT players, like Kendricks, Ben Taylor a linebacker that will take a head or two off, Michael Hawks, another vicious hitter, Shyrone Stith , Big East rushing leader, John Engleberger "who's he" !! , plays tackle or end or guard, whatever, Midget, corner or safety, effective at both, Charlton a tested veteran, not to mention a solid corps of second string linemen that rotate with Moore throughout the game, Beasly, Washington etc.)
(long) Honest Comparisons have...
Posted by NoleGrad83 on Saturday, 4 December 1999, at 1:56 p.m., in response to Honest Comparison, posted by drumerboy on Saturday, 4 December 1999, at 12:24 p.m.
been made before but no one from Va Tech seems to accept the fact that FSU may just be a little better. Va Tech fans discount Weinke's maturity and composure in the pocket. They think Va Tech's defense is untouchable. They think Corey Moore will rush untouched to get to Weinke.
Here's something for you to chew on:
QB's - for all the fanfare than Vick has mustered in Blacksburg, he just doesnt bring anything new to the table that FSU hasnt faced this year. He may be extremely talented, but better than Joe Hamilton? I dont think so. Weinke has been working to exorcise ghosts all year. He has done so with and without Warrick at the WR position. He has taken solid shots from defenses and stood up to the pounding. He was told he couldnt win in Gainesville and he did it the first time he played there even after throwing an INT for a TD in the 3rd quarter. Not only did he maintain his composure, he rallied to give FSU an insurmountable lead. EDGE to FSU
RB - This may be where Va Tech has a slight edge because Minor hasnt had a real break out game. But that can only mean that he is saving it for the Sugar Bowl. FSU has a capable back-up in Chaney. After Va Tech's first string, I am not sure what they have. Cant be of anymore help there. Edge - Even
WR - Va Tech has a burner and from what I have seen, thats about it. They have gotten some long yardage on broken plays from the games I watched. That may not be available in the Sugar Bowl. Plus, Vick has to have time to throw. If he starts to toss the ball around without purpose, then he is in trouble. FSU has a stable of fine WR's. Many of whom could start for any team in the country. But the position begins and ends with the most electrifying player in college football, Peter Warrick. Every time he touches the ball he is a threat to score. He can catch, throw, run, score on punt returns, etc., etc. No one that Va Tech has on the roster compares to him, Period. EDGE to FSU
Offensive Lines - Va Tech apparently has a decent line because you guys went the year undefeated. That is an accomplishment unto itself. Let me tell you about FSU's line. They are now playing healthy and as a unit. It was evident in the uf game. Example - UT's line made Alex Brown an overnight gator hero. He was unstoppable against the tackle on UT's line. When the FSU game came around, the FSU linemen said they could handle Brown individually. This made Brown salivate. He was looking at double-digit sack numbers. After the game? Brown had one sack and it was only after knocking the ball out of Weinke's hand and falling on Weinke as he recovered the ball. FSU did it with one man playing on Brown. Why do I mention this? Brown has been voted to a couple of All-America teams, much like Corey Moore. Brown is bigger than Moore and probably just as fast. I think one lineman can handle Moore and neutralize the Hokie defense. FSU's hosses are big and fast. Va Tech's line will be facing perhaps the fastest defensive unit it has faced all year. Think of Corey Moore and multiply it by 4 and there you have the FSU D-line. Thats what Va Tech has to look forward to. EDGE - FSU
Defensive Lines - Both teams have All-Americas on the d-line. Corey Moore is very fast but is somewhat smallish in size. He is a defensive end in a linebacker's body. He will likely be handled by FSU. I have heard Va Tech fans mention other D-linemen they have to go along with Moore and that may be well and good, but the Va Tech d-line isnt gonna get to Weinke alone. They will need LB help if they want to pressure Weinke. FSU's defensive line is big and fast. FSU recruits linebackers and build them into defensive lineman. Getting them bigger and having them keep their speed. Vick will be quite familiar with Simon, Warren, Seymour and Johnson by the end of the night. EDGE - FSU
Linebackers- Dont know enough about Va Tech's to comment but FSU has the fastest set in the country. They sometimes play out of control and could be exposed on several plays with the right scheme. However, its their speed that will keep them from giving up too many big plays. They are fast enough to run down Vick on the option and strong enough to get through the blocks and make an impact. If they get in a position to blitz, look out. It will be sudden, like a summer rainstorm in Florida. Edge - Even
Defensive Backs - This is where the game can be made for either team. I understand in talking to Hokie fans that this is your Achille's heel. That may not be a good sign trying to cover at least 8 different receivers that run in and out of the game at any point. Plus, your guys have to cover Peter Warrick. FSU db's have been abused some this year, (Mario Edwards), but the nice thing is that there are capable back-ups that can take up the slack, (Thomas, Hope). I would have to say that Cody covers your best guy well enough to close him out. I think also that FSU has the physical edge. The Noles' DB's lay some heavy hits on opponents. Edge - slight to FSU.
Coaching - There is virtually no one better at preparing a team for a big game than Bobby Bowden. Only 2 bowl losses in the 18 years. No other coach can match that record. Beamer is likely a good strategist and he has definitely gotten the most out of his team this year. They do belong in the Sugar Bowl and a lot of it is due to him and his staff. I know for FSU there is no better coach at making halftime adjustments than Mickey Andrews. Look for the Nole defense to shut down any success Va Tech enjoyed in the first half with the proper adjustments. The wild card for me is Mark Richt. I only hope for the Noles sake that he isnt too quick to abandon a strategy that is working, a la last year's Fiesta Bowl. The Noles were running very well with Minor and Richt took the ball out of Minor's hands and try to make Outzen win the game for us. A big mistake. Edge - FSU.
I know this is long but its the way I see it. You may say its not unbiased but I tried to look at it from a National perspective thats the way it turned out. You are free to comment on its content. |
