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Hokies arrive the underdog 'They're favored and they should be,' says Beamer
Posted: Tuesday December 28, 1999 09:38 PM
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Virginia Tech got to New Orleans Monday, more than a day ahead of Sugar Bowl rival Florida State. It may not give them a leg up in the quest for the national title, but it can't hurt either, coach Frank Beamer said. "I think it's important that we stay in a routine," Beamer said. "We've never played in a game like this before, and we know what a challenge we've got. We understand what a great team Florida State is this year and has bee in the '90s. They are the team of the '90s. We've got quite a chore so we need to stay in a routine." By the time the Seminoles arrive, Virginia Tech will have already had a night on the town and two practices. On Monday, with a jazz band playing, the players and coaches walked off their charter declaring themselves to be on a business trip. And they apparently already had their role as underdog down pat before hitting town. "I'm going to have my camera ready and my autograph book, so I can get those guys' autographs," said Tech defensive end Corey Moore. "It's just an honor to be on the same field with those guys. They're the best team in the nation. They're No. 1." In other words, Beamer said, Florida State is everything Virginia Tech wants to be. "We're the new kid on the block, no question about it," Beamer said. "They're favored and they should be. They've been No. 1 all along. There's a reason why they've played for the national championship so many times. They are what we're trying to get to." Winning the Sugar Bowl would give Virginia Tech the national championship and all that comes with it, Hokies quarterback Michael Vick said. Included in that would be the kind of respect they feel Florida State has a corner on in this game. "I don't think Florida State really respects us," Vick said. "I don't think too many people respect us in the country. A lot of people don't think we deserve to be here. But we just have to go out and show everyone that we do deserve to be here." The Hokies planned a team meeting Monday night to set down the ground rules for the Sugar Bowl trip. Players would not be forbidden to visit the French Quarter, Bourbon Street or the casino, Beamer said. "I told them to enjoy the things around them, because this is neat, it's fun, but make sure your mind is on Florida State and your preparation," Beamer said.
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