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Virginia Tech report Moore makes Namath-like declaration
Posted: Thursday December 30, 1999 08:58 PM
NEW ORLEANS (CNN/SI) -- Move over Joe Namath. Virginia Tech defensive end Corey Moore "guaranteed" a victory in college football's Super Bowl with some brash comments Thursday. "I have no doubt we will win," said Moore, this year's Lombardi Award winner. "It's been a dream season. It's going to be even better after we win and burn down New Orleans." No. 2 Virginia Tech (11-0) meets No. 1 Florida State (11-0) Tuesday in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship. Namath correctly predicted a New York Jets victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. The Colts were a 16-point favorite. Florida State is only a six-point pick, but it would still be a significant upset. Only not to Moore. "If they think they're good enough to block us one-on-one they're in for a long day," the Lombardi Award winner said. "Chris Weinke (FSU's quarterback) is not very mobile. If they give us shots on him he won't last all day." Moore also said Florida State did not have as many weapons as Miami, which lost to the Hokies 43-10 this season. When told of Moore's comments, Virginia Tech center Keith Short admitted it was dangerous bulletin-board material. "But Corey does his own thing," Short said. "Always has. But he always backs it up." Not all of Virginia Tech's players were as boastful as Moore. Wide receiver Andre Davis was in awe of the Florida State defensive line. "They are definitely faster than I have ever seen before," he said. "They are more aggressive than I have ever seen. I know that this is going to be a great game because they are the type of players who are going to play on Sundays next year." Running back Shyrone Stith was as impressed with the Seminole line, but he has a plan. "Florida State has a great defensive line," Stith said. "If we can stop their penetration, we have a chance to move the ball. It's very important to establish our running game. If we do that, we can get some eight-man front. Then Michael Vick (Virginia Tech's star freshman quarterback) can throw the ball or run. The key is Michael. I don't think they are too worried about me or the receivers. All I've heard is Michael, Michael, Michael. Maybe something else will open up." Vick was not opening up. Even after some prodding by one reporter, who reminded him of Namath's 30-year-old boast, he had little to say. "It's going to be a game of no mistakes," Vick said. "If we start to make mistakes, the other team will capitalize." The Hokies had plenty of time to think of quotes Thursday because they didn't practice. Following a Super Bowl-like media day Friday, Virginia Tech will practice at Tulane.
Worth noting: Cornerback Ronyell Whitaker (pulled leg muscle) and wide receiver Emmett Johnson (sprained finger) may miss practice Friday but are expected to play.
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