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Chat Reel: SI's Tim Layden
Predictions, observations from the streets of New Orleans
Posted: Monday January 03, 2000 06:54 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome, everyone, to our Sugar Bowl chat with SI college football writer Tim Layden, who is with us from New Orleans. Thanks for joining us, Tim!
Tim Layden: Glad to be with you guys.
CNNSI Host: What's the mood like in New Orleans right now?
Tim Layden: Actually, it's just starting to pick up today. In terms of fans in the streets in the real sense of excitement, it's been pretty quiet. But we understand that a lot of fans weren't expected here until Sunday or Monday.
From Guest: Which team's fans have been more prevalent in N'Awlins?
Tim Layden: Virginia Tech's, but that's no surprise. The bowl officials and ticket-brokers that I've spoken to, told me that they expected a bigger response from Virginia Tech's fans than from Florida State's because it's their first time in a game like this. So we can probably expect more noise in the Superdome from Virginia Tech tomorrow night.
From Guest: Related question... Do you think this game means more to Virginia Tech than it does to Florida State?
Tim Layden: No. I think it means as much to each team. In fact, Florida State probably has a lot more to lose in this game than Virginia Tech does. After all, this is Florida State's fourth national championship game since 1993 and they've only won one. They really need to win this one to avoid being the Atlanta Braves of college football. And their players all know it. Remember there's not a guy in that program with a national championship ring.
From Guest: In light of what happened (or didn't happen) to Sebastian Janikowski, what do you think are the implications of having players in such a tempting city?
Tim Layden: Well, Sebastian Janikowski is a little different from your average player. All things considered, it's been a pretty quiet week. There haven't been any fights or arrests or suspensions. It's pretty much a normal night for Sebastian Janikowski to go out and drink and party. His teammates know that and his missing curfew isn't going to affect Florida State at all. It will probably cost Janikowski some NFL money.
From Guest: Related question... Do you think the curfew incident was overblown? Or do you think the players should be forced to follow the rules or not play?
Tim Layden: It was overblown a little, because we're talking about two guys who missed curfew on Dec. 30 by two minutes, and then Janikowski, who missed it on New Year's Eve by a lot. There's no question that Bobby Bowden could have made a significant statement by suspending Janikowski. But Janikowski's behavior wasn't really different from his behavior all season, so it would have been hypocritical for Bowden to do anything. Plus, there was no way Bowden was going to suspend a weapon like Janikowski for something as minor as a curfew violation.
CNNSI Host: From Guest: If Florida State wins, do you feel that they should be considered the "Team of the Decade"? How about if they lose?
Tim Layden: Neither way. The "Team of the Decade" is Nebraska. The Cornhuskers won three national championships and came very close to two others. If Florida State wins, they will have two national titles and two other losses in title games. The way I see it, Nebraska is clearly No. 1 in the '90s and Florida State is clearly No. 2, far ahead of anyone else.
From Guest: Is there any sense as to whether Jerry Johnson and Roland Seymour will be better in time for the game?
Tim Layden: Seymour definitely won't start because of nagging injuries and his curfew violations. According to Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, Jerry Johnson is doing a lot better after six weeks off. So chances are he'll play better than he has since early in the season. They need him to, because if Virginia Tech can run against the middle of the Florida State defense, it will open up all sorts of options for Michael Vick.
From Guest: What's the latest word on Ricky Hall? Can Virginia Tech win without him, if they have to?
Tim Layden: I talked to Frank Beamer this morning. He thinks there's a good chance that Hall will play. But remember, he's got a broken foot and he's not going to be 100 percent. It's a big loss. He's not only the team's best possession receiver, but also their only punt returner. Beamer would like to have Hall out there just to catch punts. If he can't play, it's a huge loss. And it compromises the Hokies' chances.
From Guest: How do you think Chris Weinke will hold up under the pressure?
Tim Layden: That's probably the single most important question in this game. Virginia Tech is convinced that it can get to Weinke. And it is also convinced that Weinke will flinch and throw off his back foot, creating turnovers. That's how Virginia Tech has become a top-notch program, by forcing other teams to collapse under defensive pressure. Florida tried to pressure Weinke and the Seminoles did a good job of picking up blitzes and helping out against outside pass-rushers. Plus, Weinke didn't flinch. Virginia Tech doesn't get to him, and if Weinke holds up, Florida State will win, for sure.
From Guest: What about Michael Vick? Does he have the experience and maturity to keep his team together under such pressure?
Tim Layden: Experience, no; maturity, yes. Virginia Tech might lose the game, but it won't be because Michael Vick chokes. Everybody around him and everybody who has played against Virginia Tech knows that Vick is an exceptional presence on the field. He's only a redshirt freshman but he plays like a senior. I saw Vick this week at a press function, and after walking away from several writers and saying that he was sick of the hype, Vick looked at me and winked. The kid is cool. He's not going to be Virginia Tech's problem.
From Guest: Can Vick run wild on such a quick defense?
Tim Layden: It will be harder, but quick is quick and Michael Vick will make plays against anybody.
However, it would be a problem if he gets loose and throws late. That's what Florida State has to hope for.
From Guest: Where do you feel Weinke rates among all of Florida State's QB's?
Tim Layden: Tough question. Certainly behind Charlie Ward because Ward won the Heisman Trophy and the national championship. After that, Weinke might be as good as any of them. After all, Danny Kanell, Thad Busby, and Casey Weldon never got Florida State to two national championship games. That's basically what Weinke has done, because you have to give him credit for last year. If they win this game, you have to say he's a close second behind Ward.
From Guest: Do you think the difference in the two teams schedules is as wide as the BCS rating?
Tim Layden: No way. Neither the ACC nor the Big East is exceptionally strong, but both are respectable. Out of conference, they played similar schedules with the exception of Virginia Tech's one game against Div. I-AA James Madison. It's that one game that skews the rankings more than anything else and almost cost Virginia Tech a spot in the title game.
From Guest: If you were a coach, which quarterback would you rather have starting for your team in this game?
Tim Layden: I would take either one. Honestly, I can separate them like that. If I was starting a team tomorrow and play a whole season, I would take Vick. He can do more things and he gets better every time he plays.
From Guest: Do you think Florida State will be able to simply outlast Virginia Tech.? How can Virginia Tech complete with Florida State's depth?
Tim Layden: They can't. If it comes down to a game of depth, Florida. State wins. But Virginia Tech's first 22 have played better than any team in the country all year. If Florida State can bring enough people off the bench to wear down Virginia Tech's '1s', depth could be a factor. But remember, Virginia Tech is accustomed to substituting less than Florida State.
From Guest: If Virginia Tech does win, where does this put them in preseason rankings for next year?
Tim Layden: They lose a lot on defense, but they have Vick. Certainly, they will be a solid Top 10 team, possibly Top 5. But there are some other teams like Texas, Alabama and Michigan who have an awful lot of good people coming back. Beating Florida State certainly wouldn't make Virginia Tech an obvious preseason No. 1.
From Guest: I know it's early, but who are your favorites for next year's title game?
Tim Layden: Like I just said, I think Texas and Alabama will be very popular No. 1 picks next year. I expect Michigan to also be strong, although if Chris Weinke comes back to Florida State, the Seminoles will be there as well. If I had to pick two, I would go with Texas and Alabama.
From Guest: Does Warrick feel as though he has something to prove seeing how he was snubbed from the Heisman comittee?
Tim Layden: He's definitely angry that he didn't make the Heisman top five. But I don't know that Warrick plays football to prove anything to anybody. He's just really good and really instinctive and a huge threat in this game. There's no doubt he's the best college football player in the country.
From Guest: How well do you think Florida State's 3rd receiver matches up against Virginia Tech's nickel back?
Tim Layden: Virginia Tech hardly ever plays nickel. They will bring in a third cornerback and take out a free safety. Man for man, Florida State has more wide receiver depth than any team in the country. Virginia Tech's best answer is to get Chris Weinke on the ground. If they don't their DBs won't hold up all night.
From Guest: What's your prediction for the final score?
Tim Layden: I have thought that Virginia Tech would win this game since the matchup was made in late November. I still think they will. I don't think this Florida State team is as strong as any in the last several years. It's a perfect year for a team like Virginia Tech and a player like Michael Vick to break through. I'll make it Virginia Tech 31, Florida State 20.
CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining us today, Tim!
Tim Layden: OK, thanks, very much.
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