FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 3:14 p.m.:
Well, we're almost there, folks. About 29 hours away from kickoff of the Orange Bowl, and fans who've made the trip to South Florida can spend the time ... freezing their tails off.
Seriously. It's cold and windy here, but I can still hear paradise-style music from outside my hotel balcony, and people are still out by the pool. Mind over matter, I suppose.
All the practicing is pretty much over. And even though it's clear that Kansas has taken a more physical approach to preparation this week, the Hokies stress that they have been working hard and will be ready.
"We’ve got the physical part down," receiver Josh Morgan. "We’ve been lifting weights all year. We’re going to be physical regardless. It’s more mental. I think it’s better for us, because we’re going to rest our bodies and we’re going to be fresh when we go out there and play the game. ... The physical part’s always going to be there. We’re one of the most physical teams in the country. That’s never going to be a problem for us.”
What a pathetic bowl season for the ACC so far. Spent yesterday up in Jacksonville watching the latest conference disappointment, UVa's 31-28 loss to Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl. The Cavaliers blew a 14-point lead in the final five minutes, a scene eerily reminiscent of the Hokies' loss to Boston College during the regular season. The Hokies might actually get some benefits from that now, a constant reminder that you can't let down at all against a strong offense.
You've probably heard beat writer Randy King somewhere on the radio today. I believe he's done three interviews so far, including one with XM Radio. When the media start interviewing the media, you know we're getting a little antsy for kickoff.
Both coaches spoke this morning at the hotel. Tech coach Frank Beamer said he wasn't sure about the status of linebacker Vince Hall, who bruised his knee at the team's beach party.
"We'll see," he said. "I think it will be a game-time decision between the doctors to see if he can play. It's tender right now, so I'm not sure what's going to happen there."
He noted that Brett Warren did a nice job filling in for Hall earlier this season. It's definitely a plus to have a backup with experience.
Beamer was asked if he was surprised -- like a lot of people are -- about Kansas' performance this year.
"They're for real," Beamer said. "They can run the football, they can throw the football. They know the scheme, they know what they're trying to do. Defense plays hard, they've got some really good players. Your kicking game is good. You've got a great return guy there in the kickoff-return department. When you look at them, it's not a surprise. I mean, they're a solid football team and very well coached and talented. They've got all the ingredients there, so it shouldn't be a surprise, no."
Beamer gave a nod to Tech fans, as well, when asked about the journey the program has taken since the bowl streak started in 1993:
"You're not talking about Virginia Tech football for long until you start talking about the fans and the great support, and the way they travel with us and support us," he said. "So they're very much a part of this thing. We've got fans that are very much a part of this thing and help us win football games. And I think the bowl people kind of like them, too. They show up."
And finally, on whether he had a different pep talk each year before the game:
"If you wait until the ballgame to get them ready and right, you've probably waited too long," he said.
"We've really practiced well down here. I think the leadership on our football team has been good. And everything that goes on around the bowl game. We've practiced well. And I'm hopeful that we're going to play well."
Kansas coach Mark Mangino had a nice answer today when asked about the criticism the Jayhawks have taken for their weak schedule. I'll give him credit for honesty.
"You've got to understand the big picture here," he said. "We're trying to get Kansas' program on the national stage...It's a program that's had a tough century. So I can't worry about what the critics have to say.
"The decisions I make are in the best interest of our team and the future of our program. And it is appropriate for us to play the type of nonconference schedule that we did.
"I've said this before, and I'll say it again: Nobody in December remembers who you played in September. It's what your win-loss record is. And apparently our strategy must have worked. We're here at the Orange Bowl today."
--Aaron McFarling
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