It Was the Perfect Schedule

Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer answered the critics who argue there are 10 or 12 teams in college football that could have finished 11-0 playing the Hokies’ cream puff schedule.

Beamer’s answer?

The critics are right.

“I think there are that many that are good enough, maybe more,� he said. “Now, whether they would have played it and done it is another question.�

Virginia Tech finished 53rd among 114 Division I schools in schedule strength in the final bowl championship series rankings; Florida State played the sixth-toughest schedule.

But in a new BCS system in which one loss, even against a top-ranked opponent, can cost you a spot in the national title game, it’s difficult to criticize the school’s decision to open the season against James Madison, a Division I-A opponent.

“To me, it kind of makes sense,� Beamer said. “College football is different. You don’t have exhibitions, you don’t have scrimmages. I think it’s the smart way to do it.�

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Florida State senior cornerback Mario Edwards was asked Thursday if he was going to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street.

“Year 2000?� Edwards said. “Uh-uh. I’ll be in my room, get some bottled water from the refrigerator. I’m not even coming out.�

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The Seminoles are serious about winning the national title. How can you tell?

Nose guard Corey Simon says he has noticed there aren’t as many bloodshot eyes at practice.

“The guys are not all hung over from the night before,� Simon said. “We’re doing things to prepare to win the game.�