FSU vs PSU (Orange Bowl) - Official thread

[DaddyBigBucks]

Kip, how was the attendance at the ACC championship? I know it's hard to tell on tv, but it looked like there were more than a few empty seats. The only reason that I'm asking is that it leads to a bigger question. Do these conference championship games really draw or is it a tv thing? Does the average fan travel to a conference championship game or save it for the bowl game? If a playoff system is ever implemented, these factors should be considered. And, since I'm off topic, I will root for the Big 10 in this one.

I too am interested in hearing Kip's take on this, but I can give you the report from Tallahassee...

The Official Seminole Radio Station (1270 WFLA) reported that tickets were being sold outside of the stadium for $10 half-an-hour before kick-off.

I listened to their daily sports show last night so that I could give you a more general impression of Seminole Nation than what I posted earlier. They are indeed confident about the Orange Bowl, but they are way too busy basking in "The Glory of Seminole Football" (their phrase, not mine) to do more than mention the upcoming game. Most of the callers to the show were complaining about and analyzing the reasons why they didn't play as well earlier in the year. PSU is an afterthought at this point.

 

[kippy1040]

The Public Address announcer said that the attendance for the game was around 70,000.I was very surprised when they said that. I also looked around and did not think there was 65,000 in Altell Stadium. Some FSU fans were overheard saying alot of them did not make the trip from Tallahasee because of the ways the Noles badly at Florida the week before. VaTech travels well and they support thier team. They were confident of a win also. Now they lose and have to come back to play against Louisville in the "Gator Bow" but they will come back again. The Noles had a down year. More was expected of them in pre-season but lets face it, Injuries can really hurt your chances. Some Nole fans don't think Penn State is as good, as they are rated. They think they can beat Penn State Now. And last saturday night they didn't think they had a chance against VaTech. Go Figure.

 

[kippy1040]

One more thing that i wanted to add to this thread. We all had a conversation about conference playoffs and if they are fare or not. To alot of those people in the BIG12 and SEC, they are right about one thing - why should you want to travel so far to a conference playoff, one month before a bowl game - was the issue. And thats a good point.

It costs money to travel, lodge and pay an outrageous price for a ticket. Knowing you are going to have to do it all over again 4 weeks later. I don't blame some of the Nole fans for not coming but thier (SeminoleNation) has alot to be desired compared to The BuckeyeNation. We have been around a hell of a lot longer as far as Tradition goes. The only difference is that in the BIG10 we dont have a conference playoff to hassle over yet. If ever we do have a playoff system in the BIG10, then it might be a diiferent story.

 

[dwimmer38]

I am beginning to think I may take a long shot and bet on the Noles to win the bowl game. This type of news makes me think that Penn State players are extremely disappointed about playing a 4 loss team and perhaps are over confidant:

There was something missing at a function on Wednesday that had been billed for days as a gabfest between Penn State coach Joe Paterno, his players and the media about the Orange Bowl. The players didn't show up.

Players had also been scheduled to talk with reporters this past Sunday, after the Orange Bowl matchup was announced, but that was canceled at the last minute, too.

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

TWO WORDS

LIBERTY BOWL

We were very disappointed to be going to a cold-weather city to play some service academy in a lower tier bowl. Air Force was happy to be there. You know the rest of that story.

That having been said, I would be surprised if that attitude cost PSU the game outright. FSU has there own problems, and they are a long way from having the air-tight execution of a service academy team.

Sure, their talent is better. Shoot, their talent is capable of having gone undefeated through the schedule they had.

In spite of that talent, Jeff Bowden's offense will be lucky to score. Mickey Andrews defense might keep it interesting for 3 quarters; but don't count on it.

This may be a case where PSU's disdain for their opponent is warranted. We'll just have to wait and see which FSU team shows up.

ACC Champ. team: PSU by 10
Florida game team: PSU by 40
​

 

[Onebuckfan]

I will watch because its an interesting match-up, but with the sound-off, 3hrs. of aJoe Pa, Bobby Bowden lovefest is more than I can take.