Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 26, 1994 TAG: 9408260072
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: TALLAHASSEE, FLA. LENGTH: Medium
``We've reached the point now where we won't be satisfied with anything else,'' said the 64-year-old Bowden, whose 1993 team captured the school's first national title with an 18-16 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska. ``We've had a taste now.''
Led by Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward at quarterback, the Seminoles finished last season 12-1 - their bid for perfection spoiled by a 31-24 defeat at Notre Dame.
The Irish, Miami and Florida again appear to be the major obstacles to Florida State's hopes of a repeat.
``We're going to have to stay healthy to get by that schedule,'' Bowden said.
He also worries about his Atlantic Coast Conference rivals, who are anxious to halt Florida State's flawless 16-0 mark since coming into the league two years ago.
Bowden is counting on his defense, which was the toughest in the country to score against last year, to again be among the nation's best.
``This is probably the fastest team we've ever had, particularly on defense,'' he said.
Bowden ranks linebacker Derrick Brooks, cornerback Clifton Abraham and defensive end Derrick Alexander among the best players in the country at their positions. Brooks will miss the first two games of the season for accepting gifts in violation of NCAA rules.
Guard Patrick McNeil, a four-year starter, will sit out the first three games for a similar violation. He'll miss games at Maryland and Wake Forest that follow the Sept. 3 home opener against Virginia.
Although Bowden lost the most prolific offensive player in school history when Ward graduated, he thinks the Seminoles have a solid replacement in junior Danny Kanell.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Kanell was named the ACC's offensive player of the week in his only start a year ago after throwing for 341 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-20 victory at Maryland while Ward rested sore ribs.
Kanell will benefit from the protection of an experienced offensive line.
``The offensive line could be the thing that saves us this year,'' Bowden said.
Receivers Kevin Knox, Matt Frier and Tamarick Vanover must be replaced but Kez McCorvey - the third-leading receiver in school history - is back.
Sophomore tailback Warrick Dunn, who rushed for 511 yards and a 7.5 average as a freshman, averaged more than 14 yards a catch last season.
by CNB