Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 30, 1994 TAG: 9412300102
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B8 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: SHREVEPORT, LA. LENGTH: Medium
It had been 10 years since Texas Christian University played in its last bowl game, and coach Pat Sullivan was not going to let a small thing like a 10-point loss to Virginia in the Independence Bowl ruin this football season.
The Cavaliers throttled highly regarded TCU quarterback Max Knake, opened a 17-point lead, and settled for 20-10 win in a muddy, rain-drenched Independence Stadium.
But Sullivan, a former Heisman Trophy winner (1971) and most valuable player in the 1970 Gator Bowl, the 1971 Sugar Bowl, and the 1972 Senior Bowl and College All-Star Game focused on the positives Wednesday night.
``I couldn't be more proud of our team,'' Sullivan said. ``We weren't quite good enough in a couple of areas tonight, but then Virginia was very good. We got to the door, and just didn't quite get through.
``It makes you sick to lose, but there's kind of an inner peace when you think about what [TCU's players] stand for and what they've done.''
Sullivan, in his third year at the Fort Worth school, has seen his team's record improve significantly each season. TCU was 2-8-1 in 1992 and 4-7 last year, before jumping to 7-5 in 1994.
``We can't use the field [as an excuse],'' Sullivan emphasized, but his team's numbers belied that statement.
Knake, who threw for more than 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns during the regular season, completed just 8 of 24 throws for 65 yards against the Cavaliers. His longest completion was a 22-yarder.
The number-one ranked passer in the Southwest Conference, and seventh-ranked nationally, was just 4-of-18 after three quarters. He blamed the loss on his lack of preparation.
``Sure the conditions were terrible,'' Knake said. ``I've never played in anything like it. The rain, the wind, the ball was slippery. But still, I played bad.
``I didn't prepare for this game right, and it showed on the field.
``I guess after the [Texas] Tech game [a 24-17 Horned Frogs victory on Nov. 25], I just got too cocky. I thought it would carry over, and it didn't.''
Knake was complimentary of UVa's defense. ``I can understand why they're ranked so high,'' he said. ``They make big plays.''
TCU running back Andre Davis, who rushed for 1,494 yards during the regular season, gained 103 on 24 carries against the Cavs.
``I'd rather have gotten the win and not the 100 yards,'' Davis said. ``Virginia's got an active defense - kind of like Kansas or [Texas] A&M. They're not as fast as A&M, but they're good.
``At least we got experience out of this game. This was a stepping stone for TCU. It will make us stronger next year.''
by CNB