Florida State Routs BYU

ByABC News
August 27, 2000, 2:22 AM

J A C K S O N V I L L E, Fla., Aug. 27 -- Not bad for an old guy.

Chris Weinke did more than stand back in the pocket and throwtouchdown passes: The 28-year-old quarterback ran, blocked and evenknocked over the opposing coach as No. 2 Florida State openeddefense of its national title with a 29-3 victory over BYU inSaturday nights Pigskin Classic.

Weinke wasnt his usual accurate self, but he hit on 32 of 50passes both career highs for 318 yards and two touchdowns. Healso ran 21 yards the longest of his career to set up a thirdscore, a 6-yard double reverse in which he threw the key block.

We did some good things, but we had a couple of missed fieldgoals, a couple of missed opportunities, said the 6-foot-5,slimmed-down-to-229-pound Weinke. We know we could have gottenmore points but you cant be disappointed when you win. We know wehave some more work to do.

Defense Dominates

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, in gaining career win No. 305,said the offense was inconsistent, but praised the defense, whichlost many of its stars from last seasons title team.

The game surprised me, Bowden said. I thought it would bea high-scoring game since our offense performed so well leading upto the game. Our defense had struggled all preseason, But ourdefense played just beautifully.

Anchored by defensive end Jamal Reynolds, who caused a safetyand had two sacks, the Seminoles intercepted three passes,recovered a fumble and totaled five sacks against BYU quarterbacksBret Engemann and Charlie Peterson.

The Cougars had 79 yards in the first halfminus-13 rushing -and finished with 225 total yards.

Theyre incredible, said Engemann, who was 12 of 28 for 139yards and two interceptions. If they dont win the championshipagain this year, Ill be surprised.

Rips Running Game, Kicker

Bowden isnt as confident. He criticized his teams runninggame, which produced 57 yards; and his kicker, Matt Munyon, whomissed two field goals and an extra point.