Sports: FSU quotebook

FSU quotebook

By Compiled by Times staff writer

COACH BOBBY BOWDEN: "I think we're better than I thought."

BOWDEN ON PLAYING FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: "I'll leave it up to the computer. That thing better not betray me."

QUARTERBACK CHRIS WEINKE ON THE HEISMAN TROPHY: "Obviously, I don't control that. What I have been able to control is done now. I brought it on the field. It's in other people's hands now. I've given it my best shot the last 12 games and hopefully that's going to be good enough."

WEINKE ON HAVING THE FLU: "I wasn't feeling any pain. I don't plan to throw up after the game -- at least not from the flu. In a game of this magnitude, it's tough to feel any pain really."

LINEBACKER BRIAN ALLEN ON THE NOISE: "A lot of people talk about Texas A&M and their "12th Man,' but I think that with our "12th Man,' Doak Campbell Stadium is one of the toughest places in the country to play."

ALLEN ON THE DEFENSE: "To shut down a powerhouse like the Gators, it's just a great feeling. Since we lost there (in The Swamp) in 1997, we have been playing more disciplined as a defense. We just played assignment, disciplined football out there tonight."

TIGHT END RYAN SPRAGUE ON THE WIN: "It's a great feeling. It compares to the Virginia Tech game last year, the feeling and the accomplishment and the joy that comes with it."

SPRAGUE ON THE POST-GAME FEELING: "It was just one of those things. I didn't want to leave. It's our last game, our last time on the field."

RUNNING BACK TRAVIS MINOR ON HOW BIG THE GAME WAS: "Coach (Bowden) talked to us, and he was like, "This is one of those games where you're going to have to play through pain.' "

MINOR ON BEING INJURED: "I felt if I could get to 80-75 percent, the crowd, the adrenaline would take care of the rest."

CORNERBACK TAY CODY: "We knew Florida is going to make big plays. When Florida plays FSU, it is always about big plays. I think we just had a great game plan and disguised our defense well."