1999-2000 SEMIFINALS
#1 Florida State (12-0) vs #4 Alabama (11-2)
#2 Virginia Tech(12-0) vs #3 Nebraska (12-1)
Florida State 37 Alabama 23 (FSU wins 72.3%, avg. score = FSU 29.7 BAMA 22.0)
With the score tied 23-23 midway through the fourth quarter, Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke threw two late touchdown passes, as the Seminoles pulled away to defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide 37-23 to advance to the national championship game. Travis Minor spearheaded the FSU rushing attack, gaining 127 yards on 19 carries. Wide receiver Peter Warrick hauled in 7 receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Alabama wasn’t able to generate much offense the entire game. Both of their touchdowns came in the first half on short drives. The Florida State defense limited Alabama to 102 rushing yards on 48 carries. The always reliable Sebastian Janikowski was a perfect 3 for 3 on his field goal attempts. Here is the fourth quarter drive that put the Seminoles ahead:
Virginia Tech 36 Nebraska 7 (VT wins 72.3%, avg. score = VT 24.9 NEB 17.2)
Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said his team played well in all three phases of the game, but it was their special teams, nicknamed “Beamer Ball” that stole the show in a victory over Big 12 champion Nebraska, sending the Hokies to the national championship game. The special teams accounted for 24 of Virginia Tech’s 36 points, with kicker Shayne Graham connecting on five field goals, and Rickey Hall’s 59 yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Bud Foster’s defense limited Nebraska to a season low 12 first downs and 197 total yards. The Hokies’ rushing attack, lead by Shyrone Stith, churned out 300 yards on 66 carries, enabling Virginia Tech to also dominate the time of possession. Quarterback Michael Vick only attempted 8 passes, but completed 7 of them for 103 yards, together with 64 rushing yards.