STAYING STRONG UP FRONT

DT Jerry Johnson chased down speedy Hokies QB Michael Vick in the 2000 Nokia Sugar Bowl. Johnson, an All-ACC First-Team pick that season, felt confident about the Seminole defense heading into the matchup. “I don’t think Vick has faced a defense as good as ours yet,” he said. “He’s very dangerous when he gets out of the pocket. … But I don’t think he’s going to do that against us. He’s got to get by our front seven first.” FSU’s defense forced three fumbles and recovered all to halt a trio of Virgina Tech drives, while also pitching a shutout in the crucial fourth quarter. For his part, Johnson had five tackles, including one for a loss.