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Brown Wrecks Hokies

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By DOUG BLACKBURN

The Tallahassee Democrat

Published: October 26, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Everette Brown was disgusted with his play in last week's 26-17 win at North Carolina State.

Florida State's defensive end is feeling a lot better this morning.

Brown was a one-man wrecking crew in FSU's 30-20 victory against Virginia Tech on Saturday, recording three sacks and an additional takedown for a loss among his five tackles.

"I came out with a chip on my shoulder," the 6-foot-4, 248-pound junior said. "I wanted to show I can be a leader on this defense."

He did. Time and again.

For the first time this season, Brown inexplicably found himself facing one-on-one blocking against the Hokies. He attributed it to the pressure being applied by his teammates on the defensive line.

"When I get one-on-one, I have to win," Brown said. "It's a must-win."

FSU coach Bobby Bowden was relieved to see the defense harass Virginia Tech's quarterbacks.

It started on the first play of the game when linebacker Toddrick Verdell took down Tyrod Taylor for a 4-yard loss. Taylor injured his left ankle on the play and never returned.

"We kind of got on our rushers last week because we didn't get any sacks," Bowden said. "I'm glad to see them step up."

Taylor, a scrambler whom FSU struggled to bring down last year, gave way to pocket passer Sean Glennon. That set the stage for Brown to take aim on Virginia Tech's No. 2 quarterback, who he sacked three times, including twice in the third quarter when FSU rallied to take the lead while holding the Hokies to a total of 2 yards of total offense.

The last time an FSU player had three sacks in a game was Alonzo Jackson against Louisville in 2002.

"Everette Brown is a tremendous athlete," said Verdell, who had a team-high seven tackles. "He's big and he's strong. He was making plays all game long today."

Said Brown: "Once you get one, you start looking for the next one. I kept licking my chops. I was trying to create havoc all night."

Brown, an avid basketball player, initially likened a sack to a dunk. Then he leaned back in his chair in the postgame interview room, smiled and came up with what he thought was a better comparison.

"I call it a breakfast moment," he said. "You know when you come into the kitchen in the morning and you close your eyes and smell breakfast?

"That's what it's like with a sack. You get up and close your eyes and listen to the crowd's reaction."

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