COLLEGE FOOTBALL / BOWL NOTES

Virginia Tech arrived in New Orleans more than a day ahead of Sugar Bowl opponent Florida State. “I think it’s important that we stay in a routine,” Coach Frank Beamer said. “We’ve never played in a game like this before, and we know what a challenge we’ve got.” . . . Southern Mississippi offensive coordinator Larry Kucek has been reassigned and won’t coach in the team’s Liberty Bowl game Friday in Memphis, Tenn., against Colorado State. . . . Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin missed the team’s first two days of practice this week for Sunday’s Fiesta Bowl against Nebraska while recovering from a viral infection, but is expected to return Wednesday. . . . Outland Trophy winner Chris Samuel of Alabama still isn’t sure if he will play Saturday in the Orange Bowl against Michigan because of an injured right knee.