SportsLine wire reports

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State struck a deal with Louisiana Tech for a football game Aug. 28 to fill a date left open after Auburn bought its way out of a previously scheduled contest.

Florida State, which will be a preseason favorite for the 1999 national championship, was paid $500,000 by Auburn when the Tigers begged out of the game slated for Thursday, Sept. 2. Instead, the Seminoles will play on the previous Saturday against the Bulldogs.

"Given the circumstances and timing of our search for an 11th football game, I think we are very fortunate to be able to play Louisiana Tech on national television on ESPN2 on the evening of August 28," Florida State athletic director Dave Hart said.

The Seminoles were left with just 10 games on their 1999 schedule when Auburn opted out of the game after a controversial season that saw coach Terry Bowden quit under pressure. Bowden's father, Bobby, is the legendary coach at Florida State.

Louisiana Tech lost potent receiver Troy Edwards to graduation but still has Tim Rattay, who was the national leader in passing efficiency among returning quarterbacks and the NCAA Div. I leader in total offense last season.

"The cooperation and assistance we received from our television partners, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the NCAA during this frantic process was very gratifying," Hart said. "The chances of landing a Division I-A opponent and maintaining a broad base of television exposure were not very good going into it."

THE GAME ALSO WILL MARK the debut of Bulldogs coach Jack Bicknell Jr. Bicknell took over when Gary Crowton left to become offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears.

"I also respect what (athletic director) Jim Oakes and his coaches are trying to do to build Louisiana Tech into a nationally recognized football program," Hart said. "We went through the road warrior phase at Florida State during Bobby's (Bowden) early years here and East Carolina went through it during my tenure there. Louisiana Tech has some outstanding skill players and they know how to play pitch-and-catch. The fans will enjoy it."

Louisiana Tech topped the country in passing offense, was second in total offense and ranked fourth in scoring offense last season. Florida State's defense backstopped the team to the Fiesta Bowl and returns seven starters. The unit led the country in total defense and pass efficiency defense and finished second in rushing yardage and points allowed.

The Bulldogs can boast a winning record in the all-time series, going 2-1 with wins in 1952 and 1953. Florida State won the most recent encounter in 1988.