DAVIE, Fla. -- Virginia Tech's football players were dealt a surprise appetizer of "Big Tuna" before their lunchtime Orange Bowl practice on Monday.

Two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Parcells, who signed a four-year contract last Thursday to become the executive vice president of football operations for the Miami Dolphins, showed up at the Hokies' workout at Nova Southeastern University.

Parcells, who led the New York Giants to Super Bowl titles in 1986 and 1990, talked with Tech coach Frank Beamer for approximately 12 minutes as the Hokies stretched for practice.

At Beamer's request, Parcells then ambled onto the practice field and delivered a brief message to a kneeling semicircle of Tech players.

"I'm looking for reliable and dedicated people who come to work every day," Parcells told the highly attentive group of players.

"I've been following your program personally over the years, not just this year, but the last 15 years. I'm not looking for party boys and dope smokers, you know those guys. I'm looking for guys who are dependable."

After noting he had coached some ex-Tech players and liked how they went about their business, Parcells warned the team that Kansas was the underdog in Thursday's game and that it should be prepared for a fight.

Adding he was a "defensive guy," Parcells said, "So you defensive guys better get after their [tails] Thursday night. I'm going to be at the game and I'll be watching. Good luck."

Beamer said Parcells called John Ballein, Tech's director of football operations earlier Monday, to ask if was OK for him to visit the Hokies' practice.

The Dolphins' practice facility and administrative offices are located approximately 150 yards away from the Nova field.

Upon his arrival, Parcells sought out Beamer, who, in turn, asked him to talk to the team.

"A guy that's been where he's been, and for your kids to hear that message is good," Beamer said.

"Most of those kids out there are trying to get to the pro level. For him to tell them what he's looking for as he starts to rebuild this program down here, I thought it was a good message."

Flattering question

When a reporter preceded a question about the Hokies possibly overlooking the Jayhawks because "year in and year out Virginia Tech tends to find its way into these BCS Championship-type games" while Kansas is a BCS newcomer, Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster said, "Well, it's kind of nice to have people talk that way about us. I guess we live in a bubble in Blacksburg. If we're looked at that way, then I'm proud of that."

Mind on game

Tech junior cornerback Brandon Flowers told reporters at Monday's bowl news conference that he's not going to let his impending decision on whether to enter April's NFL Draft early be a distraction for Thursday's game.

"I gave my commitment to these guys on this team to do my best and help us win this game," Flowers said.

"All my focus is on the game, and then afterwards I'll worry about it. I definitely want to have a great game."

Flowers noted he's interested in seeing Aqui Talib, the Jayhawks' junior star corner who also is pondering the thought of going pro early. NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has Talib rated first and Flowers fourth among junior corners.

"I want to see him play and I know he is the same," Flowers said. "It's definitely going to be a showdown Thursday night when both of us take the field."

Not in awe

Brandon McAnderson, the Jayhawks' brutish fullback who has run for 1,050 yards and 16 touchdowns this year, said the media is making too much about Kansas possibly being intimidated by being on the big stage.

"I laugh at that," McAnderson said. "It really doesn't matter how big the game is. At Texas A&M, they have 90,000 cadets going crazy, but no matter what ... it's just a game. No matter how big the stadium and how crazy the venue, it's just a game."