ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 22, 1996 TAG: 9609230142
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-6 EDITION: METRO
Coach Frank Beamer says enough is enough. He and his staff will have to devise a way to free up their most talented player, All-America defensive end Cornell Brown.
Brown, who was shackled by double and triple teams last week at Boston College, faced more of the same medicine Saturday against Rutgers.
"I think today probably showed people that we've got to move Cornell around a little bit,'' Beamer said. "We're making it too easy to get too many people on him. He's a great player ... and we've got to make them find a great player.''
Brown, who despite all the attention still managed to record eight tackles and two sacks, lit up when told Beamer's comments.
"I hope so ... I need that,'' Brown said. "It's frustrating out there, with the constant double teams. I want to make plays and it's difficult for me to make plays with two people on me at a time. It's hard, but I've got to keep fighting.''
SCREEN CITY
Tech's offensive game plan included a ton of screen passes to backs and wideouts. Many broke for huge yardage.
"We like to get those guys out there, get some blockers in front of 'em and let 'em loose,'' quarterback Jim Druckenmiller said.
Rutgers coach Terry Shea wasn't surprised.
"We worked very hard during practice this week to defense their screens,'' Shea said. "They do a wonderful job with their screens. We had a chance to make the tackles, but we just could not get the job done.''
BY THE NUMBERS
Tech's 516 yards total offense was its most in a Big East game since Oct. 16, 1993, when it amassed 552 in a 55-7 romp over Temple. ... Druckenmiller's 335 yards total offense eclipsed his previous high of 301, set last year vs. Pitt. The senior has thrown at least one touchdown pass in a school-record 12 straight games.
Brian Edmonds' 80 yards rushing was a career high. His previous high was 73, against Rutgers in 1994. His two pass receptions, measuring 29 and 32 yards, were the two longest of his Tech career.
Junior wideouts Michael Stuewe and Shawn Scales had their biggest days ever. Stuewe caught seven passes for 71 yards; Scales five for 61.
INJURY REPORT
Tech offensive tackle Todd Washington missed the final 81/2 minutes with a bruised right knee. Team physician Duane Lagan said Washington should be OK for Syracuse next week.
Lagan said junior tailback Ken Oxendine, who has missed the past two games with a separated right shoulder, will be ready for the Orangemen. Hokies running backs coach Billy Hite said Oxendine will start the game.
Junior linebacker Tony Morrison, who didn't dress Saturday because of a sprained left foot, also is expected to be ready for Syracuse.
NEXT OPPONENT
The Hokies travel to the Carrier Dome to face Syracuse. Kickoff for the televised game (WDBJ Channel 7) is 3:30 p.m. Syracuse, the preseason pick to win the Big East, was shocked 35-33 by Minnesota on Saturday night and is 0-2. The Hokies, who crushed the Orangemen 31-7 in Blacksburg last year, are 1-4 at Syracuse.
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