Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 5, 1993 TAG: 9309050272
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: from staff and Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Redshirt freshman Jamie Sharper started at linebacker for Virginia Saturday at Maryland in the absence of fifth-year senior P.J. Killian, who has a sprained knee.
Killian was hurt Aug. 26 in UVa's final preseason scrimmage, but the workouts are not open to the public and head coach George Welsh declined to tell the media about the injury.
Killian, who was in street clothes on the Virginia sideline during the Cavaliers' 43-29 victory over the Terps, is not expected to be out of action for any length of time. Sharper was credited with 10 tackles, second on the team behind Randy Neal's 13.
\ Blame the coaches
Virginia junior wide receiver Larry Holmes, returning from a year's academic suspension, caught two passes on UVa's first possession against Maryland but fumbled on a kickoff return and a punt return.
Neither bobble cost the Cavaliers because Maryland's Ken Lytle missed a 29-yard field-goal attempt after the kickoff return and the Terps were called for interference on the punt return.
Welsh, who had an animated discussion with Holmes after the second fumble, said it was a coaching mistake to allow Holmes to play deep against the Terps' inexperienced kickers.
\ Orange incentive
Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Phil Elmassian said he's dubbed the starting unit "Big Orange" - as in, a carrot for the players to chase. "We've created that. It's special to be on the Big Orange," he said. "That's going to bring everyone up. . . . We're going to go back and compete again, go right up until Thursday [for starting spots]. It's called being competitive, making everyone better."
\ A good beginning
For years, N.C. State coach Mike O'Cain dreamed of becoming a head coach. He envisioned his first game being played in the afternoon under bright sunshine and blue skies.
This game started at night in pouring rain.
"It could have snowed 10 inches and it wasn't gonna mess this day up," O'Cain said.
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by CNB