Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 19, 1993 TAG: 9309190150
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: D1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Jack Bogaczyk
DATELINE: MIAMI LENGTH: Medium
The Hokies' hopes to end Miami's 51-game Orange Bowl winning streak ended before kickoff Saturday. When you're a 16-point underdog, on the road against the nation's third-ranked team, a football team with superior speed and athletes and a school you've never beaten, a program with eight losses in eight years, you try something different.
Tech didn't. The Hokies were marooned by coach Frank Beamer's decision on the coin toss and in its offensive play-calling by coordinator Rickey Bustle from a game plan that apparently had no page for imagination or, apparently, first-down pass options.
There was no gambling until a too-late wideout reverse with a three-touchdown deficit, long after the Hurricanes (2-0) had clinched their 11th straight victory over the Hokies.
Tech's defense was tough - yes, good enough to win - but too tried and too tired in a 21-2 Big East Conference loss. By halftime, although Miami was averaging only 3.2 yards per play, the Hurricanes had run 43 plays from scrimmage.
Tech won the coin flip, and by electing to defer its choice until the second half, gave Miami the ball. "We wanted the wind, " Beamer said.
What the Hokies got was the wind knocked out of their defense on an afternoon that included a temperature of 88 and humidity of 63 percent at kickoff. Miami kept the ball so long you would have thought the Hurricanes were driving to Key West.
Twenty plays, 85 yards, eight penalties, in 11:06. Miami led 7-0. The drive lasted 28 minutes. By the time the Hokies got the ball, the sun had set on their chances. When Tech did get possession, it went nowhere - possibly because it didn't open up an offense that has been impressive since late last season.
Beamer remembered that last year at gusty Lane Stadium, Miami deferred and took the wind.
"The difference was that Miami stopped us last year, and we just didn't stop them today," Beamer said.
No, the difference is that Blacksburg isn't the Orange Bowl, where no other visitor has won in eight years, and Tech isn't Miami, which has won 31 of its past 32 games and will be playing in its 11th straight New Year's Day bowl this season.
"Basically, we'd rather play defense first," Beamer said, explaining his money decision.
That's a sound decision when you're playing someone you're in the same league with, but not against the Big East beast on the road.
Beamer also based his choice on Miami quarterback Frank Costa - he's no Kosar, Testaverde, Walsh, Erickson or Torretta - making only his second start. That was good food for thought, but here's more to chew on.
Defensively, the Hokies were playing without two of their injured starters in the secondary, including All-Big East cornerback Tyronne Drakeford - against a team that manages to run only to set up the pass.
Also, Tech came in with 1,160 yards in two wins to start the season. In six games since Miami won at Tech last year, the Hokies have averaged 503 yards. They've done it by attacking.
Beamer certainly isn't a conservative coach, usually. He regularly lets the Hokies go for it on fourth downs. His special teams are noted for their blocked kicks. In the booth, Bustle's calls in wins over Bowling Green and Pitt were bullish.
Tech had the ball only 6:24 of the first 23:10, but then started a drive from its own 18 with 6:50 left in the first half. The Hokies ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, ran, took a sack, ran and ran before punting.
No wonder Miami's swarming defense allowed only 176 yards. The Hokies trailed by only a touchdown at halftime, and the booing Miami fans raised 'Cane as the teams left the field.
Costa was battered by the second half, but he was more successful because he received better protection - perhaps because the Hokies chasing him needed that wind Beamer had chosen to use earlier.
Tech certainly wasn't blown away by the Hurricanes. The Hokies could run against Bowling Green and Pitt, but against Miami, they could have used some fresh air.
What the Hokies really needed against Miami, they never got. Their only chance was to take a chance.
by CNB