Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 24, 1994 TAG: 9411040010
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Central Michigan, a Division I-A program in the Mid-American Conference, will replace William and Mary on UVa's schedule in 1996.
Virginia has exercised a cancellation clause in its contract with William and Mary at a cost of $40,000 for games in 1996 and 1998.
Contracts had not been signed with VMI for a proposed two-game series in 2000 and 2001.
``I know better than most what these games mean to William and Mary and VMI,'' said Virginia athletic director Jim Copeland, once the AD at William and Mary, ``but we feel this is a decision that must be made in the best interest of the Virginia football program.''
Virginia has played VMI more times, 81, than any other opponent. UVa and William and Mary will meet for the 31st time next week and will play in the 1995 season-opener.
Copeland said the Cavaliers made the move because the NCAA requires six victories over Division I-A opposition for bowl consideration and because of a new television agreement the ACC has signed with ABC and ESPN.
``We're negotiating with another I-A team that is more prominent than Central Michigan,'' he added, apparently referring to 1999.
Arizona will come to Scott Stadium for the second game of a home-and-home series in 1998. UVa is looking for two opponents for 1999, at least one of which would be an intersectional foe in the mold of Arizona, Penn State or 1995-96 opponent Texas.
Sources indicated that Virginia has held discussions with Penn State, an opponent in 1988-89, but talks have stalled.
by CNB