Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 31, 1994 TAG: 9408310037
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The big deal at Tech isn't the one sideline alumnus Frank Beamer was given Tuesday. His contract already ran through 1995. If the Hokies have the sort of season expected, Beamer would have gotten the new contract anyway, right? If he doesn't ... dum, da, dum, dum ... and this agreement doesn't change that.
So, why now? Maybe Beamer figures it gives his Hokies something else for which to play. Or, is it just more pressure? It seems silly to bring up job security when Tech is coming off a 9-3 season, an Independence Bowl weed-whipping of Indiana and has a spot in the preseason polls for the first time in history, but this is the sort of thing that happens in big-time college football states.
That's what Virginia has become, according to the polls and prognosticators. The Cavaliers should extend their streak of seasons with at least seven victories to eight. Only Maryland, with eight such successful seasons from 1973-80 has that many consecutively in ACC history. For the first time in Hokies history, there should be back-to-back bowl seasons.
Tech and UVa have built successful programs while maintaining tougher admissions standards and academic requirements than many of their conference peers. They are to be congratulated for that accountability and credibility, but what their fans really want to know is what they'll do on the field this year.
The prognosis for each is similar. Beamer and UVa coach George Welsh begin the season with concern about rebuilt offensive lines, where each has some talent, just not enough experienced depth. The crucial day of the season for the Hokies and Cavaliers won't be Nov.19, when they play in Blacksburg, but Sept.17, when each faces a conference foe with similar postseason plans.
Tech visits Boston College that day. Clemson goes to UVa. The winners would appear to have a legitimate chance for a second-place finish in the Big East and ACC, respectively. The trip to Chestnut Hill begins a huge Big East stretch of BC, West Virginia and Syracuse for Tech. With UVa opening Saturday at Florida State, the Cavaliers hardly can afford an 0-2 ACC opening.
Of the state foes, Tech begins the season as the better club. To look at the Hokies' roster, you'd think this was a rebuilding season because of the numerous sophomores and freshmen on the two-deep. However, Beamer, as he said Tuesday, likes ``playing young kids.'' OK, but not at quarterback.
Tech absolutely, positively cannot afford to lose senior Maurice DeShazo. Ditto for UVa behind center, where junior Symmion Willis has matured enough to do the right stuff, if he's given the time to do it. While they will be expected to produce big numbers, it is on the other side of the line of scrimmage where the Cavaliers and Hokies are best.
Even with the broken leg suffered in preseason practice by senior tackle Mark Krichbaum, Welsh's defense appears tougher. The linebacking trio of Randy Neal, Jamie Sharper and James Farrior is superb. Only the secondary is a question mark, but it will be better than expected.
Tech's defensive two-deep has but one senior, linebacker Ken Brown. Don't be fooled. If there's one thing the Hokies learned last year, it's that the defensive coaches love to keep the starters on the field. It's just that the starters may be different from week to week. And coordinator Phil Elmassian doesn't say ``Please'' before using the revolving door.
The Division I-A kicking in the state? Before the season's over, there may be more of these candidates kicking and screaming than in Virginia's race for the U.S. Senate.
For the Hokies and Cavaliers, any worse than an 8-3 record before bowling would - and should - make for disappointing seasons. Imagine that. In big-time football in Virginia, no longer is a winning season enough, unless you're talking contract.
by CNB