Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 19, 1994 TAG: 9411210027
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
It was a game that piqued some pigskin interest in Richmond, Norfolk and Roanoke, where those in-season bowls were played. It often was a middling midseason meeting. The pregame jokes were better.
On a national level, well, the UVa-Tech rivalry just wasn't. It ranked right up there just above Kansas-Kansas State, a series in which the punt was purportedly invented.
Maybe that's because Tech and Virginia never have played for one of those rivalry trophies, like the Gelded Gold Gobbler or the Rusted Rotunda Replica. Maybe it's because VMI, Richmond and William and Mary helped the Hokies and 'Hoos fracture major-college football loyalties in the state until Division I-AA was expanded more than a decade ago.
Tech coach Frank Beamer always has opined that Tech and UVa could co-exist as successful programs if they could keep in-state high school players from outside recruiters. He said the differences between Tech and UVa - atmosphere, school personalities, communities - are a plus for state football.
``There's not a reason for a kid to leave the state of Virginia anymore, in my opinion,'' Beamer said. ``The evidence is we are both in the top 20 ... Whatever a kid wants in this state, we [Tech and UVa] have it.''
OK, it isn't quite yet Alabama-Auburn and likely never will be, but college football in this state has gotten big. Last year, the Hokies and Cavaliers were in the national rankings at the same time for their first kickoff in 75 meetings. For their lunchtime kickoff today at soldout Lane Stadium, Tech (8-2) and UVa (7-2) are poll-sitters in the teens.
``It used to have state implications,'' Beamer said. ``Now, it has national implications. It certainly has gotten bigger.''
There are bowls aplenty who not only have to take and will take the Hokies and Cavaliers, but want them. The Gator, Peach, Carquest and Independence will scout today's game, as will the Fiesta, which among the bowls is known as the grandkid of them all. Tempe, Ariz., is not scared about the outside possibility of Hokies or 'Hoos coming to town for a Fiesta. It's a city that's so far managed to survive Buddy Ryan.
Speaking of Ryan, it figures to be defense that decides this UVa-Tech game. Do not expect the 41-38 of two years ago. There might be more than the 37 points the teams combined for last season, but not many more.
The Cavaliers lead the nation against the run, and that's what the Hokies do best. Virginia's defense is strong up front and quicker in the back seven than in the past. Virginia leads the ACC in interceptions (19) and is second in sacks (29). The latter number is only two shy of the 31 UVa had in 1992, the senior season for quarterback crusher Chris Slade.
Tech's defense, despite the absence of injured veteran linebacker Ken Brown from the middle, will attack and blitz UVa's offensive front, much like Duke did in upsetting the Cavaliers two weeks ago. The Hokies are smaller up front, but have 34 sacks, and the only offense that ran through Tech was Syracuse, where the offensive line averaged 296 pounds per Orangeman.
Offensively, both teams have been great at scoring despite being inconsistent. In particular, each team struggled at quarterback the first half of the season. Mike Groh had some convincing to do to win the Virginia job, then refused to lose it to Symmion Willis. Maurice DeShazo finally settled down in a Tech attack with fewer options and has quit throwing to players in the other-colored jerseys.
Tech's young offensive line has been forced to shuffle personnel all season due to injury, and it's still not a healthy unit. If the Hokies can't keep UVa's up-front pressure off DeShazo, the Cavalier stoppers who allow only 59 ground yards per game won't be guessing as often. Yes, Tech's ground game is good, but so is North Carolina's, and UVa stuffed the Heels.
If Tyrone Davis' turf toe limits or curtails his play for UVa, it could make a bigger difference than Brown's absence in the middle of Tech's defense. The Cavaliers' 6-foot-5 career touchdown reception leader has the size and speed to make life troublesome for Tech's secondary in man coverage.
The Cavaliers seem to like throwing to 5-10 Petey Allen more. Tech hopes that's a trend that continues. On the other side, Tech's option game hasn't been as fearsome as last year. In most games, the most dangerous part of Tech's option has been the pitch, and it's been as dangerous to the Hokies as it has the opposition.
Tech appears to have the edge on special teams. Virginia's kickoff coverage has been mediocre at best. Hokies punt returner Antonio Freeman is a gambler who doesn't fair catch often, but UVa punter Will Brice has had only 10 punts returned this season for a nation-low 19 yards.
The hosts have the stronger leg in placekicker Ryan Williams, although don't expect the game to be won by a long field goal. Williams' longest FG this season is a 45-yarder. UVa booter Rafael Garcia's longest success is from 40 yards. The two are a combined 2-for-8 from the 40 and beyond.
Tech is a one-point favorite, based upon the game's location. The Hokies always seem to play this game with more emotion than the Cavaliers as well. When there's a fine line in football, emotion can mean almost as much as execution.
The pick here is Tech 24-23, but it's surrounded by so many hedges maybe they should play this game at Georgia.
by CNB