Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 29, 1994 TAG: 9412290111
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: JACKSONVILLE, FLA. LENGTH: Medium
When the Virginia Tech offense lines up against Tennessee in Friday's Gator Bowl, the Hokies' plan is to go back to the basics of smash-mouth football.
It's a mode of attack that makes an offensive lineman drool.
``I love it,'' junior guard Chris Malone said Wednesday. ``We need to line up and run the football again. It sure worked for us last year. And I don't see any reason it can't work again.''
When Gary Tranquill left for Michigan State three weeks ago, Tech was quick to can most of its former offensive coordinator's complicated scheme.
It makes sense, too. After finishing 10th among 107 NCAA Division I-A schools in rushing (242.8 yards per game) in a record-setting 1993 offensive season, the Hokies fell to 58th under Tranquill, running for 156.8 yards per game.
``Some people wonder why we would change something that worked so well,'' said Maurice DeShazo, Tech's quarterback. ``No doubt, I've thought about that. About everybody has, I guess.''
With head coach Frank Beamer calling the plays Friday night, look for the Hokies to run more, especially the option with shifty DeShazo in the lead and junior tailback Dwayne Thomas trailing.
``This is more our type [of] football,'' Malone said. ``We're cutting a lot of the motion out and sticking with less formations. It's much more simple and easier for everyone to run, especially for Maurice.
``I think the Tranquill offense was the perfect offense, but we didn't have the personnel to run it.
``We've gone back to what we used to do, and it has been pretty effective in practice so far.''
In 1993, the Hokies ran more and scored more, averaging a school-record 36.4 points per game. Under Tranquill, the Hokies' more sophisticated attack couldn't match numbers with the blue-collar '93 system.
Of course, Tech had more firepower up front last year. The Hokies lost two guys who are in the NFL - consensus All-America center Jim Pyne (Tampa Bay) and tight end John Burke (New England) - and tackle Chris Barry, who had an NFL preseason tryout with Philadelphia.
``There have been a lot of growing pains,'' said Malone, of Tech's 1994 bunch up front. ``We've started two guys [left tackle Jay Hagood and right tackle Mike Bianchin] who never started before, two guys who never really played that much. Now they've got 11 games under their belt. They've come a long way.
``I think Mike played a great game against Virginia [a 42-23 loss in the regular-season finale]. He stopped [All-ACC defensive end] Mike Frederick and you really didn't hear about it because of the score. And Jay is a good athlete who just needs to get a little meaner out there.''
If the Hokies' offensive line needed a burr shoved under its saddle, it has gotten it this week. Since the two teams arrived Monday, the local media attention has been riveted on the Volunteers' massive offensive line. Some experts are predicting four of the five Tennessee starters will be NFL draft picks.
``We've just gotten tired of hearing about them all the time,'' Malone said.
Tennessee has heard all about Tech's intentions of going back to power ball again.
``If they can line up and run right at you, that's what they would like to do for 60 minutes,'' said Larry Marmie, the Vols' defensive coordinator. ``Their offensive line is big and physical, so they're very much a power football team. Power is what they feel best about, what they hang their hat on. Thee are not a finesse offense, not at all. Our first priority has to be defensing their running game.''
The Hokies hope to keep it on the ground, and in the process, keep the Vols on the run.
``We need to get down and dirty and block some people,'' said Billy Conaty, Tech's center.
``That's how we did it last year. We lined up, put the other guys on their rear ends and ran right at them. Hopefully, we can do it again.''
by CNB