Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 25, 1995 TAG: 9508250104
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RICK WARNER ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Michigan will have a new look when it opens the college football season against Virginia in Saturday's Pigskin Classic.
Star players Tyrone Wheatley and Todd Collins have gone to the NFL. So has former coach Gary Moeller, hired as a Cincinnati Bengals assistant after Michigan forced him out following a drunken outburst at a restaurant.
But the losses haven't lessened expectations in Ann Arbor, where anything short of a Big Ten championship and trip to Pasadena, Calif., is considered a disappointing season.
``Anyone who writes this team off does so at his own peril,'' said Lloyd Carr, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach after Moeller's resignation.
The 14th-ranked Wolverines, who were 8-4 last season, should have another strong running attack despite the loss of Wheatley. His replacement, Tim Biakabutuka, gained 783 yards as a backup last season and averaged 6.2 yards per carry.
Replacing Collins at quarterback could be harder. Redshirt freshman Scott Dreisbach will make his first start against No.17 Virginia.
``The thing I like about Scott is his toughness,'' Carr said. ``He's not afraid to make mistakes.''
Despite his inexperience, Dreisbach should have confidence throwing to Amani Toomer, Mercury Hayes and Jay Riemersma, the Wolverines' three top pass-catchers last year.
``I have the best situation coming in,'' Dreisbach said. ``I look one way and see a great tight end. I look the other way and see two great wideouts lined up. That's pretty comforting to a guy in my situation.''
Virginia, once a doormat in the Atlantic Coast Conference, has become a consistent winner under coach George Welsh. The Cavaliers were 9-3 last season, their eighth consecutive year with at least seven victories.
With 15 starters back, the streak should continue.
Quarterback Mike Groh, the ACC's leading passer last season, returns along with the team's two top rushers, Kevin Brooks and Tiki Barber.
On defense, seven starters return from a unit that intercepted more passes and allowed fewer rushing yards than any team in the nation.
Groh said the Cavaliers are looking forward to playing in historic Michigan Stadium.
``Most of our guys have seen that stadium on TV and heard that fight song,'' he said. ``I think it will be exciting to play there.''
The Cavaliers won't be excited when the game's over. Look for Michigan, a 7-point favorite, to give Carr a winning debut as head coach ... Michigan 24-14.
The following day, No.12 Ohio State meets No.22 Boston College in the Kickoff Classic at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Ohio State's offense will feature Bobby Hoying, who tied a school record with 19 TD passes last season, and Eddie George, who rushed for 1,422 yards. Anchoring the defense are junior ends Matt Finkes and Mike Vrabel, who combined for 23 sacks in 1994.
Boston College, a 3-point underdog, has Mark Hartsell back at quarterback but must replace defensive standouts Stephen Boyd and Mike Mamula.
Both teams have brutal schedules, so an opening victory would be a nice confidence builder. ... Ohio State 21-14.
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by CNB