Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, September 23, 1995                   TAG: 9509260109
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SPORTS MAILBAG

Sports editor:

After reading Randy King's account of the Virginia Tech-Cincinnati football game in the Sept.17 edition of The Roanoke Times, I wasn't sure if the Hokies had actually played another team that day, or they just happened to play so poorly they lost to themselves 16-0.

Granted, it was a terrible day weather-wise, and the field wasn't in great condition because of this. However, that's part of football when it's played outdoors. Both teams have to deal with those conditions. And the fact of the matter is the Cincinnati Bearcats put a whipping on Virginia Tech in their own stadium. I think what caused the reaction on the part of the Tech players and coaches I read in this article is they completely took Cincinnati for granted, as a pushover opponent, someone they could show up for and beat handily.

If they had done their homework, they would have realized the Bearcats had lost two close games to strong opponents, including a last-second defeat at the hands of Kansas State, 23-21. Also Tech could not imagine that it would be 0-2 at the start of the season, and the disappointment is coming out in various statements.

I must admit I did not attend the game, so I only have the account of some friends who were there and the newspaper story. Yes, apparently Tech made some unforced errors. On the other hand, perhaps some of the mistakes and poor play on their part were due to Cincinnati's performance. This was not reflected anywhere in Mr. King's account of the game.

About the only credit the Bearcats were given was in the actual account of what happened. I am a University of Cincinnati graduate, but because of geography and regional television, I don't get to see them play very often. It's my understanding that Cincinnati is using a stunting, hard-to-read defense this year that has been part of its solid play so far. Mr. King did not even mention this. The Tech players and coaches talked about how you can't win when you don't block, tackle or catch the ball. No Kidding! What a revelation.

And the coaches, including Frank Beamer, were apologizing for the performance, pointing out that it wasn't really the other team that won, it was the Hokies who, gosh-darn, just didn't play to their potential. I believe the term I've heard to describe this behavior is ``sore loser.'' Virginia Tech players, coaches and Randy King, you were defeated by the Cincinnati Bearcats by 16 points.

I have no personal axe to grind with the Virginia Tech football team. I was happy for them last year with their very successful season. But guys, let's be fair when things don't go your way. And give your opponent, no matter where it is rated, some credit for their performance. As far as Randy King's coverage, perhaps he's been on the Hokie beat a little too long.

JAMES W. NEWBERNE JR.

RADFORD

Wrong number for Beamer, Tech

Sports editor:

I have been a faithful Hokies season ticket holder for the past 25 years and believe this past Saturday's game with Cincinnati was about the worst game I have witnessed at Lane Stadium.

The game plan stunk, the players were flat with no intensity and the execution was horrible.

Coach Beamer is apparently spending more time with his other job, selling long-distance telephone service, than he is coaching football. If he doesn't think his six-figure income is enough, maybe Virginia Tech should find someone else who would coach football full-time and have a good game plan with the players sky high to hit someone.

GEORGE A. McCONNELL

DUBLIN