Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 8, 1995 TAG: 9511080078
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
Needless to say, ESPN's traveling party didn't include Lee Corso. If it had, the local authorities might have had a lynch mob on their hands.
Many Hokies backers still were infuriated Tuesday over comments made by studio analyst Corso on ESPN's Saturday night college football wrap-up show.
A few hours after Tech's 31-7 romp over Syracuse that virtually assured the Hokies of no worse than a tie for the Big East Football Conference title, Corso said, ``Virginia Tech is the worst nightmare than can happen for the Bowl Alliance.''
Corso, when reached Tuesday, confirmed he received several calls from upset Tech fans on his Sunday night national radio call-in show.
``First off, all this has nothing to do with the quality of Virginia Tech's program,'' he said. ``I just stated the facts. Fact is, the alliance bowls only care about how many TV sets are tuned in to their game. And let's face it, Virginia Tech doesn't have the TV appeal other schools have.
``Tech beat Miami, and it's probably a better team than Miami. But if [it is between] Tech and Miami, there's no way the Orange Bowl is going to pick Tech.''
Corso added if 19th-ranked Tech (7-2) beats Temple (1-8) on Saturday and 14th-ranked Virginia on Nov.18 it should get the alliance bid if it ends up in a Big East tie with Syracuse.
``The thinking there would be Tech hammered Syracuse late, so go with Tech,'' Corso said. ``In a tie, Syracuse doesn't have the advantage on Tech like Miami would.''
Tech coach Frank Beamer, who has fielded more than one call from alumni concerning Corso's statements, tried to throw some water on the fire Tuesday.
``I think Lee Corso does well ... he's entertaining, and to be in that position next year, I think you have to be entertaining and say things that get people's attention,'' Beamer said.
``I'm not sure that was a great statement. I guess the question I would ask is: `Why would the Orange Bowl put themselves in a position to be in an embarrassing situation because they pick third and fifth [in the alliance selection rotation]?' The Orange Bowl certainly wouldn't pick us unless they wanted to pick us.''
Beamer said he is confused whether the argument is over media-market size or national reputation.
``There are a lot of great football teams in this country that are from smaller media markets,'' Beamer said. ``If you're talking about national reputation, I think we're right in the middle, right in the thick of building a great reputation.
``In time, I think we'll be recognized as a prominent football program in the country. Right now, I think we're looked at as a program that's on the rise.''
For that reason, Beamer said he thinks the '95 Tech team is ``a story being made.''
``I don't apologize a bit for the way these guys play on Saturday,'' Beamer said. ``Offense, defense, special teams, they get after you, and, for the most part, play very well.
``I would think most bowls would like a team on the rise, a team that has great fan support.''
Tech quarterback Jim Druckenmiller, who was verbally attacked by Craig James, Corso's studio mate, before the Syracuse game, said all the bad-mouthing from the ESPN talking heads ``has maybe done us a favor.''
``I know I was fired up after what James said,'' Druckenmiller said. ``Maybe [what Corso said] will give us an extra spark that will help us.
``All I know is that every week now, I'm expecting something ... every time I turn on ESPN I'm expecting something to be said. I guess it's recognition no matter which way you look at it.''
THIEF 'FESSES UP: Druckenmiller's helmet, stolen during Saturday's postgame, on-field mayhem, was returned to the Tech quarterback on Monday.
``A guy called me up and he said, `Jim, I really feel really bad, but I've got your helmet.' I said to him, `Wow ... now can I like have it back?'
``Then he says, `Can I bring it to you? And if I do, you're not going to kick my butt, are you?'
``A little while later, I'm looking out the kitchen window, and I see these guys coming up to the door. They stood around a minute, debating whether to knock and leave or run or what.''
Druckenmiller invited the trio in the house for a ``couple of pictures and autographs.''
``One of the other guys had my mouthpiece in his pocket. He brought it out, and we laughed. I told him I'd better go back to the dentist and get a new one made.''
TECH TIDBITS: Syracuse's 54 rushing yards marked the fourth consecutive game Tech has held an opponent to 78 yards or less on the ground. In the past four games, Tech opponents have rushed for 190 yards on 140 attempts (1.36 yards per rush). The past two weeks, West Virginia and Syracuse combined for 69 yards on 65 carries (1.06 ypr). Tech continues to lead the nation in rushing defense (74.3 ypg) ... The Hokies, whose 12.2 points-per-game yield also is No.1 in the country, have outscored their opponents 78-14 in the fourth quarter. Last season, Tech was outscored 86-47 in the final quarter. ... Senior linebacker George DelRicco's 13 tackles against Syracuse enabled him to become the first Hokie since Mike Johnson (1981-83) to record 100 or more tackles in three consecutive seasons. ... Tech opened as 21 1/2-point favorite over Temple.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB