Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 23, 1995 TAG: 9511240051
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
This will be Virginia's second appearance in the Peach Bowl, which will be played at 8 p.m. Dec.30 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Cavaliers defeated Purdue 27-24 in 1984, when the game still was played at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
``It couldn't have been a better choice for us,'' coach George Welsh said in an evening teleconference to announce the invitation and acceptance. ``It was very exciting in 1984. It would be nice to repeat.''
The Cavaliers (8-4), co-champions of the ACC, had been anxiously waiting for the invitation since dropping their final game to Virginia Tech 36-29 on Saturday.
There was speculation the Peach Bowl was waiting for the outcome of today's Georgia-Georgia Tech game with an eye toward inviting hometown Georgia Tech to the bowl.
Albert Tarica, chairman of the Peach Bowl, said the Cavaliers had no worries.
``Georgia Tech was never an issue,'' Tarica said. ``We had an opportunity to get a conference co-champion. Georgia Tech is not a conference co-champion.''
The Cavaliers beat Georgia Tech 41-14 during the season.
The Peach Bowl held off issuing the invitation believing the Bowl Alliance wanted the invitations all to go out at the end of the season.
When the Gator Bowl issued an invitation Monday to Clemson, the scenario changed.
``We felt that to make sure there were no misunderstandings,'' Tarica said.
The Cavaliers most likely will play No.23 Arkansas (8-3) if the Razorbacks lose to No.3 Florida on Dec.2 in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Another potential opponent is No.21 Alabama (8-3), which is appealing a NCAA ban on postseason appearances.
by CNB