ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610280150
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C10 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: TALLAHASSEE, FLA.
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
THE CAVALIERS RUNNING BACK becomes the first opponent to have three 100-yard rushing games against Florida State.
Nobody had to tell Tiki Barber that he was the first running back to have a run of more than 14 yards against Florida State this season.
``It was plastered all over our locker room all week,'' Barber said. ``I knew if our offensive line came out and fired off the ball that we'd have some long runs. I knew I was capable of something longer than 14 yards.''
Barber proved that on Virginia's second possession, when he gained 25 with one of his vintage cut-back moves. He added a 48-yard touchdown run on the final play of the first quarter, then later had a 21-yard run.
Barber carried 21 times for a season-high 150 yards, but it didn't make up for an inconsistent passing game as third-ranked Florida State held off the Cavaliers 31-24.
``It's tough losing,'' Barber said. ``It's always tough losing, but I feel pretty good about the way we played. Three or four big plays were the difference in the game. Otherwise, we played 'em tight and had a chance to win.''
Florida State had given up only 220 rushing yards in its first five games and no running back had rushed for more than 81. Indeed, no individual had rushed for more than 100 yards against the Seminoles since Barber had 193 last year.
Moreover, Barber became the first Florida State opponent to have three 100-yard rushing games against the Seminoles. He had 84 yards by the end of the first quarter and 112 at the half.
``We knew the key to them was their running game,'' Florida State defensive end Reinard Wilson said. ``I haven't seen a lot of 100-yard games here and that was a pretty good one.''
Said defensive tackle Greg Spires: ``He said he was going to get 100 yards and he did it. That guy was tough. He was the best we've played against all year.''
It was the seventh consecutive 100-yard rushing game for Barber, who has 154 carries for 909 yards for the season, a 5.9-yard average. He averaged 7.1 yards Saturday against a team that previously was giving up 1.1 yards per carry.
``What else can I say about him,'' said UVa head coach George Welsh, who, when informed that Barber had rushed for 150 yards, added. "Maybe that says it all.''
Barber pushed his career total to 2,938 and moved past Tommy Vigorito into third place in UVa history. Terry Kirby stands first at 3,348 yards, followed by Johnny Papit at 3,238.
``I have a lot of confidence in our offensive line to open holes,'' said Barber, who spent the latter stages of the game blocking as UVa tried in vain to move the ball through the air. ``But, it's going to be tough winning, just running the ball.''
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: DON PETERSEN STAFF Tiki Barber takes off on a 48-yardby CNBscoring run in the first quarter during Virginia's 31-24 loss to
Florida State on Saturday. KEYWORDS: FOOTBALL