THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 3, 1994 TAG: 9409030626
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
For the first time in Virginia Tech's football history, the Hokies start the season in the national rankings and are regarded as one of the nation's top teams.
Beginning at 4 p.m. today at Lane Stadium, the Hokies have to prove to Arkansas State and everyone else the rankings are correct.
``We're all excited about this,'' Tech linebacker George DelRicco said. ``You always want recognition, but you can't change anything you do. You have to approach every game like it's the most important game of the season.''
Well, this one is not.
The season opener for both teams should be Tech's easiest game. Virginia Tech is ranked 21st by The Associated Press, while Arkansas State is just plain rank. Sports Illustrated rated the Big West Conference Indians, 2-8-1 last year, 104th of 107 Division I-A programs.
So the Indians should serve as the first of what the Hokies hope many of their opponents are this season - stepping stones to greater degrees of recognition and respect.
``I like the (ranking) a lot,'' Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said. ``We want to be a top team in the country year-in and year-out.
``I think you use it as an incentive. That's where you try to get to. It's a goal for Saturday: People respect us this amount, let's move up. Once you get to a certain level and you're ranked in a certain spot, you are playing for more.''
And playing with more on your mind.
``Now you add a little pressure, but I think we want that pressure,'' DelRicco said.
Expectations are higher than in any of Beamer's first seven seasons at Tech, and rightfully so.
The Hokies were 9-3 last year and Independence Bowl champions. Twenty-two of the 31 players who started at least one game last season return in 1994. Back from the school's best-ever offense are players who produced 100 percent of last season's passing yards, 93 percent of the total offense, 90 percent of the scoring, 87 percent of the rushing yardage, 71 percent of the pass receptions and 68 percent of the receiving yards.
Tech is regarded as a challenger for the Big East Conference title.
One other nugget: The Hokies' 66-man offensive and defensive three-deep chart includes just eight seniors, and only one senior will start on defense today.
``Basically we're a fairly young football team,'' Beamer said.
Arkansas State is young when it comes to Division I-A. This is the Indians' third season after moving up from I-AA, and it's been a struggle so far, with only four victories. The highlight probably was the Indians tie against Mississippi State of the Southeastern Conference last season.
``They want to show they can play Division I-A football,'' Beamer said.
And the Hokies have something to show as well, beginning today. by CNB