THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 13, 1994 TAG: 9410130615
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
Virginia tailback Kevin Brooks, who had his first 100-yard game of the season last week, may miss Saturday's game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Cavaliers coach George Welsh said a shoulder injury suffered in the second half of U.Va.'s victory over Wake Forest has prevented Brooks from practicing.
``We are hoping Brooks can get on the practice field and get some work,'' Welsh said during Wednesday's ACC media conference. ``My intention is to take him (Brooks) with us to Atlanta unless the trainer tells me on Friday that he is not going to be able to play.''
Regardless, Welsh said sophomore Tiki Barber likely will start because Brooks has missed so much practice time.
Brooks is the Cavaliers' top rusher, averaging 61.6 yards per game. Barber, who shares the position with Brooks, is averaging 60 yards per game.
The Cavaliers figure they'll need a good ground game against the Yellow Jackets, who lead in the ACC in pass defense and rank eighth in rushing defense.
Georgia Tech gave up its first passing touchdown last week against North Carolina.
WILLIS HOBBLING: Welsh said quarterback Symmion Willis, who suffered a pulled hamstring muscle against Wake Forest, is unable to run and is not expected to play Saturday.
``He (Willis) is a lot better, and his range of motion is improved, but he can't even jog yet,'' Welsh said. ``It is unlikely he will play, but if at the end of the week he is able to do some things, I probably will take him in case there is an emergency.''
Willis missed the Navy game last month because of another hamstring injury.
JACKETS HURTING: Georgia Tech has no sympathy for the injuries that have cropped up in U.Va.'s backfield. The Yellow Jackets, 0-3 in the ACC, have not been 100 percent since losing a close game to Arizona in the season opener.
Versatile Derrick Steagall became the third Georgia Tech tailback lost to injuries last week against North Carolina.
Junior college transfer Mel Bowers is out for the season with a knee injury, Jimy Lincoln separated his shoulder in the Yellow Jackets' second game, and Steagall broke an arm.
C.J. Williams, who has shifted from free safety to tailback, said his roommates were not as excited as he was about the move.
``They were like, `Why are you so excited? Man, that position is a deathtrap,' '' Williams said.
NO SURPRISE: Virginia coaches were not surprised that Georgia Tech's backup quarterback, Donnie Davis, was moved to wide receiver this week.
``He is too good of an athlete not to be playing somewhere,'' Welsh said. ``It was a little surprising they hadn't already been using him somewhere else.''
Davis lost the quarterback job to transfer Tommy Luginbill after missing spring practice because of shoulder surgery.
Davis was rated by many as the best high school quarterback in the nation four years ago, ahead of Eric Zeier of Georgia and Heath Shuler, now with the Washington Redskins.
WOLFPACK RECOVERY: North Carolina State is taking its first defeat of the season as just a bad day at the office.
``We didn't play well, offensively or defensively,'' coach Mike O'Cain said of the Wolfpack's loss to Louisville. ``Everyone is very disappointed, but I don't think our confidence is shaken.'' The Wolfpack expects to get back on the winning side Saturday against Wake Forest.
TWO FOR THE SHOW: Maryland didn't make any progress during an off-week in settling the quarterback question.
Coach Mark Duffner said the plan is to use both Kevin Foley and Scott Milanovich in Saturday's game against North Carolina.
You can't really fault Duffner for his indecision. After five games, Foley and Milanovich are averaging 118.4 yards per game each in total offense.
TAR HEELS BLUES: When North Carolina coach Mack Brown asked how many of his players did not feel well after Tuesday's practice, about two-thirds of them raised their hands.
Brown said a virus has gotten hold of his team.
``It is just something going through our area,'' he said. ``The players have headaches, sniffles, and just don't feel well.''
Brown said his players haven't been getting much rest, either, since they are in the middle of midterm exams. by CNB