THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 30, 1994 TAG: 9410300185
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB MOLINARO
DATELINE: MIAMI LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
A year ago, Virginia Tech's football team left the Orange Bowl after scoring two points.
Saturday, the Hokies managed a field goal against the Mighty 'Canes of Miami.
Progress it is, even if the latest installment in this lopsided series goes to reinforce a common theme.
Were the Hokies badly whipped?
Michael Fay wasn't caned this hard.
``It's deflating,'' said Tech assistant coach Gary Tranquill, whose offense was used as live bait by the Miami defense. ``But let's face it, we're not as good as this football team. That's obvious.''
As obvious as Miami tackle Warren Sapp in the Hokies' backfield, or a flying tackle by linebacker Ray Lewis, who was everywhere and anywhere he wanted to be on a hot, humid Florida afternoon.
Lewis is a homegrown talent from Lakeland, orange grove country. In Miami's 24-3 victory, he pounded the pulp out of ball carriers and pass receivers, making a game-high 17 tackles and returning an interception 25 yards to light the fuse on Miami's final touchdown drive.
Lewis arrived at Miami predicting that he'd become the Hurricanes' greatest linebacker. He may be already.
``He's a madman on that field,'' said Sapp. ``He's around every tackle, every play.''
So, it seemed, was Sapp. The All-American zapped Tech's Maurice DeShazo for two sacks and a deflected pass.
In person, clearer than on TV, even the untrained eye can't help but notice the superior speed Lewis, Sapp and the other Miami body snatchers bring to a game. Tech, which finished with minus-14 yards rushing, never had a clue. It was as if the Hokies were running in Florida swamp water, while the Hurricanes raced downhill on skates.
``We tried to mix up personnel on them,'' Tranquill said. ``We tried to change up formations. But they just line up and kick your butt.''
Over in the businesslike Miami locker room, Sapp, sounding slightly incredulous, said, ``They were trying to throw the ball. That's what we do best, defend the pass. You wanna pass against us, c'mon.''
Miami, ranked No. 6 before the game, is feeling frisky. The 'Canes' defense has not allowed a touchdown in 10 consecutive quarters.
``We always knew we had the best defense in the country,'' Sapp said. ``Now we've picked it up another notch. We're kicking it home.''
After being kicked around, Virginia Tech's players greeted the disappointment with resignation. Going in, they told themselves they belonged on the same field with Miami. Anyway, they hoped they did. But they weren't sure.
``We thought we were in Miami's league, but today's game showed that we're not,'' said Antonio Freeman, the Hokies' best wide receiver. ``They're in the upper echelon, and we're a couple steps behind.''
Even so, from almost the very start, it was obvious that this was not going to be an elegant football game. On both sides, there were enough botched plays and dropped balls to fill a bloopers reel.
Miami's Frank Costa and DeShazo threw so many bounce passes, their names could have been Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Off this game, neither would warrant a tryout with an arena football team.
Costa, though, went into the game with a built-in edge. He didn't have to face Miami's defense. As good as Tech's defense is, there are no Warren Sapps or Ray Lewises lurking in Blacksburg.
``We got our ass whipped,'' said Tranquill.
He didn't sound surprised. by CNB