THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 16, 1995 TAG: 9509160403
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer likes to say a football team makes the greatest improvement between the first and second games.
He hopes Tech illustrates that today.
The Hokies host what once looked like a breather at noon when Cincinnati visits Lane Stadium. Based on the Bearcats' performance in their first two games, Tech had better not look past the game sandwiched between the opener against Boston College and Miami next week.
``What's important right now is that we improve as a football team,'' Beamer said. ``We have to improve to have the type of year we want to have. This is a key ballgame in this season as far as I'm concerned.''
Cincinnati, 2-8-1 a year ago, was rated the 87th-best team in the nation in the preseason by The Sporting News, 84th by Sports Illustrated. But the Bearcats pushed 21st-ranked Kansas State to the limit last week.
Cincinnati scored a go-ahead touchdown with 44 seconds left, only to lose, 23-21, when the Wildcats scored a touchdown on the game's final play.
``Cincinnati presents a challenge to us,'' Beamer said. ``They average 265 yards throwing the football. One area we didn't perform very well in at times last week was pass defense.''
The Hokies surrendered 273 passing yards and three aerial touchdowns in the 20-14 loss to Boston College. Dating back to last season, recent opponents have had success moving the ball in the air against Tech.
The Hokies have lost three in a row and four of their last five. They dropped out of The Associated Press rankings this week for the first time during the regular season since Nov. 7, 1993.
``We have to come out and prove we can be the defense we anticipate being,'' said Tech rover Torrian Gray, one of 10 returning defensive starters. ``We think we can be one of the top defenses in the nation. Our defensive front is playing really well, so if we step it up in the secondary we can be a real special defense.''
Gray and his secondary mates all played virtually the entire game against Boston College. The backups - three true freshmen and a redshirt sophomore - will need experience at some point.
``I think that's very critical,'' Gray said. ``We still have a lot of games to play this season, and one of those guys may have to step in and contribute.''
The Hokies go into the game without two top offensive players. Starting tailback Ken Oxendine remains sidelined with a broken hand, and flanker Bryan Still is out with a separated shoulder.
``That's two pretty good players to have over there beside us, but hopefully they'll be back for the Miami game,'' Beamer said. ILLUSTRATION: GAMEWATCH
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