THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 17, 1995 TAG: 9509170184
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Long : 101 lines
Virginia finally gave coach George Welsh a victory he could appreciate without reservation on a damp afternoon Saturday in Scott Stadium.
The 16th-ranked Cavaliers, in their most complete performance of the season, improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the ACC with a 41-14 victory over Georgia Tech (1-2, 0-1).
As they had in three previous games, the Cavaliers opened strong and led, 21-7, at halftime.
Unlike the other three games, though, they didn't let down in the second half.
``We have been ahead at the half before, but we just hadn't played well against anyone in the second half until today,'' Welsh said.
In fact, Virginia was up by a similar margin a week ago against North Carolina State at intermission but had to come from behind in the final seconds.
The Cavaliers led Michigan, 17-0, in the fourth quarter before losing on the final play of the game.
But all of that was history Saturday as the Cavaliers rallied behind the running of tailback Tiki Barber, the pass-catching of Pete Allen, and the defensive play of freshman linebackers Wali Ranier and Anthony Poindexter.
Barber, who had promised a 100-yard performance against a Tech defense that had yielded only 60 yards total in two previous games, delivered in style.
The junior from Roanoke rushed for 105 yards and a modern-day (since 1937) school record-tying four touchdowns on runs of 8, 3, 10, and 1 yards.
Allen, who had felt left out of the passing offense in the opening three games, caught four balls for 80 yards, including a 52-yard reception that set up Virginia's second touchdown early in the third period.
``I had no idea that I was going to touch the ball that many times,'' Allen said. ``It felt good. I've said all along I think I can help this team if I have the opportunity.''
Poindexter, a redshirt freshman, started in place of injured Jamie Sharper and had 11 tackles, nine unassisted, and forced one fumble.
Ranier, a true freshman had 12 tackles and one interception.
Veteran linebacker James Farrior added 10 tackles and recovered one fumble against an offense that had scored 60 points in its first two games.
Tech tailback C.J. Williams, who had rushed for 305 yards in his first two games, had only 59 on 18 carries.
The Yellow Jackets couldn't do much through the air, either, completing 13 of 31 passes for 118 yards.
``They had a big reputation, but they hadn't played against a defense like ours before,'' said defensive back Ronde Barber, who had his second interception of the season.
The defensive performance was a pleasant surprise for Welsh.
He had not thought the defense practiced well during the week, and he became more concerned when Tech swept 66 yards on its first possession for a quick 7-0 lead.
The Cavaliers promptly responded with a 78-yard drive and then the defense began to calm Welsh's concern.
Tech didn't score again until 1:17 remained in the game.
Welsh wasn't surprised the Cavaliers enjoyed a great rushing performance on the wet grass.
``We have a good line and good backs, so we expect to run on most people,'' he said.
Barber said he felt he had to carry the load after tailback Kevin Brooks suffered a knee sprain early in the second half.
``We talked at halftime about how we had to come out strong in the second half, and I think we did that,'' Barber said.
``We jumped on them just like we did in the first half.''
Barber shared credit for his yardage and touchdown with his offensive line.
``I could pretty much go where I wanted. I was just going with the flow,'' he said.
``I wish I could take every member of the line out to dinner. This is the best line I've had since I've been here.''
The knee sprain is the third injury of the young season for Brooks, who broke his hand against Michigan and has been slowed by a groin pull since preseason camp.
He said he did not think the knee injury was serious enough to keep him out of next Saturday's game at Clemson.
With Brooks hobbled, fullback Darrell Medley moved to tailback to relieve Barber and rushed for 59 yards on 10 carries.
Quarterback Mike Groh, who ran 3 yards for a second-quarter touchdown, left the game after throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to Germane Crowell in the opening minute of the fourth period.
Georgia Tech coach George O'Leary faulted his team for poor tackling.
``But credit Virginia,'' O'Leary added. ``The defense did a nice job and the offense was excellent.''
Not for just one half, either, but the entire game. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
U.Va.'s Tiki Barber rushed for 105 yards and four touchdowns
Saturday.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Virginia quarterback Mike Groh struggles through a tackle by Georgia
Tech linebacker Keith Brooking.
by CNB