THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 11, 1995 TAG: 9511110667
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines
Coach Frank Beamer looks forward to big things at Virginia Tech, but forgive him today if he can't help but look back a bit.
Today could mark the confluence of two milestones that a couple years ago would have seemed unfathomable.
The first is at least a share of the Big East championship, which Tech can claim with a victory over league doormat Temple at 1 p.m. at Washington's RFK Stadium.
The second is a .500 mark for Beamer at Tech, where he was 24-40-2 and on shaky ground after six seasons.
A win today would give the Hokies three consecutive seasons of eight wins or more - a first in the school's 102 seasons of football - and lift Beamer's Tech record to 49-49-2. It is Beamer's 100th game at Tech, and first chance to break even since beginning the first season 0-2.
``It seems like we've been through a lot,'' said Beamer, who took over a program wracked by NCAA probation.
``After you go through probation and reduction of scholarships and tough schedules and higher admission standards; to come to one game and at least get it back to .500 and win the Big East championship at the same time, it's kind of nice.
``It hasn't been easy, I'll say that. But it's worked out here pretty good.''
For Tech's bowl hopes to work out the way it wants - as the Bowl Alliance representative in the Sugar or Orange - a win today is a must. The Hokies, guaranteed of at least a Gator or Carquest Bowl slot, are trying to ignore the bowl talk swirling around the program.
``I don't even understand the Alliance, so I don't think I could talk about it,'' quarterback Jim Druckenmiller said. ``I don't get into all that, especially right now. We all agreed now is not the time to think about it.''
Virginia Tech can lay claim to a title today for only the second time in school history.
The Hokies' lone Southern Conference championship was in 1963. Tech belonged to the Southern Conference from 1921-1965, then was an independent until joining the Big East in 1991.
Tech (7-2, 5-1 Big East), ranked 19th by USA Today-CNN and 21st by The Associated Press, on the surface seems to face no legitimate threat in Temple.
``Hey, we slipped against Cincinnati,'' defensive tackle J.C. Price said. ``If we're not ready to play a Big East title game, hey, don't bother making the trip.''
The Owls (1-8, 1-4) have finished last in the Big East in each of the league's previous four seasons. But, thanks to a win last month over Pittsburgh, are tied for sixth right now. And they have played some teams tough - last week's 10-9 loss to Boston College, the only Big East team to beat Tech.
``We've got a different Temple football team brewing,'' coach Ron Dickerson said. ``People that were at the (BC) game and that have seen us play the last couple weeks know the kids are playing hard and they're confident about their abilities.
``We've finally got some things going here.''
Progress yes, but Temple still ranks sixth or below in the Big East in each of the eight major offensive and defensive statistical categories except passing offense, in which it is fifth. The Owls are last in rushing defense and rushing offense - which doesn't bode well for them.
Tech leads the nation in rushing defense and scoring defense.
The Hokies are first or second in the Big East in seven of the eight categories - slipping to sixth in total offense.
They lead the league in rushing defense, scoring defense, total defense and rushing offense.
By this afternoon, they may be guaranteed at least a share of the lead in the most important category - the standings. ILLUSTRATION: [Chart]
GAMEWATCH
VIRGINIA TECH vs. TEMPLE
Where: RFK Stadium (55,683) in Washington, D.C.
When: 1 p.m.
Records: Virginia Tech is 7-2, 5-1 in the Big East; Temple is
1-8, 1-4
TV: None
Radio: WGH 1310-AM; WPTG 107.9 FM
Keys to the game: This one could get ugly quick. Tech has blown
out its last four opponents, winning by an average of 32 points.
Temple would need a slew of Tech turnovers and big plays on offense
and special teams just to make a game of it.
Favorite: Virginia Tech by 22
by CNB