THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 5, 1996 TAG: 9609050550
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER ACC NOTES
LENGTH: 97 lines
Virginia coach George Welsh says there was no controversy about selecting fifth-year senior Tim Sherman as the starting quarterback over sophomore Aaron Brooks.
Welsh, offensive coordinator Tom O'Brien and quarterbacks coach Joe Krivak agreed Sherman had the edge.
``There really were no big discussions about it, either '' said Welsh.
Still, Brooks will get the chance to prove the coaches wrong. Welsh promises to play Brooks in Saturday's opener against Central Michigan, and expects to give him more time the next two weeks against Maryland and Wake Forest.
JONES OUT: Shawn Jones, a redshirt freshman wide receiver from Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, is expected to miss the Cavaliers' opener because of a rib injury. Linebacker Wali Ranier also may sit out the game because of a sprained knee.
NO RED-SHIRT: Welsh says no deals were involved in his decision not to redshirt highly regarded freshman running back Thomas Jones, who won't get much playing time if Tiki Barber stays healthy.
``I never promised (Jones) we wouldn't redshirt him,'' Welsh said.
``We are going to use him because I think he can help us to win. Tiki can't play every snap.''
Jones also may be used to return punts and kicks.
WHY CENTRAL MICHIGAN? The Chippewas were one of few Division I-A teams available when Virginia decided to clear its schedule of I-AA teams a few years ago.
They replaced William and Mary.
Central Michigan opened its season last week with a 42-21 victory over Boise State. Two years ago, the Chips opened up by shocking Michigan State.
AROUND THE ACC:
Georgia Tech: Flanker Derrick Steagall will miss the entire season because of a knee injury.
``It's a sad situation because he had been playing so well,'' coach George O'Leary said of Steagull, who injured his right knee during Monday's practice. Sophomores Condrad Daniels and Mike Sheridan will contend for the starting job, O'Leary said.
O'Leary has named redshirt freshman Joe Hamilton to start at quarterback over sophomore letterman Brandon Shaw at North Carolina State on Saturday.
N.C. State: Quarterback Jose Laureano hasn't started his first game, but already he's a candidate for a comeback award.
``I can't tell you how far he has come since being within an eyelash of not being a part of this program after last season,'' coach Mike O'Cain said.
Laureano, a redshirt sophomore, says the difference is he quit partying and began concentrating on football and classwork.
Florida State: Get this, coach Bobby Bowden is worried about Saturday's opener against Duke.
``We are a prime target for an upset,'' moaned Bowden.
The No. 3-ranked Seminoles have three starters and a backup fullback sitting out suspensions in the first game and quarterback Thad Busby has missed several days of practice because of a sore arm.
Duke: Coach Fred Goldsmith is not encouraged by Bowden's concern.
``I've heard that talk from him before,'' said Goldsmith.
The Blue Devils have lost their last four games against Florida State by an average of 37 points.
Goldsmith is feeling better about the season, though, because of the way quarterback Dave Green has progressed.
``He has been consistent for some 20-odd practices,'' Goldsmith said.
North Carolina: The Tar Heels, after that 45-0 romp over Clemson, get the chance to play giant-killers again Saturday at No. 9 Syracuse.
Coach Mack Brown says the Orangemen are real giants, too.
``Their offensive line averages over 300 pounds and they can physically manhandle you,'' Brown said.
Clemson: Coach Tommy West didn't punch the panic button and start making lineup changes after the humiliating loss to Carolina.
Instead, West spent the first part of the week trying to get his players to understand what happened to them.
``When a team gears its defense to stopping our running game, we have to be able to hit some big passes,'' West said, ``and we didn't do that.''
The Tigers expect to do better in their home opener Saturday against Division I-AA Furman.
Maryland: The Terps again will stress the running game Saturday against the University of Alabama-Birmingham in preparation for their conference opener against Virginia on Sept. 14.
True freshman Harold Westley totaled 109 yards (57 rushing, 52 receiving) in last week's 30-6 win over Northern Illinois.
Wake Forest: Coach Jim Caldwell says there is no mystery as to how Saturday's opponent, No. 13 Northwestern, turned its program around.
``You recruit well, red-shirt your players, and play with a junior- or senior-dominated team,'' Caldwell said.
``The guys who have moved up to starting roles for Northwestern this year have been around for three or four years.''
Caldwell is using the same blueprint for his program, but for the most part is still playing with much younger players.
Meanwhile, defensive end Robert Fatzinger is out with a torn tendon in his right hand. Fatzinger underwent surgery Wednesday. MEMO: The Associated Press contributed to this report. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Fifth-year senior Tim Sherman got the starting nod for U.Va.'s
opener over sophomore Aaron Brooks. by CNB