THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 14, 1996 TAG: 9609140536
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESTNUT HILL, MASS. LENGTH: 52 lines
Virginia Tech likely would settle for any sort of win today against Boston College (12:30 p.m., ESPN), but Hokies coach Frank Beamer would prefer a good-looking one.
Last week's victory was of the ugly variety - 21-18 over a weak Akron team that was coming off a 30-point loss to Ohio University. The Hokies lost fumbles, gave up a safety on a punt return and dropped several passes. Beamer blamed the sub-par performance on inconsistency and youth.
``Just as Akron wasn't the same team their second game, I hope we won't be either,'' Beamer said. ``What's important for us is now we've got us a starting point and we can improve from here and become a consistent football team.''
Tech senior fullback Brian Edmonds is back after a one-game suspension for undisclosed disciplinary reasons, but backup tailback Marcus Parker remains suspended following a shoplifting conviction. With starter Ken Oxendine out with a separated shoulder, the Hokies will rely on freshman Shyrone Stith from Chesapeake.
``I have had to fill some big shoes,'' said Stith, who ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns last week when pressed into service.
The Eagles were one of two teams to beat Tech last season. But not long after, their seasons went in dramatically different directions.
Tech lost the next week, then won 10 in a row, including a Sugar Bowl victory. The Eagles were decimated by injuries - including five key starters lost - and a grueling schedule. BC finished 4-8, losing by 10 points or fewer to Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Miami.
BC opened 1996 with a come-from-behind win at Hawaii Aug. 31, then was off last week.
``It's a positive thing to have an extra week to get ready,'' Henning said.
Henning said Matt Hasselbeck will start at quarterback against the Hokies. It will be the second start for Hasselbeck, who came off the bench against the Rainbows in relief of Scott Mutryn with 9:33 to play. Hasselbeck led the Eagles to a touchdown, two-point conversion and field goal in the game's final 96 seconds for a 24-21 victory.
BC starters Kiernan Speight (sprained knee) and cornerback and tight end Scott Dragos (pulled hamstring) are expected to miss today's game after suffering injuries in Hawaii. Wide receiver Brandon King (broken hand) was injured in the preseason.
Tech knows a few things about BC's new defense, because its architect installed the same gambling, aggressive defense at Tech. Beamer said the Hokies have made subtle differences in technique and scheme since Phil Elmassian left two seasons ago, but essentially the teams run the same defense.
``There's no question about his ability to coach and there's no question about his ability to get a defense ready to play,'' Beamer said. by CNB