THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, November 3, 1996              TAG: 9611030203
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: FRANK VEHORN
                                            LENGTH:   50 lines

[BRIEFS]

Well, at least Duke managed to cover the point spread

DURHAM, N.C. - Virginia tackle Todd White wouldn't call names, but he had a suspicion that ``someone'' on the Duke sidelines had a put a wager on the outcome of Saturday's game.

The Cavaliers won, 27-3, but Duke spoiled the shutout when Blue Devils coach Fred Goldsmith ordered a field goal in the final seconds instead of going for a touchdown on fourth down at the Virginia 4.

``I was surprised they didn't go for seven until someone told me that the spread on the game was 27 points,'' said a laughing White.

``When I heard that, I said, `someone, maybe someone on THAT (Duke) sidelines, must have had a bet on this game.' ''

Virginia coach George Welsh said he was surprised Duke went for the field goal instead of trying for the touchdown.

``But that's his (Goldsmith) choice,'' Welsh said. ``Whatever.''

Defensive coordinator Rick Lantz said a shutout would have been nice for his unit but he understood Duke going for whatever points it could get.

``I don't blame them. I would have done the same thing,'' Lantz said.

Barber misfires on sure TD pass

Tailback Tiki Barber had a chance to complete the first touchdown pass of his career when he over threw a wide-open Bryan Owen late in the third period.

It was the first time the Cavaliers have used the play, where Barber fakes an end run, pulls up, and throws the pass.

But why put the trick play on display in a game that the Cavaliers had under wraps?

Welsh said other teams might have to play Barber more straight up knowing the play is now in the arsenal.

Duke mark

When turnovers and Barber's wayward pass cost Virginia scoring opportunities in the second half, it became the first time this season that Duke has held an opponent scoreless for a full half.

Hot receiver

Virginia wide receiver Germane Crowell's four catches for 87 yards give him 10 receptions for 213 yards in his last two games.

Sack man

Virginia defensive end Duane Ashman had a pair of sacks to give him a total of 21 for his career. His is only the fourth player in Virginia history with 20 or more sacks. by CNB