DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 1997         TAG: 9709170646

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C5   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE:    - ED MILLER

                                            LENGTH:   70 lines

VIRGINIA TECH REPORT

Beamer says

Hokies won't look

past lowly Temple

An average football team might suffer a letdown after a big win over an opponent like Syracuse.

An average football team, looking ahead at a schedule that seems to provide nothing but smooth sailing, might overlook a perennial doormat like Temple.

But 2-0 Virginia Tech, ranked 18th in the AP poll, is not an average team.

At least, coach Frank Beamer doesn't think so. He says he'll know more after the Hokies face Temple Saturday.

``With average people, you'd see a letdown,'' Beamer said. ``One thing we've been good about the last few years is getting better as the season goes along.''

Looking past Temple is tempting. Ditto Arkansas State, Miami of Ohio and Boston College, the next three Hokie foes. In fact, after trouncing Syracuse 31-3 Saturday, the Hokies may not face a serious test until they travel to West Virginia Oct. 25. Miami and Virginia shape up as the only other serious challenges on the schedule.

You don't have to be Beano Cook to conclude Tech could finish the regular season undefeated.

Beamer has heard that talk and doesn't discourage it. But he doesn't want his players to get swept up in it.

``There's no harm in saying this team could go undefeated, and go to a great bowl,'' Beamer said. ``But this week is a very key week. It's the most important week in determining what our football team is all about.''

Victory would tie Beamer

with Dooley for most wins

A win Saturday would give Beamer 64 for his career and tie him with Bill Dooley for the most in school history.

Beamer, in his 11th season, is 63-51-2. Dooley was 64-37-1 in nine years.

Beamer was 5-17 his first two years and never entertained thoughts of catching Dooley.

``This is a strange business,'' he said. ``It's a week-to-week business. Things change around in a hurry.''

Only three freshmen are

likely not to be redshirted

The coaching staff will meet Thursday to decide which freshmen to redshirt.

All indications are that it will be a short meeting.

``If a guy hasn't played yet, we're probably not going to play him,'' Beamer said.

Only three true freshmen have played: guard Matt Lehr, offensive tackle Dave Kadela and tight end Derek Carter, a Smithfield High graduate. Three others, including guard Troy Smith, from Green Run High, have dressed but not played and will likely be redshirted.

Fullback Parker hurt,

but expected to play

Fullback Marcus Parker, who sprained his right knee Saturday, had fluid on the knee Tuesday and did not practice.

Parker was hurt in the first quarter but returned to the game.

``As long as I was running, it felt fine,'' he said.

Parker is expected to play Saturday, as is defensive end John Engelberger, who has a hurt shoulder, and will be limited in practice.

Engelberger had a team-high nine tackles against Syracuse. He has a team-leading 17 tackles on the season.

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