DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 1997             TAG: 9710140457

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: STEVE CARLSON

                                            LENGTH:   79 lines

BIG EAST REPORT [BRIEFS]

Overworked, tired Hokies welcome another bye week

Virginia Tech has the rare opportunity in its off week to give its overworked first-team offensive line a breather, while the second-team line gets needed game experience.

The Hokies' next game is Oct. 25 against West Virginia, a game that could go a long way toward determining the Big East Bowl Alliance representative. Saturday marks the second of Tech's three bye weeks this season. Coach Frank Beamer thought that was too many when the season began, but he's warmed to the idea - especially as his offensive linemen have had to play complete games the last two weeks in energy-sapping heat.

``Our starters played every snap Saturday,'' Beamer said of the linemen. ``They need a rest, they need a blow, without question. That was becoming a concern.

``We've been able to substitute as we wanted to in the other positions, but in the offensive line we just haven't been able to do that. For those guys to get a little break in there, I think this off week probably comes at a good time.''

The second-team line, meanwhile, will participate in Friday's junior varsity game against Fork Union Military Academy. Normally the JV games are for walk-ons and other players way down the depth chart, but the backup linemen need the work.

JV game is a win-win

Beamer said he likes the JV games because it offers a chance for some deep reserves who might otherwise get overlooked.

``In every one of these games it seems someone kinda comes out and you say, `Wait a minute, let's look at this guy a little closer,' '' Beamer said. ``All of a sudden you see a guy playing against other competition and they can establish themselves in those type of games.''

It also gives Tech a chance to establish itself with potential recruits. In addition to Fork Union, the Hokies also have a JV game with Hargrave Military Academy. Tech has seven players who attended one of the two prep schools.

Hokies vs. West Virginia

In a scheduling oddity, both Tech and West Virginia are off the week before their showdown. Both teams are 5-1 overall, but Tech is 4-0 in the conference while West Virginia is 2-1 with a loss to Boston College, which the Hokies defeated last Saturday.

``They're both strong, physical teams that have many different ways to put pressure on you by their defenses, and many different ways to stretch you with their offenses,'' BC coach Tom O'Brien said Monday during the Big East coaches' teleconference. ``That's going to be a great football game. I don't know where they're playing, but maybe that will have something to do with the outcome of the game.''

It's at West Virginia, but in its last trip to Morgantown, Tech won 27-0. The Hokies have beaten the Mountaineers by a combined score of 92-20 the past three seasons.

Starved for a victory

Miami has won four national championships in the 1980s and '90s. Right now, the Hurricanes (1-4) would settle for winning a football game after dropping four in a row.

They have the second-worst overall record in the Big East and are in seventh place with an 0-2 league mark. Miami coach Butch Davis said he's received some support from the many former Hurricanes who have gone on to professional football.

``I've gotten letters and phone calls from maybe a dozen and a half or two dozen players around the country who are currently playing in the NFL offering suggestions,'' Davis said. ``I've gotten letters from Twan Russell and Kenard Lang from the Redskins saying, `Hey, hang in there.' ''

Quick hits

Virginia Tech linebacker Steve Tate was named the Big East defensive player of the week for his efforts in the Hokies' 17-7 win over Boston College. Tate was credited with 15 tackles, including seven unassisted. ... West Virginia tailback Amos Zereoue's 149.3 yards per game rushing leads the Big East by a comfortable margin and is fifth nationally. ... Rutgers (0-6, 0-4) continues to be in disarray. The Scarlet Knights lost 50-3 to Syracuse Thursday - they have now been outscored 276-64 - and on Friday athletic director Fred Gruninger resigned.

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