Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 26, 1993 TAG: 9308260045
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press and staff reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Hokies coach Frank Beamer said his first-team units will play against a scout team impersonating Bowling Green for a half. Then, the starters will play against second-team units.
"We feel like it's important to get more reps against good people," Beamer said. "[With scout teams] you're getting reps about what Bowling Green is doing, but the scout team guys certainly are not what Bowling Green is."
The 7 p.m. scrimmage at Lane Stadium will be under game conditions, from coaches using headsets to a full Big East Football Conference officiating crew. It is not open to the general public.
Beamer said the scrimmage is unlikely to affect the depth chart much. Tech appears ready to start three true freshmen on defense: free safety Antonio Banks, cornerback Larry Green and end Cornell Brown.
"It's a little bit scary," Beamer said. "But they're players."
Beamer also said a decision is forthcoming on whether receiverAntonio Freeman, cornerback Tyronne Drakeford or receiver Steve Sanders - all starters - will be the main punt-returner.
\ NO LONG ROAD TRIP: Japanese promoters asked West Virginia and Virginia Tech to play their 1994 game in Tokyo, but school officials said Wednesday it's not likely to happen.
"I doubt if Virginia Tech and West Virginia will be playing each other in Japan," said West Virginia athletic director Ed Pastilong.
Danny Monk, Virginia Tech's associate athletic director, said moving the game would have a"devastating economic impact" on Blacksburg.
"If West Virginia is interested in moving their home game against Virginia Tech in 1995, then we would be happy to consider it along with them," Monk said.
Monk did not say how much the Japanese offered Virginia Tech.
Pastilong said the Mountaineers were guaranteed about $100,000, or the same amount they will receive for laying the Big East Conference game in Blacksburg. He said the Japanese would pay both teams' travel and lodging expenses.
Neither Monk nor Pastilong identified the Japanese promoters.
by CNB