Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 4, 1995 TAG: 9510040104
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Now, the Hokies (2-2 overall, 2-1 in the Big East Conference) get a couple of supposed sparring partners - Navy and Akron - the next two weekends.
``We get a couple weeks' chance now to work out all the kinks before we go down the stretch,'' said Chris Malone, a senior guard. ``We're looking at the next two games, especially on offense, to pull together and get this thing sorted out before we go into the last four Big East games. Now's the time to get it right and find an identity.
``We need to score about 50 points to start feeling good about ourselves.''
A fellow senior, linebacker George DelRicco, conceded the Hokies would like to knock out on somebody. The sooner the better.
``It would be great to get things really rolling - the offense put a lot of points on the board and [the defensive unit] get a shutout,'' DelRicco said. ``That would be the ideal situation.''
The next two opponents should supply the punching bags for Tech. The Hokies are an early two-touchdown betting choice over Navy (2-2) in Saturday's game in Annapolis, Md. Tech will be at least a four-touchdown pick over Akron (1-3) in Blacksburg on Oct.14.
If things go according to form - no more Cincinnatis - Tech will be 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big East heading into a stretch of four conference games before winding up at Virginia on Nov.18.
If that's the case, the Hokies would need only a split of their last four Big East games to finish 4-3 and secure the required six victories over NCAA Division I-A opponents to qualify for a bowl.
And you can take it to the bank that a 4-3 record this year in the Big East is going to be good enough to grab one of the league's four tie-in bowl bids.
The players can't help but look at the schedule and see what's happening.
``It's hard because, as a player, I know I look at it,'' said Jay Hagood, a junior offensive tackle. ``But I think at Tech it's more self-pride for us to be 8-3 or 9-2. There's more self-pride with us, because then we can have that respect we've been earning the past two years.
``Just having six wins, just enough to go to a bowl ... I don't think we'd be satisfied with just that.''
STRONG `OX:' Heralded sophomore tailback Ken Oxendine doesn't seem to be as concerned as others that he has carried the ball only 14 times in two games since breaking his right hand during preseason practice.
Despite averaging 8.6 yards a carry, Oxendine has seen limited duty behind senior starter Dwayne Thomas.
The Chester native accepts his role.
``In high school [Thomas Dale], I really didn't get on that straight-up roll until my second year on the varsity level,'' he said. ``I'm getting my time well; I'm showing what I can do. It's only a matter of time where I'm going to be let loose.''
Oxendine broke a 41-yarder against Miami and a 35-yarder at Pitt. His two-year numbers at Tech: 379 yards on 47 carries, which computes to 8.1 yards per rush.
``Any running back would be satisfied with those numbers,'' Oxendine said.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB