Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511200086
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I'm talking about the $20 million Lotto drawing, of course.
However, there's also a football rivalry that in recent years has evolved into a different kind of powerball. On the scraggly grass at Scott Stadium, Virginia Tech and Virginia will meet as nationally ranked teams for the third straight year.
They will settle plenty of wagers, but not their bowl destinations as at least co-champions in different conferences. The loser is likely to fall from consideration as a Bowl Alliance player, if either really is seriously being considered. The last two years, the loser has gotten the better bowl bid anyway.
``I know they're a lot better than they were a year ago, and they were good last year,'' said UVa coach George Welsh, who, as he winds down his 14th Charlottesville season, needs one victory to tie Bill Dooley as the ACC's all-time leader in coaching wins.
``During our time here [nine years], this is the best Virginia team we've faced, the toughest Virginia team we've faced,'' said Tech coach Frank Beamer, named Friday as one of six finalists for the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year award.
Neither is spouting coaching hyperbole.
There's a lot to like about the 13th-ranked Cavaliers (8-3) and 20th-ranked Hokies (8-2). That's why bowls that will combine to pay $39.6 million this year are interested. That's why $781,000 worth of tickets have been sold, at a series record $22 a pop. For those not among the expected overflow gathering of about 44,000, ABC's $720,000 payment will deliver the 77th renewal to 20 percent of the nation.
Virginia is favored, and should be. The Cavaliers have played the much tougher schedule. The NCAA computer ranks the Cavs' schedule 16th among I-A schools. The Hokies' schedule is 90th. With today's game, UVa will have played five ranked teams in a regular season for the first time.
Tech, however, is ranked second nationally against the run and has sacked opposing quarterbacks for 318 yards of losses. The Hokies are seeking a school-record ninth straight victory, and a 28.5-point average puts them third in scoring in Tech history, right behind the 30.5 of the only other Hokie club that won eight straight, the 1905 team.
The Hokies are superior to Virginia up front, on both sides of the ball, if only slightly on offense. The Cavaliers have a considerable advantage on special teams, unless you're counting the school record eight kicks the Hokies have blocked.
UVa has has punt-snapping trouble all season, but Will Brice is among the nation's best punters. Tech's deliberate-release punter John Thomas has been asking for a block in recent games. Virginia also has the place-kicking edge in Rafael Garcia, who booted a UVa-record five field goals in last year's win over Tech and has made 13 of his past 14 this season.
Virginia's pass defense continues making interceptions, but also continues to allow too much yardage and too many completions. The Cavaliers' pass rush isn't great, but coordinator Rick Lantz's move to a 3-4 in wins over Florida State and Maryland has helped in blitzing and coverage opportunities.
An injury to Tech senior tailback Dwayne Thomas hurts Tech only in its backfield depth. Sophomore Ken Oxendine should have been starting in recent weeks anyway because he's been the better back, and he finally gets that opportunity today. Thomas' absence just removes any potential controversy about making a change.
UVa's Mike Groh and Tech's Jim Druckenmiller are similar quarterbacks. Smart and steady. Tough. Druckenmiller has the stronger arm. The difference is that Groh has more experience. Druckenmiller is right now where Groh was last season.
The guy Tech is going to have to stop if it's going to pull an upset is an alumnus' son, UVa running back Tiki Barber. He's averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and is only 21 yards from the third-best rushing season in ACC history. Yes, Tech is allowing only 74.8 ground yards per game, and even if you add in the subtracted sack yardage, it's still an impressive 106.6 average.
However, Michigan is the only team ahead of Tech in rush defense, and the Cavaliers ran for 157 yards in the Pigskin Classic loss to the Wolverines. Georgia Tech is fourth nationally in rushing defense, with 87.3 yards allowed per game. UVa wrecked the other Tech it plays annually with 196 yards two months ago.
The Hokies haven't stopped UVa's ground game in years. In the last four meetings - UVa won three - Tech couldn't slow Virginia's march. The Cavaliers have 906 yards in 186 carries, or 227 yards per game. So, last year's 249 was no aberration.
The Hokies must hang onto the ball to win, and not many 8-2 teams are minus-1 in turnovers this season. On the other side, Tech has a superb defense, but Virginia has a better and more balanced offense than anyone else the Hokies have played this season.
Virginia, 26-20.
by CNB