Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511200099
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Perhaps the most intriguing matchup in today's game at Scott Stadium will be Tech's stout defense versus Virginia's star junior tailback, Tiki Barber.
Something will have to give. Tech's defense is second in the nation against the run. Meanwhile, Barber has rushed for a school-record 1,339 yards.
``I think Tiki is probably the best we've faced all season,'' said Frank Beamer, Tech coach.
Barber has run for 100 yards or more eight times this season. Tech has permitted only three teams to hit 100 yards rushing.
``I'd put him right at the top among backs we've faced,'' said J.C. Price, Tech senior defensive tackle. ``He's a special player having a special year.
``The main thing we're going to have to do is tackle. And we're going to have to tighten our chin straps against that offensive line. It's big, its experienced. Last year, they pounded us.''
UVa's offensive linemen average 280 pounds, approximately 25 pounds per man heavier than Tech's defensive front. The Cavs used the advantage to run up 249 yards on 60 attempts in their 42-23 romp over Tech in Blacksburg last season.
``We know they pretty much dominated us last year,'' said Brandon Semones, Tech junior linebacker. ``They did rub it in a little bit, so it's a real pride thing for us defensively.''
LINE BATTLE: Over the past month, as it choked one opposing offense after another, Tech's defensive line confidently began to promote itself as "the best in the country.''
Obviously, the boasts of Tech's D-Line have been heard in Charlottesville.
"I think the motivator for us is to see if we can block the best defensive line [in] the country,'' said Jason Augustino, UVa's 6-6, 281-pound left offensive tackle.
FAVORITE'S ROLE: When asked about Virginia being a 4-point favorite, Beamer quickly threw the gauntlet on the Cavaliers.
``That means they should win the football game,'' Beamer replied. ``I tell you, we need to play a heck of a lot better than we did last year to be in the game. Anytime you can beat 'em, you'd better do it.''
MAJOR CONCERN: One of Tech's biggest concerns defensively is UVa's tall receivers working against the Hokies' short defensive backs.
Except for 5-10 senior Pete Allen, all of the Wahoos' primary receiving targets are 6-2 or better. In contrast, Tech starting cornerbacks Larry Green and Loren Johnson are 5-7 and 5-10, respectively.
``If we don't get a pass rush on [Mike] Groh [UVa quarterback], we're worried about their taller receivers going over our small corners for the ball. That's hard to stop.''
BRAGGING RIGHTS: After Tech lost to UVa last year, Hokies flanker Bryan Still said he had to take a lot of razzing from an old buddy, ex-UVa strong safety Carl Smith.
``I never want to lose to UVa,'' Still said. ``Because I know a lot of those guys and I don't want them rubbing it in. Carl rubbed it in last year. One of my other buddies, Ray McKenzie, plays up there now, so I don't want to hear his mouth after this game.
``I don't really hate [the Cavaliers] ... there's no need to hate 'em. But I don't think either team wants to lose to the other.''
TURNOVER STORY: Turnovers have plagued Tech against UVa the past four years.
The Hokies have turned the ball over 16 times in those four games, including eight last year. Meanwhile, UVa has given up the ball only six times.
In Tech's only victory in the series the past four years - 20-17 in 1993 - it turned the ball over once compared to twice for UVa.
Virginia's plus-11 turnover margin ranks 12th in the country. Meanwhile, Tech is minus-1, a very uncharacteristic statistic for an 8-2 team.
by CNB