ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 28, 1995 TAG: 9512280069
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Sugar Bowl Notes
DATELINE: NEW ORLEANS
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
The Virginia Tech and Texas players weren't the only ones who enjoyed their first swing on Bourbon Street on Tuesday night.
Obviously unable to resist their own temptations, the two teams' head coaches also decided to take a walk on the New Orleans' wild side.
``When we came here we said the players are supposed to have a good time,'' Texas coach John Mackovic said.
``But there I am trying to go out there and see what's going on. Then here came all the writers. They were trying to have a good time, too.''
After spotting many of his players, Mackovic admitted he rested a little easier after seeing several waves of Hokies cutting a swath on Bourbon.
``I was really not sure who would be leading in the have-a-good-time category,'' Mackovic said. ``Well, I think it's a draw after the first night in the head-to-head competition.
``The game promises to be more exciting, though, than what I saw last night.''
Tech coach Frank Beamer didn't possess the staying power of Mackovic. After having dinner in the French Quarter, Beamer returned to his hotel room where he was a rapid pass-out victim.
``My age caught up to me,'' Beamer noted.
BULLPEN STOPPER: Cornell Brown, Tech's All-American defensive end, has been the subject of much discussion for the Texas writers.
Beamer labeled the 6-foot-2, 246-pound junior as the ``closer'' on Tech's nationally rated defense. Brown finished third in the nation in sacks (14) and tackles for loss (25).
``When we were 2-8-1 (in 1992), we couldn't close the deal in the fourth quarters of games,'' Beamer said.
``Since getting Cornell, though, we've gone to three straight bowls and we've closed some deals in the fourth quarter. So to me, he's the closer.''
BUMPS AND BRUISES: Tech's growing injury list is topped by junior center Billy Conaty, who is engaging in his first full workouts since breaking his right ankle in the Nov.18 season finale against Virginia.
``Hopefully, [Conaty] is going to be able to play ... it's not definite,'' Beamer said. ``That kind of concerns us as much as anything right now.''
Most of Tech's hurts come on offense. Three players - split end Jermaine Holmes, tight end Bryan Jennings and guard Todd Washington - are trying to shake hamstring injuries, but are expected play. The outlook is not quite so positive for guard Gennaro DiNapoli, who is questionable due to a pinched nerve in his neck.
On defense, ex-Glenvar High standout Brandon Semones has been slowed by a nagging knee injury, but the linebacker is expected to play.
``For not practicing much, we've sure got a bunch of guys banged up right now,'' Beamer said. ``Right now, we're kind of the walking wounded. We've got a lot of guys hurting a little bit, but hopefully all are going to play.''
SUPERSTITIOUS SORT: Beamer said he will carry a lucky coin with him during Sunday's game. The coin was given to Beamer by an ailing 7-year-old boy who is distant family to the Hokies' coach.
``His name is Robin and he's my aunt's sister's daughter's son,'' Beamer said. ``He's going through some tough times right now with his health.''
SUGAR CUBES: Brown has racked up some frequent-flier points lately. Brown flew to California last weekend for the taping of Bob Hope's annual football All-American bash. Only hours after returning to Blacksburg, Brown was hustled off to Charlotte, N.C., on Monday night for the Football Writers Association of America banquet. ... From the small-world department, Mackovic said he discovered just this week that his nephew used to serve as a babysitter for Tech sophomore back Ken Oxendine in the Richmond area. ... When asked by a Texas writer if his program was destined to become ``Miami North'' of the Big East Conference, Beamer responded: ``In what way? If you mean football, I hope so.'' ... After a long night on Bourbon Street, numerous Texas players were hurting somewhat at practice Wednesday morning. More than one Longhorn conducted media interviews while lying down on the Superdome's carpet. ... Texas will dress 114 players for the game. Tech will suit up 96.
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. Texas quarterback James Brown loosens up at theby CNBSuperdome, where the Longhorns will face Virginia Tech in the Sugar
Bowl.