ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 26, 1996 TAG: 9612260097
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: TECH NOTES
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
The Virginia Tech football team heads south today for its New Year Eve's bash with Nebraska in the 63rd Orange Bowl.
Although the oddsmakers figure otherwise, the Hokies hope to do more than simply show up for next Tuesday's party at Miami's Pro Player Stadium.
Yes, the Hokies would like to stick around this gig for a while. And maybe, just maybe, they'll be the last ones standing at the end.
``We've put ourselves in an opportunity to prove ourselves,'' said Billy Conaty, Tech's All-America center. ``Now it's up to us to do it.''
Not many think they can. The sixth-ranked Cornhuskers (10-2) were listed as a 17-point favorite Wednesday over No.10 Tech (10-1).
The Orange spread is the largest of any of the 17 major bowl games that will conclude with the Sugar Bowl on Jan.2.
The Hokies, however, don't seem to mind.
``We go into every game as little ol' Virginia Tech, no one knows about 'em,'' said Conaty. ``I think we like that role. Kind of being humble like, `it's just us, don't worry about it,' then we beat 'em.''
But this is Nebraska. Not West Virginia, Virginia or Texas.
``I think it's the best football team we've ever played,'' said Frank Beamer, Tech's coach. ``Certainly, it's the best defense we've ever played, certainly the best offensive line we've ever played.
``I think it's an honor you're playing Nebraska by yourself on national TV on New Year's Eve. That's part of it, but now you've got to go represent yourself.
``Boy, if you go down there and stink up the place, that doesn't help anything.''
Nebraska, which had its dreams for a third straight national title gutted by a stunning 37-27 loss to Texas in the Big 12 Conference title game, hasn't lost two games in a row since 1990, a span covering 74 games.
``I'm sure they're not going to want to lose two straight,'' Conaty said. ``Nebraska might not respect us, but even if they don't, they're not going to want to lose to us.
``You don't like playing a great team like that after they've lost a game. Chances are, they're not going to lose two straight.
``The odds are against us winning, no question. I don't think we've ever been underdogs like this. They're predicting a blowout. But that should relax us. We've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.''
BACKFIELD AUDIBLE: Because of the suspension of senior fullback Brian Edmonds, Tech has been forced to reshuffle its backfield for Nebraska.
Marcus Parker, who normally splits time with Ken Oxendine at tailback, worked out at fullback during the Hokies' four-day practice session in Blacksburg.
Parker, a junior from Salem, is no stranger to the fullback role. The 5-foot-10, 221-pound Parker spent the bulk of his first two Tech seasons as Edmonds' primary backup.
With Parker moving, true freshman Shyrone Stith should see more playing time as the No.2 tailback.
GRAHAM STATUS: The four-week sabbatical since Tech's regular-season finale against Virginia has enabled place-kicker Shayne Graham to rehabilitate.
The freshman from Pulaski missed the UVa game because of a strained back. Redshirt freshman Jimmy Kibble replaced Graham against UVa and made two of three point-after conversions and missed a 47-yard field-goal attempt.
WORKOUT PLANS: The Hokies' practice home today through Sunday will be Barry University, located at 11300 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami Shores, Fla. Practice times are 1:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. today; 9:30 a.m.-noon Friday; 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday; and 10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday.
On Monday, Tech will get its first look at Pro Player Stadium, where it will work out from 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Barbara Goleman High School will serve as Nebraska's practice facility until Monday.
All practices for both teams will be closed to the public.
The Hokies' home base for the week will be the Eden Roc Resort & Spa on Miami Beach. The plush complex includes the Jimmy Johnson Bar & Grill.
LAMBERT DEFENSE: Tech still has a shot at winning a second consecutive Lambert Trophy, presented annually to the top football team in the East.
The Hokies trailed leader Penn State by two voting points (58-56) in the final regular-season poll. The Nittany Lions (10-1) close against Texas (8-4) on Jan.1 in the Fiesta Bowl.
In case you didn't know it, Tech became Lambert Trophy material when it joined forces with the Big East Conference.
William and Mary (10-2) already has won the Lambert award for NCAA Division I-AA schools.
ORANGE SLICES: For at least two Hokies seniors, there will be one more game following the Orange Bowl. Conaty and safety Torrian Gray have been invited to participate in the Hula Bowl on Jan.19 in Honolulu. While Tech had sold close to 16,000 tickets by the end of last week, bowl officials are expecting a crowd some 7,000 to 8,000 short of capacity (75,192). The game, being played for the first time at Pro Player Stadium, averaged 73,577 its final 10 years in the Orange Bowl. The halftime spectacular - one of the best, not to mention longest of all the bowls - is entitled ``Country Stars and Stripes.'' The country-themed show stars The Mavericks and Scooter Lee. The Hokies will be the visiting team for the game. CBS has indicated a 7:15 p.m. kickoff.
LENGTH: Medium: 98 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. Nebraska trainer David Hofmaier (left) helps freeby CNBsafety Mike Fullman get loose before practice in Miami.