THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 19, 1994 TAG: 9411190598
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Bryan Heath remembers being amused during his freshman year when Virginia fans would tell him ``gotta beat Tech.''
``I couldn't understand why they were so fired up to beat Georgia Tech,'' the Virginia center said. ``Back home (Kernersville, N.C.), when anyone said `Tech,' he was talking about Georgia Tech.''
Heath, now a senior, has learned in this state ``Tech'' means Virginia Tech, and it is an important game to Virginia fans.
But he and others insist it is not the biggest game on the schedule. Not even the biggest in the next two weeks, actually.
While today's game in Blacksburg will end the season for the Hokies, the Cavaliers play ACC rival North Carolina State next Friday to end their regular season.
``Everyone wants to beat Virginia Tech,'' Heath said, ``but it is not as crucial to us as the N.C. State game is.''
If N.C. State loses to Florida State on Saturday, the Wolfpack and Virginia would be tied for second place in the ACC.
``It would help if we do beat Virginia Tech,'' Heath said. ``They are a good team and it would give us momentum.''
Heath says he enjoys the Tech games because they are always ``hard-hitting with a lot of trash-talking.''
But, he added, ``It is not that I don't like their players. I really don't know them. We just see them once every year.''
LIKES ATMOSPHERE: Virginia defensive tackle Ryan Kuehl doesn't believe playing in Blacksburg is a disadvantage, and he is supported by recent history.
The visiting team has won the last two games.
``Actually, I like playing there,'' Kuehl said.
``The stadium is build so it seems the fans are right on top of you. It is a great atmosphere.''
AT THE MOVIES: Virginia quarterback Mike Groh has spent a lot of time this week watching film on the Hokies and trying to get familiar with their attacking defense.
``They put so many guys on the line of scrimmage that will make it more difficult for us to run,'' Groh said.
``They like to blitz, too, so I will have to know what to do with the ball in certain situations when they do.''
FOND MEMORIES: Senior linebacker Randy Neal has a happy memory of the Hokies' Lane Stadium.
It was there two years ago that as a sophomore he returned two interceptions for touchdowns to set an ACC record.
Neal returns today as Virginia's career leader in solo tackles with 234. by CNB