
DATE: Sunday, November 2, 1997              TAG: 9711020286

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C5   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: FRANK VEHORN

                                            LENGTH:   44 lines

U.VA. REPORT

Despite appearances, Welsh says U.Va. didn't run up score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - George Welsh made a point to tell Maryland coach Ron Vanderlinden that he had not intentionally tried to run up the score.

It might have looked that way when Virginia punter Frank Rotella passed to Joe Williams on fourth down to keep alive a drive early in the final period with Virginia ahead, 38-0.

``We did not call that play,'' Welsh said, ``but Maryland had only 10 players on the field and Rotella saw no one was guarding (Williams).''

Rotella said he didn't notice the open Williams until teammates shouted to him from the sidelines.

``When you see that, it is automatic,'' Rotella said.

Welsh also told Vanderlinden he had not called a 43-yard pass play from Dan Ellis to Bryan Owen that set up Virginia's final score.

Welsh said he used reserves most of the second half. ``I don't know what else I could have done,'' he said.

Cavaliers still hoping to qualify for a bowl

The victory leaves Virginia needing to win two of its final three games against Georgia Tech, N.C. State and Virginia Tech to qualify for a bowl bid.

``Without this win we would have been in bad shape,'' Welsh said.

``But we are still not over the hump. We've got two more ACC games to play and the game against Georgia Tech (in Charlottesville) next Saturday could be for third place in the league.''

Injured Poindexter wasn't happy about staying home

Coaches and trainers practically had to tie down safety Anthony Poindexter to keep him at home to rest his ankles and shoulder.

``He wanted to be here,'' Welsh said. ``But he had problem when he tried to practice on Wednesday and the trainer said we shouldn't play him. I told Poindexter that, but he still wanted to play.''

Freshman tailback Antwoine Womack also missed the game, his fourth straight because of a knee injury.

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