Cup full of intrigue - It's more than just a rivalry game for Virginia and Virginia Tech, who both have a lot to play for in Blacksburg
There are no trips to Jacksonville, Fla., for a spot
in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game to
shoot for this Saturday in Blacksburg. It's not about
coaching milestones or job-savers, but Virginia and Virginia
Tech both will have plenty on the line.
U.Va. (5-6 overall, 4-3 ACC) wants to put itself in a
position to extend its season. Tech will aim for its sixth
straight win since late October, and a chance to continue
to dominate the Cavaliers.
Achieving those goals may not be easy for No. 17 Tech
(9-2, 5-2), which may be without tailback Branden Ore
for the first time this season. He sustained a high left
ankle sprain last Saturday in Tech's 27-6 win against
Wake Forest and is doubtful for the U.Va. game. Freshman
Kenny Lewis is next in line at tailback.
A win against Tech would be the perfect way for U.Va.
to put memories of unexpected losses to Western Michigan
and East Carolina behind it. Nothing silences grousing
fans like beating your rival on its home field.
Here are 10 things to watch when the Hokies and Cavaliers
play at noon Saturday at Lane Stadium:
DEFENSES LEAD WAY
Expect a low-scoring game. Despite the disappointing
win-loss record, U.Va. has held its own on defense. U.Va.
is 20th in the nation in total defense (288 yards per
game). Tech is first in the nation in scoring defense
(10.2 points per game), first in pass defense (134 yards
per game) and second in total defense (231 yards).
DESPERATION FROM VIRGINIA
The Cavaliers have one game to get the one win they need
to make a bowl game. They last missed a bowl in 2001,
coach Al Groh's first year. Given Virginia's 2-5 start,
winning four of the final five to make a bowl would be
a huge accomplishment.
NO MORE ORE
If Ore can't play, Lewis will form a one-man band at
tailback. Yeah, George Bell and Elan Lewis, a Phoebus
High graduate and no relation to Kenny, are available,
but Bell and Elan are both banged up. Neither is a serious
threat. A year ago, Kenny still was employed by the Cincinnati
Reds. Now, he's preparing for his first start in college
football.
PASSES TO JON STUPAR
Virginia rediscovered its sure-handed tight end last
Saturday against Miami. He had seven catches for 42 yards.
He had six catches all season and two catches in the previous
seven games. In that span, the tight ends never caught
more than three passes in a game. With tight end Tom Santi
still recovering from an injured shoulder, Stupar could
be the main target Saturday.
HESITANCY TO KICK FIELD GOALS BEYOND 40 YARDS
Virginia junior Chris Gould is 4-of-10 from beyond 40
yards after missing from 43 and 44 yards Saturday -- with
no apparent wind. He is 7-of-7 from inside 40. Gould hit
his first two field-goal tries of the season, from 48
and 42. He then missed his next five outside 40.
STOPPING SEWELL
As impressive as Tech's numbers are on defense, U.Va.'s
Jameel Sewell presents a threat. Sewell is second in the
ACC in rushing yards (180) by quarterbacks, only behind
Georgia Tech's Reggie Ball (318). Ball had four gains
of 9 yards or more against Virginia Tech this season.
VIRGINIA TRYING TO MAKE SEAN GLENNON THROW
With Ore probably out, the Hokies might have to pass
more often if Kenny Lewis, Elan Lewis and Bell can't pick
up the slack. That would be Virginia defensive coordinator
Mike London's dream scenario. Glennon can be shaky when
standing in the pocket and forced to make decisions. Virginia
has 28 sacks this season, though none in the past two
games.
PACE'S CONSISTENCY
One of the few things missing on Tech kicker Brandon
Pace's resume is a last-play, game-winning kick. It may
not come this weekend, but it would be a great way to
finish an outstanding career. He has made a school-record
21 consecutive field goals, including all 16 attempts
this season.
AGGRESSIVE PLAY CALLING BY MIKE GROH
Virginia's first-year offensive coordinator picked apart
Miami's defense by keeping it guessing. The Hurricanes
ranked fifth nationally in yards allowed before giving
up 349 to the Cavs. Given the Hokies' stout defense, expect
Groh to try more of the same.
OVERCOMING HISTORY
Tech has won six of its last seven games against U.Va.,
but that doesn't mean much this season. Tech is playing
for a better bowl bid and needs to remain focused. U.Va.
might be hungrier, considering its bleaker postseason
outlook.
