The Commonwealth of Virginia takes an unofficial holiday tomorrow as its most prominent football programs collide at Scott Stadium. The rivalry between Virginia (4-6) and No. 18 Virginia Tech (7-2) has evolved into one of the nation's best, producing two heart-stopping thrillers in the past six years and featuring a number of future NFL draftees. Tomorrow's contest looks to be another scintillating matchup for the coveted Commonwealth Cup.
"This is an important game and we'll have to be ready for the challenge," Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said.
During the past two seasons, Virginia Tech has gained a substantial upper hand over the Cavaliers. The Hokies rode Michael Vick to a national championship appearance in 1999, and to another stellar year in 2000. Vick owned Virginia both years, directing four first half touchdown drives against the Cavaliers two years ago, and beating them practically on one leg last season.
With Vick gone, however, Virginia Tech has been somewhat inconsistent on offense. The Hokies put up 52 and 50 points against Connecticut and Rutgers respectively, but laid an egg against Pittsburgh two weeks ago, gaining only seven first downs in a 38-7 debacle.
Tech largely will rely on the legs of freshman tailback Kevin Jones to fuel its power running attack. Jones ran wild against Temple last week, gaining 155 yards and scoring on an 87-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.
Jones "might be the fastest back that they have had up there in a while," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "So, in that particular case, I think he definitely presents a very significant threat to us."
Indeed Virginia's chances on Saturday may depend on its ability to contain Jones and the Hokies running game. The Cavaliers have had trouble stopping the run all season, giving up over 100 yards to Maryland's Bruce Perry and Florida State's Greg Jones, among others. If the Cavaliers cannot contain Jones, look for Virginia Tech to take the Commonwealth Cup back to Blacksburg.
Once again, Virginia's best defense on Saturday most likely will be its offense. Sophomore quarterback Bryson Spinner recently has demonstrated the ability to sustain drives and keep the offense on the field. Spinner led the Cavaliers to three fourth-quarter scores last week against Georgia Tech, including the game winner on the famed "hook-and-ladder" play. If Virginia can consistently move the ball on Saturday, it has a good chance of pulling off the upset.
The Cavaliers also will have to contain the Hokies on special teams. Over the years, Virginia Tech's special teams have been phenomenal. Their consistency can only be matched by the reliability of their fans in bringing their traditional cowbells into Scott Stadium. To prevent the bell from tolling on Saturday, Virginia will have to prevent blocked kicks and long runbacks, two Hokie specialties.
"Their special teams are always good at scoring points and setting up field position," Groh said.
Although Virginia is no longer bowl eligible, Saturday's game is vastly important for both school pride and bragging rights within the Commonwealth.
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