Bragging rights important in ACC showdown

BY ALLEN GREGORY

BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

BLACKSBURG — The football rivalry between Virginia and Virginia Tech will attract national attention Saturday at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.

The winner earns a ticket to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship along with bragging rights.

Those rights are important when it comes to the year-round contest of recruiting in the talent-rich state.

Many of the stars for Saturday’s showdown attracted attention from both Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Hokie offensive lineman Ed Wang knows the conflicted story.

The former Gatorade State Player of the Year played for former Cavalier offensive lineman Mickey Thompson at Stone Bridge High School.

"I was recruited over there, and a guy [starting defensive lineman Alex Field] from my rival high school plays there,’’ said Wang, referring to the University of Virginia.

Naturally, the recruiting process was anything but easy for the former tight end.

"It was UVa. at first, then Tech came in the picture. It was the right place for me,’’ Wang said.

Tech’s starting left guard Nick Marshman faced a similar dilemma after starring at Turner Ashby High School in Harrisonburg.

"Virginia looked at me, but they were thinking more about using me along the defensive line,’’ Marshman said. "I came here to Tech, and it just felt like home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.’’

Big Picture

Virginia Tech holds a 46-37-5 edge in the rivalry, which has seen the Hokies win seven of the last eight and 10 of the past 14 games.

Those stats matters little to Wang.

"No matter the record, both teams are going to give 110 percent in this series,’’ Wang said. "Everything is riding on this game. We’ve done our part so far to reach this point.’’

Perhaps the most impressive stat for the Hokies is their record in ACC road games. Since 2004, Tech is 14-1 overall in ACC road games. The Hokies opened with a 9-0 road mark before losing at Boston College last season.

According to Marshman, Tech’s road success can be traced to the basics

"I think it’s just the mentality of everybody on this team,’’ Marshman said. "A couple times a year we will go in the fieldhouse to practice with stadium noise.

We take it as a challenge to win on the road.’’

Long Story

Virginia’s All-American candidate Chris Long missed Monday’s practice due to illness.

The senior defensive end, who was started 35 straight games, was diagnosed last week with strep throat.

According to Virginia head coach Al Groh, his team leader would have to be "pretty sick’’ to miss the Virginia Tech game.

The Hokie linemen are well-versed on the skills and tenacity of the ACC sack-leader.

"Even if [Long] is blocked , he just keeps going and striving to find a way to make a play,’’ Wang said. "I will have to play my best.’’

In Focus

Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said his team is not looking ahead to a potential rematch with Boston College in the Dec. 1 ACC championship.

"When you play Virginia, it kind of gives you all the motivation you need,’’ Beamer said. "That’s our in-state rival, and they are playing their best football. To me, that’s all the inspiration you need."

Big Al

Since Virginia was idle Saturday, Groh and his staff have spent nearly two weeks watching the Hokies on film.

Like most pundits, Groh offered glowing reviews for the Tech defense.

"I think this is one of the best teams to come into Scott Stadium in quite some time,’’ Groh said. "I just look at the defense, of which there’s been some very, very good defenses, but we have to admire the way these two linebackers [Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi] play.’’

After missing four games with a broken wrist, Hall returned to post a team-high 13 tackles against Miami.

Tech is ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense (14 points allowed per game) and sixth in rushing defense (85 yards allowed per game).

"There is a reason why nobody is scoring any points, and usually that can be traced down to good players,’’ Groh said. "They’ve got a good scheme, and they are always well prepared.’’

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