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Cavs, Hokies have different goals in showdown Date published: 11/29/2008
BY JIM McCONNELL BLACKSBURG-- Clemson's victory last Saturday may have ended Virginia's chances of playing in the ACC championship game, but that doesn't mean the Cavaliers lack for motivation in today's regular-season finale against Virginia Tech.With a win this afternoon at Lane Stadium, Virginia (5-6 overall, 3-4 ACC) can accomplish the following: Become bowl-eligible and avoid spending the holidays at home for the second time in the three seasons. End a four-game losing streak against Virginia Tech (7-4, 4-3) and return the Commonwealth Cup to Charlottesville for the first time since 2003. Prevent the Hokies from claiming the Coastal Division title and securing a berth in next Saturday's ACC championship game in Tampa. "That'd be a nice thing to do: send them home unhappy," Virginia safety Byron Glaspy said. "I know they're looking forward to trying to get to the ACC championship, so being able to spoil that for them, that would just be an added bonus." Few of the teams' 89 previous encounters held as much significance as last year's game at Scott Stadium, when Virginia Tech and Virginia were tied for the division lead. The Hokies won 33-21, then beat Boston College in the conference title game before falling to Kansas in the Orange Bowl. It appeared that this year's game would offer the same high stakes after Georgia Tech beat Miami on Nov. 20 and reopened the Coastal race. Virginia Tech held up its end of the bargain by downing Duke, but Clemson spoiled Virginia's plans, topping the Cavaliers and eliminating them from contention for the division title. "I don't know how many years I've been doing this, but you don't get a chance to play for a conference championship every year. We have that opportunity this year and I think it's kind of special," Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said. "You'd better take advantage of those because they're great memories and things you want to tell your kids about." Both the Cavaliers and Hokies have faced significant obstacles--on and off the field, self-inflicted and otherwise--this season. Virginia started 1-3, then won four straight games before an overtime loss to Miami sparked the Cavaliers' current three-game skid. Virginia Tech followed a five-game win streak by losing three of four against ACC competition.
Date published: 11/29/2008
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