Colleges

Pivotal game in ACC tonight

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published October 26, 2006

Virginia Tech got back to its hallmarks of dominant running and solid defense last weekend and snapped a two-game losing streak.

It was a big step for the Hokies, but if they're going to get back into ACC contention they'll have to do it against No. 10 Clemson in Blacksburg, Va., at 7:30 tonight on ESPN.

"We know how huge the game is," cornerback Victor "Macho" Harris said. "I can't even explain how excited we are."

In its two games before a 36-6 victory over Southern Mississippi, Virginia Tech (5-2, 2-2) was nothing to get excited about. The Hokies were pounded at home 38-27 by Georgia Tech, then lost 22-3 at Boston College.

The Tigers (7-1, 4-1) also see the game as a big test. They arrive as the only team ranked in the top 10 in total offense (sixth at 456.3 yards per game) and total defense (fourth at 230). They also are No. 1 in scoring, averaging 42.3 points, and the fourth stingiest, allowing 12.5.

"They are flat good. You talk about every area, they're good," Hokies coach Frank Beamer said of the running back tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller, who have a combined 6.9 yards per carry.

[Last modified October 26, 2006, 03:05:06]