Hokies Playing for Division, While Cavs Eye Cup, Bowl

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- In barbershops and coffee shops from Hampton to Hillsville, bragging rights are at stake. In the living rooms of recruits and the offices of high school coaches, the mention of the score will be used as a persuasion for could-be college stars. Like any in-state rivalry, Saturday's Commonwealth Cup between Virginia and Virginia Tech comes with annual implications that go beyond the standings.

However, a tangible reward beyond state supremacy exists again this season. If Virginia Tech wins, the Hokies (7-4, 4-3) earn a trip to next weekend's ACC championship game and a possible Bowl Championship Series bid. If Virginia can win in Blacksburg for the first time since 1998, the Cavaliers (5-6, 3-4) will become bowl eligible.

Last season, this matchup decided the Coastal Division championship. This season, only the Hokies can win the division, but given the turmoil each team has experienced over the past three months, Saturday's result will go a long way toward shaping how their seasons will be remembered.

"Of course, this is a gigantic week here for us," Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer said. "The biggest week of the year."

True to form, Virginia Coach Al Groh said he still has not mentioned bowl eligibility to his team, which has failed to obtain the elusive sixth win in three other games this month. Groh has heard the players discuss it, which is only natural with only one chance left.

"We got to win one more game to get to a bowl, and we've been trying to win that game for a few weeks now," Virginia tight end John Phillips said. "It's important to beat them to get bowl eligible. I'm not worrying about the rivalry right now."

Virginia last beat Virginia Tech in 2003, which means no one on this year's team ever has beaten Hokies. Considering many were also recruited to play in Blacksburg, the point is well taken.

"There would be some sort of void," running back Cedric Peerman told reporters this week. "They are the rivals that you always want to beat. I haven't beaten them since I've been here, so that's definitely something for the team and the seniors to think about."

This is the season when the Hokies appear most vulnerable. Virginia Tech has been ranked entering the last 10 meetings, and 14 of the last 15. Youth and an anemic offense have hindered the team this season, and Beamer has been working to prevent the team from publicly splintering.

Virginia Tech is 109th out of 119 division I-A teams in total offense. Just three other teams in the bottom 20 have winning records. A wide receiver did not catch a touchdown pass until last week's win over Duke, which is not startling considering the team has just five touchdown passes this season. The offensive struggles placed an increased importance on defense and special teams for Virginia Tech, which won the ACC last season with an offense that finished the season ranked 100th.

"You guys are into stats, and I understand that, but the bottom line is winning," Beamer said. "I think you've got to take your football team and who you have, and it's not like the NFL, if you don't have something you go try to draft it or trade for it or whatever. Who do you have, what's their maturity level, how much are they ready to win at this level? And then you try to win as a football team. I think we've done a pretty good job of that myself."

Groh's attack is not much better, ranking 102nd in total offense. The Cavaliers have committed 14 more turnovers than the Hokies, which explains the difference in what's at stake for each Saturday.

Marc Verica has six interceptions in his past two games, both close losses. Groh and maligned offensive coordinator Mike Groh must figure out how to protect the football without inhibiting Verica's instincts. Al Groh said finding that balance can determine whether a young quarterback can transition into a star. There is only so much coaching that can be done. Groh compared it to a classroom, where the professor can teach the material but cannot take the test.

If that is the case, Verica's final exam comes under the state's biggest spotlight. For all the pride associated with the rivalry, the legacies of two senior classes will be at stake Saturday.

"We've been talking about a four-game season, three-game season," Virginia Tech wide receiver Danny Coale said. "Well, now it's a one-game season. And obviously, you all know the implications of it."