Cincinnati Game Time Set

Cincinnati Game Time Set

Virginia Tech will play host to the Cincinnati Bearcats on September 23, and the game time has been moved to noon. ESPNU has decided to televise the game, and this decision has forced the time change.

This will be Virginia Tech’s second-ever game on ESPNU. The Hokies defeated Ohio 45-0 on ESPN’s newest station last season. The Bearcats are 1-1 on the season, with a 31-0 opening week victory over Division 1-AA Eastern Kentucky . Cincinnati was defeated at home on Friday night by the Pittsburgh Panthers 31-15.

Hokies Search for Backup Tailback

After George Bell and Elan Lewis combined for 10 yards on six carries against UNC on Saturday, the Virginia Tech coaching staff has decided to hold an open competition to find a backup for emerging star Branden Ore.

George Bell is still in the mix, but Elan Lewis has been bumped up to co-second team with Bell. Possibly joining them in the rotation will be Kenny Lewis, Jr., who was previously set to take a red shirt year. He was injured for part of spring practice, and had hamstring problems during practice in August, but he looks to be fully healthy now.

The staff has not decided whether or not to play Kenny Lewis, Jr. this year, but he will be given a strong look this week during practice.

Lots of News at Defensive End

William Wall met with Frank Beamer on Monday, and Beamer has decided to let Wall practice with the team again, beginning today. Wall did not travel with the team to UNC over the weekend.

With Wall still on the team, the Hokies can breathe a sigh of relief about defensive end depth. Chris Ellis injured his shoulder in the first play of the game against UNC, and although he is expected to play against Duke, he could miss practice during this week. Jason Adjepong also had shoulder injuries during the preseason.

In a move to add depth to the defensive end position, mike linebacker Nekos Brown will get a chance to play end this week in practice. Brown, who is playing special teams as a true freshman, is buried as the third string mike linebacker. Many recruited experts projected Brown as a defensive end at the college level.

Changes to the Men’s Basketball Schedule

Virginia Tech announced a change in the 2006-07 men’s basketball schedule on Monday. The Hokies will play Seton Hall in Madison Square Garden on December 21. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised by ESPNU. Madison Square Garden will also host a game between Duke and Gonzaga that day.

The Hokies were forced to cancel their game with Lipscomb on December 19 in order to play Seton Hall. To replace Lipscomb, Tech will now face West Florida in Cassell Coliseum on November 14.

The Hokies begin the 2006-07 season against Coppin State on November 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum.