Huskers will be aided in game against Va. Tech by loud fans

BLACKSBURG

Taking skill out of the equation, Nebraska has a few notable advantages heading into Saturday night's game against Virginia Tech.

First, the Hokies (3-1) have to travel far to face the Cornhuskers. Second, Nebraska (3-0) will have its famed fans filling 81,000-seat Memorial Stadium - and donning dark clothes in a "blackout."

Third, and perhaps most helpful for the Huskers, they had last weekend off, while Tech battled North Carolina to the wire on the road.

"Early in the season, it's big," Tech coach Frank Beamer said of an open date. "Trying to get some things cleaned up with your own football team, then having time to study the other team, I think it's certainly an advantage."

To prepare his team for the loud environment, Beamer said he would take the offense into the indoor practice facility today and pipe in noise. "So you've got to communicate without being able to hear," Beamer said. "Those are things you've got to do."

The beef is well evident

While Beamer hopes his team isn't intimidated by Nebraska's national image or the hostile environment, he certainly seemed to be awed by the Huskers himself this week.

On a few occasions, Beamer reeled off Nebraska's accomplishments: five national titles, three Heisman winners, more victories than any program since 1970, and more. Then Beamer called the current squad "one of the biggest teams I've ever seen."

Nebraska's starting defensive line averages 6-foot-5, 281 pounds. All the Huskers' defensive backs are at least 6 feet and nearly 200 pounds. The offensive line averages 6-5, 302, and Nebraska's top five wide receivers average 6-foot-3, 213 pounds.

"I think big and physical are two words you use to describe Nebraska," Beamer said. "Just every position... they're huge."

Blocking is improving

Tech's blocking has been - like each of the previous two seasons - a major malfunction in the offense. But the second half of last week's win against North Carolina, the final clock-grinding drive especially, has given the Hokies hope.

"It's a start," left guard Nick Marshman said. "Kind of like everybody hit that fifth switch, that fifth gear. Now we have to build on that, run with it."

Marshman said all of Tech's linemen graded over 80 percent - a "winning" grade by the coaches' standards - against UNC, the first time that has happened this season.

One reason for the improvement was the return of right tackle Blake DeChristopher from a knee and kidney bruise that kept him out of almost three full games. He played 38 snaps against UNC and expects to start against Nebraska. "It was good to have him back," Beamer said. "He'll make a difference in our football team."

Special teams awareness

Saturday should be a good special teams battle for Tech, which has blocked a kick in each of the first three games.

"They have a reputation," Huskers coach Bo Pelini said. "But we have a very high emphasis on special teams every week. I'm sure our players' awareness will be up a little bit."

Nebraska has blocked a field goal this season and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Niles Paul ranks 14th nationally in kickoff return average (31.5) and 28th in the country in punt returns (13.2).

Quick kicks...

Tech is the second-least penalized team in the ACC, averaging 24 penalty yards per game. UNC had 121 penalty yards last week to the Hokies' 21. Nebraska averages 68 yards of penalties.... Tech's Dustin Keys has hit field goals for the decisive points in each of the last two games. Is he hoping for a hat trick this week? "I'd like to see us score some more points... than putting the game on the line with a field goal. But if it happens, I'll be ready."... The Hokies haven't scored in the first quarter of their last six games.... Tech's defense has recovered eight fumbles, while the offense has yet to lose one.... Freshman DE Bruce Taylor (left shoulder pain) is questionable for Saturday. Freshman WR Xavier Boyce has pain in his left knee, which was surgically repaired during his Landstown High career. He is doubtful.