INSIDE SLANT

   On paper, it looks like another blowout win to end a dominant November for the Hokies.

   When Virginia Tech tries to win the Commonwealth Cup for the sixth straight year Saturday at Virginia, it will be a heavy favorite over an opponent whose coach is likely headed out the door following the season.

   But coach Frank Beamer is telling his team to turn on the film of last year’s game in case they think they’ll have an easy time with the 3-8 Cavaliers.

   “Just watch it,” he said of the 17-14 squeaker in Blacksburg. “We were lucky to win that game. You can throw out the records when we play Virginia. We’re going to have to play our very best game this week.”

   Cliche 101, to be sure, but Beamer doesn’t want to see his team end the season with a sloppy performance that might push it down the Atlantic Coast Conference bowl chain a notch or two. His caution aside, though, it’s hard to construct a scenario which ends in an upset.

   The Hokies have rolled through November, outscoring East Carolina, Maryland and N.C. State by a combined 90-22. Their defense has played fast and missed few tackles, the offense has combined big plays in the air with the ability to possess the ball for long stretches, and the kicking game has created hidden yardage.

   While none of it will help Tech make its fourth Bowl Championship Series appearance of the decade, it at least means the players didn’t quit when their championship dreams dissipated last month.

   “We’ve just tried to become a better team every day,” Beamer said. “We’ve just looked at it in general terms of improving in every area of the game.”                                  

NOTES, QUOTES

   —LB Cody Grimm was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week after tying an NCAA FBS record by forcing three fumbles against N.C. State. The catch is that Grimm, who finished with nine tackles and two sacks, did it on the Wolfpack’s first four plays from scrimmage.

   —OLG Sergio Render earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after notching a season-high 10 knockdown blocks against N.C. State. Render was one of 21 seniors playing their final home game.

   —The Hokies might not have a highly-rated pass offense in NCAA stats, but they certainly get the most out of their completions. They are averaging about 17 yards per completion, nearly five yards more than the opposition.   

Series History:   Virginia Tech 48-37-5 (last meeting, 2008, 17-14 Virginia Tech).

   SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Rinse, lather, repeat. The Hokies again did basically what they wanted to against N.C. State, rushing 56 times for 200 yards and then hitting big plays down the field against an inexperienced, overmatched secondary. The result was 38 points, 397 total yards and more than 36 minutes of possession time. Virginia’s defense is a bit better, but Tech should still be able to make enough plays.    

   SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Tech’s defense gave up its first TD in 10 quarters against N.C. State, but that’s the only time the explosive Wolfpack reached the end zone. Allowing just 14 rushing yards, the Hokies teed off on Russell Wilson for six sacks and a spate of hurries. The odds look good for another beatdown against the Cavaliers, which have been one of the nation’s worst offenses this year.

   QUOTE TO NOTE: “It was a little bit of luck, but I will take it.”—Tech LB Cody Grimm of forcing three fumbles on the game’s first four plays last week.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

   THIS WEEK’S GAME: Virginia Tech at Virginia, Nov. 28—In the 91st meeting of the commonwealth’s FBS programs, the Hokies aim for a sixth straight victory over the struggling Cavaliers. Will Tech fans outnumber Virginia patrons in Scott Stadium for what might be the last game in Al Groh’s nine-year tenure?  

   KEYS TO THE GAME: The Hokies don’t figure to change much from what they’ve done in November, since it’s worked. They’ll establish RB Ryan Williams between the tackles, then let QB Tyrod Taylor take deep shots off play-action. Defensively, if Tech can stop the run, the Cavaliers probably won’t do much scoring. The Hokies will have to be ready for some tricks, as this is Virginia’s “bowl” game.    

   PLAYERS TO WATCH:

QB Tyrod Taylor—His last 22 completions have delivered 465 yards and four touchdowns, another indication of how potent Tech’s deep passing game has become. The willingness of offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring to take shots 30 or more yards down the field has boosted Taylor’s numbers and confidence.

   TE Greg Boone—The Hokies dusted off their “Wild Turkey” package for the 6-foot-3, 287-pound Boone last week on four plays, including a deep throw to the end zone which went incomplete. Boone gives the team a powerful short-yardage option when they run this alignment.  

   CB Rashad Carmichael—He’s played at an All-ACC level most of the year but was burned on a pair of long passes last week in one of his lesser outings this season. Look for Virginia to try to hit a bomb or two over him.

   ROSTER REPORT:

   —C Beau Warren (knee) could have played last week but didn’t. It appears likely he’ll return at Virginia as he’s listed above redshirt freshman Michael Via, who played well the last three weeks in his place, on the depth chart.

   —CB Stephan Virgil (knee) said after the N.C. State game that his injury, which forced him to miss two games and has kept him below 100 percent most of the season, is beginning to abate. He said regular sessions in the training room has him closer to 100 percent.

   —DT John Graves (ankle) didn’t start against N.C. State and played just 16 snaps, although it had more to do with the play of Demetrius Taylor than Graves’ health. Graves should be closer to 100 percent for the bowl game.