Hokies talk Rivalry Week and the Commonwealth Cup

(Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

BLACKSBURG (WSLS SPORTS) - The Hokies are coming off a disappointing overtime loss to UNC but have no time to dwell as they prepare to face UVA Saturday in Charlottesville.

"I think they're very well coached. I think last year in particular was one of the best defenses we faced the entire year. They lost a few guys to the NFL, I feel that they're playing really good football right now and they just had a great win against Duke," said offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler.

Recommended Videos



"Got a big challenge this week, a team that's lost four games this year by a touchdown our less, they've been in every game especially down the stretch," said associate head coach Shane Beamer. "Every year that I've been here, regardless of what the records are, it seems like we're playing for something."

There's a lot riding on Saturday's game for the Hokies, the Commonwealth Cup, a chance to extend their bowl streak to 23 years and to beat their rival Virginia for the 12th straight time.

"Not really growing up in this area, I didn't know about the rivalry and then as soon as I got to Blacksburg, it didn't take long for me to realize we're not supposed to like UVA. That's just part of it I guess, I'm sure they say the same thing down there, but you know we're looking forward to it as our last regular season game, last time Beamer's going to get to play UVA," said quarterback Michael Brewer.

Isaiah Ford agreed, "coming in here I was like 'is this really a rivalry or is this just a thing that they made up?' Once you get in the game in the field atmosphere and everything is going around around you, you're like 'you know what, I really don't like UVA,' so kind of grows on you."

Kickoff is noon Saturday on ESPNU.