Hokies Prep for Commonwealth Cup Against UVa

BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10 SPORTS) -

Virginia Tech is getting ready for their regular season finale this Saturday as they welcome in in-state rivals UVa Cavaliers. Despite the implications on Saturday's game, their goal remains the same- to go 1-0 this week.

"With a rivalry week there's some extra energy in there but we're still playing the same way in practice and a lot of in state guys a lot of implications going back home talking a little trash and stuff", said defensive tackle Nigel Williams.

"But overall I think preparation is probably the same. Guys still have the same focus."

Quarterback Jerod Evans added, "You can never count out anybody in a rivalry game especially with the emotions that are involved."

While the Hokies and Wahoos renew their rivalry, so will the two head coaches. Justin Fuente and Bronco Mendenhall first met in 2014 at the Miami Beach Bowl, where Memphis won in two overtimes over BYU. So Fuente says he has a sense of what to expect.

"They're gonna be well coached and they're gonna play hard that's absolutely indicative of any team I've ever seen Coach Mendenhall be a part of", said Coach Justin Fuente.

"He's very well versed in his defensive scheme and knows it inside and out. They do a great job with that coach Anae has been with him some time on the offensive side of the ball and they certainly know what they're doing over there."

It was announced Monday that the Hokies will be without their third leading rusher in Marshawn Williams on Saturday. He suffered a knee Saturday at Notre Dame. Kickoff for Saturday at Lane stadium set for noon.


About the Author:

Eric is no stranger to the Roanoke Valley. He is a Roanoke native and proud graduate of William Fleming High School.