November 29, 2004

Following the big win over No. 16 Virginia, three Virginia Tech football players have been honored by the conference as ACC Players of the Week. Senior quarterback Bryan Randall, senior punter Vinnie Burns and freshman receiver Josh Hyman all earned honors following big games against the Cavaliers.

OFFENSIVE BACK

Virginia Tech quarterback Bryan Randall became the school's all-time leader in passing yardage as the Hokies beat No. 16 Virginia 24-10 Saturday, clinching at least a share of the ACC title. Randall connected on 16 of 22 passes for 200 yards and rushed for another 30 yards on 11 carries. The Wiliamsburg, Va., senior had touchdown passes of 45 and 32 yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Virginia Tech punter Vinnie Burns punted six times for an average of 43.0 yards and had two kicks downed inside the 20-yard line in Saturday's 24-10 win over Virginia. In addition, the New Orleans, La., senior had three punts of over 50 yards and four over 46 yards, including a long of 53 yards.

ROOKIE

Virginia Tech wide receiver Josh Hyman caught four passes for a career-high 93 yards in Saturday's 24-10 win over Virginia. The Chesapeake, Va., freshman gave the Hokies a 10-7 lead in the third quarter with a 45-yard touchdown catch and then gave Virginia Tech the lead for good with a 32-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Maryland center Kyle Schmitt helped lead the Terps to their best rushing performance in seven weeks as Maryland beat Wake Forest 13-7 in their season finale Saturday. The Derry, Pa., senior had a season-high five pancake blocks and was the team's highest-graded lineman.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Maryland defensive end Shawne Merrimanfinished the season with one of his best performances, posting a team-high tying 12 tackles (seven solo) to go along with 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss in Maryland's 13-7 win over Wake Forest Saturday. The Upper Marlboro, Md., senior ended the season ranked in the top 10 of four ACC defensive categories - sacks (tied for 2^nd, 8.5), tackles for loss (tied for 2^nd, 17), fumbles forced (1^st, 3) and tackles (tied for 8^th, 85).

DEFENSIVE BACK

Maryland strong safety Chris Kelley tied for the team lead with 12 tackles (six solo) while posting 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and forcing a fumble in Saturday's 13-7 win over Wake Forest. The Germantown, Md., senior forced fumble at the one-yard line with 3:02 remaining was one of the keys to the Terps' victory.

The Hokies, ranked 10^th in the Associated Press poll and 6-1 in the ACC, play at No. 9 Miami (8-2, 5-2) Saturday to determine the ACC's participant in the BCS. Game time is 1 p.m., and will be shown nationally by ABC.