QB announcement today

For those around this state who have gnawed more fingernails over Virginia Tech's quarterback decision than over Gov. Tim Kaine's status as a vice presidential candidate, fret no more. Tech coach Frank Beamer insists he'll reveal his decision today -- not via text message, like Barack Obama, but rather in the more traditional forum of Tech's weekly media gathering.

OK, so Beamer's decision won't spark endless analysis by CNN talking heads. But the late hour of its announcement -- the season opener is Saturday against East Carolina -- certainly has increased the drama surrounding it.

A team spokesman e-mailed a release Sunday informing media members that Beamer would say nothing about the quarterback situation until today. Beamer stuck to that yesterday during his weekly teleconference with reporters. Asked if the staff has made a decision, he said, "We're going to talk about it [with the media] tomorrow."

His options: fifth-year senior Sean Glennon, sophomore Tyrod Taylor or both (as was the case in last season's final five games).

Quarterbacks coach Mike O'Cain said after Friday's final scrimmage that it would be a difficult decision and that the coaches planned to discuss it Saturday morning. O'Cain said both quarterbacks played well in the preseason and that Glennon is "probably playing as good as any [quarterback] I've ever had at this stage. He as smart as I've ever had, works at it as hard as any I've ever had. He's ready."

Relying on newcomers

When the Hokies run onto the field Saturday in Charlotte, N.C., their 73-member dress squad will include 30 players who have never played in a college game. Ten are true freshmen, and 15 are redshirt freshmen.

Beamer said the true freshmen who will play include receivers Dyrell Roberts, Xavier Boyce and Jarrett Boykin. Five other true freshmen likely will play at least on special teams: linebackers Jake Johnson, Bruce Taylor and Quillie Odom; cornerback Eddie Whitley; and safety Lorenzo Williams.

Tailback Ryan Williams also has a chance to play, Beamer said. As this week goes on, the coaches will decide how they'll divide the carries among their five tailback candidates.

The biggest obstacle for a true freshman to overcome in order to play well in his first game? "Probably throwing up before the game," Beamer joked.

East Carolina update

Similar to Tech, East Carolina used two quarterbacks last season, but senior Patrick Pinkney will start Saturday instead of junior Rob Kass. "I'm not saying Rob won't play, but Patrick has earned the opportunity to start," Pirates coach Skip Holtz said.

Pinkney made his first career start in last season's first game, a 17-7 loss to Tech in Blacksburg. He acquitted himself well: 14-of-25 passing, 115 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. He also rushed nine times for 48 yards.

The Pirates have been decimated in the backfield since last season ended, losing three of their top four tailbacks. Leading rusher Chris Johnson graduated. His replacement, senior Dominique Lindsay, suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason. Junior J.R. Rogers (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday. Senior Brandon Simmons will start. Holtz expects sophomores Jonathan Williams and Norman Whitley to contribute.

True to the form of his father, former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz, Skip downplayed his team's chances against the Hokies. "I think we're going to have to play an almost perfect game to be competitive," he said. -- Darryl Slater