Monday, September 1, 2003
by Will Stewart, TechSideline.com

Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer announced Monday night that backup quarterback Marcus Vick and starting whip linebacker Brandon Manning would be suspended for this Saturday's James Madison game for unspecified violations of team policies.

Beamer said there would be no further comment on the suspensions. The suspensions are for one game only.

Vick was impressive in his collegiate debut against UCF Saturday, taking the Tech offense on two 80-yard scoring drives and throwing his first touchdown, a 27-yarder to David Clowney. He was 7-of-10 for 102 yards, a TD, and no interceptions.

Manning led the Hokies with 8 tackles, and he had half a sack against UCF.

Chris Clifton will back up Bryan Randall at quarterback, with Aaron Rouse starting in place of Manning at whip linebacker. Rouse will be backed up by former inside linebacker James Anderson, who was moved to whip in the offseason.

The suspensions of Vick and Manning follow the one-game suspension of starting right offensive tackle Jon Dunn, who missed the UCF game for an unspecified violation of team policies.

Hokies Ranked #9 in Coaches' Poll

The latest ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll was released Monday, and the Hokies moved from #10 up to #9. The jump was possible because Southern California beat last week's #6 team, Auburn, dropping the Tigers to #19.

TSL Home