"I'm concerned about a false sense of security. Whitmire is a scary bunch. We need to improve each week." - Robbie Blanton Blacksburg head coach An often overused football axiom says, "Shut down an opponent's running game and you'll improve your chances of winning."

That might not hold true for the Blacksburg Wildcats today against the 2-0 Whitmire Wolverines.

Blacksburg coach Robbie Blanton said the Wolverines ran the ball effectively in a 7-0 win over Mid-Carolina and moved the ball through the air in their 20-0 victory over Fox Creek.

"They are balanced," Blanton said. "I think their skill people are as good as we will see. This is the best Whitmire team I've seen in a while."

But Whitmire

coach Donald

Addis probably wouldn't agree.

"Obviously we have some athletes on offense but we're a little out of synch," Addis said. "We are making foolish mistakes and we aren't where we want to be as an offense."

Quarterback Josh Corley has had an up and down start to the season, according to Addis.

But there's a reason.

"The protection hasn't been good," he said. "The offensive line must play better."

The Wildcats' biggest concern is Whitmire running back Michael Ruff.

"He's the best running back we face," Blanton said. "Last year we contained him because we were playing in the rain. They will try to get him in the open field to make plays."

Another critical matchup will be the Wildcats' diversified offense against a quick and athletic Whitmire defense led by linebackers Kyle Lawson and Nick Sly as well as defensive end Jeremy Lyles. Markell Jones anchors the secondary.

"Their linebackers are very good," Blanton said. "They put their quickest kids at linebacker and let them make plays. They will do a lot of blitzing so we will do a lot of zone blocking."

Blanton said the Wildcats will likely try to establish the run against Whitmire. If that's unsuccessful, look for Blacksburg to throw to Tim Boyd.

Addis thinks the Wildcats will be a difficult challenge for his defense.

"Blacksburg has a lot of weapons on offense," the Whitmire coach said. "Gaut is a very good quarterback and they have talented running backs and wide receivers.

"We haven't seen this type of offense like we will see (today)."

The Wildcats will be looking to go 3-0 after wins over Jonesville and Buford. But Blanton said the team can't look past Whitmire.

"I'm concerned about a false sense of security," he said. "Whitmire is a scary bunch. We need to improve each week."

Blanton said the Wildcats will have an edge in depth against the Wolverines.

But the Wolverines might have the psychological advantage, trying to avenge their loss to Blacksburg last year. It was the Wildcats' only win of the season.

"We beat them last year, so we know they will be ready," the Blacksburg coach said.

The Wildcats will be relatively healthy for the matchup, with Cameron Duffie nursing a leg injury.

Blacksburg at Whitmire 7:30 p.m.

Records Blacksburg 2-0, Whitmire 2-0

Players to Watch - Whitmire QB Josh Corley, RB Michael Ruff, LB Kyle Lawson, LB Nick Sly, S Markell Jones. Blacksburg QB Gary Gaut, RB Manny Ford, WR Tim Boyd, LB Cameron Duffie, LB Maurice Brown.

What the Wildcats must do to win - control the clock on offense and stop Whitmire running back Michael Ruff from taking over the game.

What the Wolverines must do to win - establish the run and force the Wildcats to throw.