COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NATION : Virginia Tech Routs West Virginia, 34-6

Tailback Dwayne Thomas and a strong defense helped No. 14 Virginia Tech overcome a sub-par outing by quarterback Maurice DeShazo and roll to a 34-6 Big East victory over slumping West Virginia at Blacksburg, Va.

Thomas rushed 18 times for 94 yards before leaving with a sprained left ankle early in the fourth quarter. The Hokies, 2-0 in the Big East, moved to a 4-0 start for the first time in 13 seasons.

West Virginia (1-4, 0-2) lost its third consecutive game.

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Tony Boselli of USC and two Florida State players, Derrick Alexander and Derrick Brooks, were among the 12 semifinalists announced for the 25th Lombardi Award, presented to the best lineman in college football.

Also named were Tedy Bruschi of Arizona, Kevin Carter of Florida, Dana Howard of Illinois, Cory Raymer of Wisconsin, Warren Sapp of Miami, Jeff Smith of Tennessee, Korey Stringer of Ohio State, Zack Wiegert of Nebraska and Jerrott Willard of California.

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The NCAA officially began an investigation against Alabama, accusing the Crimson Tide of two possible rules violations involving former players Gene Jelks and Antonio Langham.

The NCAA, in an official letter of inquiry delivered to the school, raised questions about a bank loan obtained by Jelks and whether Alabama officials responded promptly to information about an agent contacting Langham. The university has to respond in writing by Nov. 22 and also must appear at a yet-to-be-scheduled meeting of the NCAA Committee on Infractions.