JUSTIN COOK The Roanoke Times

Tech's Macho Harris decided to forgo the NFL Draft last spring and is enjoying his best season.

MATT GENTRY The Roanoke Times

Virginia Tech linebacker Purnell Sturdivant (right) is one of 13 seniors who will be playing their last game in Lane Stadium on Saturday. Sturdivant did not earn a starting position until this season, but leads the Hokies defense in tackles with 79.

BLACKSBURG -- Cornerback Macho Harris returned to Virginia Tech for his senior season with hopes of enhancing his NFL stock and to lead a young Hokies defense.

Mission accomplished, according to Tech coach Frank Beamer.

"I think he's helped his career," said Beamer of Harris, whose late-game interception and 23-yard return for a touchdown sealed Tech's hard-earned 14-3 victory over Duke last Saturday. "And that's what you hope, that he comes back and has a great year and helps himself at the next level, and I sure think he's done that."

Harris' six picks are tied for second in the nation, one behind Tennessee's Eric Berry. His 15 career interceptions rank third on Tech's career list. Harris needs three more picks to match the career record owned by Gene Bunn (1976-78) and the single-season mark set by Ron Davidson in 1967.

Harris, who has scored twice on interception returns this season, has five non-offensive TDs in his career. The only other player in Beamer's 22 years at Tech with more is current Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who had seven in his abbreviated three-year career.

Harris, who missed the season opener to injury, ranks second in the ACC in punt returns (10.4-yard average). Harris also has a career-high 37 tackles, plus has caught four passes for 42 yards at wide receiver.

"When the ball is in his hands, Macho's a talented guy and I think he's got a great future as a corner," Beamer said.

In addition to all the numbers, Beamer said Harris has been "one of those leaders that's really kept our football team."

"Yeah," said Harris, "that's one of the reasons I decided to come back," Harris said. "Playing with all these kids is so much fun for me. It's been great watching them all develop and get better every week. I love it."

Last time in Lane

Saturday's contest with Virginia will mark the final time that Harris and 13 other Tech seniors run out of the tunnel and play at Lane Stadium. The class has a 39-12 record and would play for a second straight ACC title it Tech wins.

The season has gone too fast for Purnell Sturdivant, a fifth-year senior LB who didn't start until this season. Sturdivant has been up to the task, leading the club with 79 tackles -- seven of those for losses.

"This year was my year to shine," said Sturdivant following last Saturday's 14-3 win over Duke. "We've had previous ACC wins here, but I wasn't a starter. I just pray to God we get a victory [over UVa] ... and we'll see what happens from there."

Lots of close shaves

Tech has owned the series with Virginia lately, winning eight of the past nine, including the last four by an average of 20.2 points per game. That said, a fifth-straight blowout win is unlikely.

The Hokies have been involved in one close game after another this season. Tech's most-lopsided victory has come against I-AA Furman, 24-7 in Week 2. Nine of Tech's 11 games have been close contests deep into the fourth quarter. In fact, the Hokies' 7.7-point margin of decision -- win or loss -- is the second lowest in the country, behind Fresno State (7.4 differential). Tech and Fresno are the only two clubs of 119 Division I-A teams to not be involved in a game decided by 17 points or more. Quick slants

Tailback Darren Evans needs 74 yards rushing to become the first Tech freshman to run for 1,000 yards in a season. Evans' nine rushing touchdowns tie the school record by a freshman. ... Saturday's 90th meeting between the two schools will mark the first time since 1992 when at least one -- or both -- of the two teams wasn't ranked in the AP or coaches' poll at kickoff. ... Flanker Danny Coale needs two catches to eclipse Eddie Royal for the most receptions by a freshman. Royal, an impact rookie for the NFL's Denver Broncos, caught 28 passes in 2004.