Story Links
Oct. 18, 2001
By Trent Packer
Last week Virginia (3-3 overall, 2-2 in the ACC) dropped an Atlantic Coast Conference game to North Carolina. The Cavaliers rallied late to close to within six points, 30-24, with one minute remaining in the game when quarterback Matt Schaub found Billy McMullen in the endzone. Virginia appeared to recover an onside kick, which would have given UVa the ball and a chance for the winning touchdown. After a lengthy conference, however, the referees awarded the ball to the Tar Heels and sealed Virginia’s second consecutive ACC loss. The ‘Hoos fell to Maryland two weeks ago in College Park.
Virginia’s red-shirt sophomore quarterback Matt Schaub set new school records for pass attempts and completions by going 33-54 for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Schaub’s 334 yards marked the eighth-best passing performance in school history. Schaub played the entire game after splitting playing time with fellow red-shirt sophomore Bryson Spinner for UVa’s first five games.
In addition to Schaub’s marks, junior receiver Billy McMullen and freshman tailback Alvin Pearman also made history. McMullen’s 11 receptions (for 122 yards and a touchdown) tied the UVa single-game record for receptions, while Pearman became the first freshman to start at tailback for the Cavaliers since 1988. McMullen is on track to break Virginia’s all-time receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown marks by the end of his senior season. Meanwhile, Pearman finished the game with 65 yards rushing and 55 receiving yards.
North Carolina had its most productive offensive day of the 2001 season against the Cavaliers, racking up 477 total offensive yards. The Tar Heels rushed for 234 yards on 56 carries, and passed for 243 yards.
Today Virginia takes on a Florida State team that already has two losses. The Seminoles advanced to the Bowl Championship Series title game last year, but lost a number of key players including their starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke. FSU is now led by red-shirt freshman quarterback Chris Rix.
Last time out Florida State dropped a nonconference game to top-ranked Miami, 49-27. Florida State (3-2 overall, 2-1 in the ACC) has played in the national title game the past three seasons, but is out of contention for a fourth consecutive appearance in the title contest. The Seminoles are also in jeopardy of ending their record run of 14 consecutive 10-win seasons and top five finishes.
“It’s a pretty good challenge anytime you play [Florida State],” head coach Al Groh said. “They probably are not going to be national champions this year, but they still present a significant challenge.”
Virginia is looking for its first win over Florida State since its miraculous victory over then second-ranked FSU in a nationally televised Thursday night ESPN game on November 2, 1995. UVa is 1-8 all time against the Seminoles.
The Cavaliers have been outscored 71-45 in their last two games. With Virginia’s offense apparently on track after a record-setting performance by Schaub against North Carolina, UVa’s defense will have to find a way to stop Florida State’s offense. Even with an inexperienced Rix starting at quarterback, the Seminoles still managed to put 27 points on the board against the Hurricanes, and FSU’s offense will challenge the Cavaliers’ defense.
“Even against the #1 team [Miami] they made 30 first downs,” Groh said. “Hardly anybody makes 30 first downs against anyone, let alone the top team in the county.”
The biggest challenge Virginia will face against Florida State is the Seminoles’ tremendous team speed. The Cavaliers’ defensive backfield will probably have to contend with an aerial attack that places a premium on getting the ball down the field quickly.
“Like usual when you watch Florida State, you have to be struck by the speed,” Groh said. “It’s just one fast player after another [and] they use their speed in the most dangerous of ways, vertically.”
Virginia will have to neutralize Florida State’s speed and at the same time the Cavaliers have to hope that their offense can remain on track after an impressive performance last week against North Carolina.