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Oct. 14, 2003
It was a moment in time that most Virginia fans will never forget. The Thursday night, 1995 upset of Florida State resurfaces every week the Cavaliers host the ‘Noles.
“I had just gotten home…30 seconds before kick-off,” Coach Al Groh told the media Monday. “I spent most of the night pacing the floor.”
And why not. His son Mike, now an assistant coach, was the quarterback who directed the offense that night and led UVA to the 33-28 win that ended FSU’s 29 game ACC winning streak.
“I was pretty happy,” the coach smiled. “I also got the phone call about 2 o’clock that morning when the celebration was still going on.”
If Virginia can put together 60 minutes of football Saturday the ‘Hoos Head Man might be doing a little celebrating of his own.
“Until another team in the ACC wins the league, say two or three years in a row, we could then say things have changed. But they haven’t. As far as this year. The race is still on.”
Florida State is angry. The Seminoles were dominated by Miami and distracted by something other than the weather. They committed five turnovers, missed assignments, the kicking game suffered, and the Hurricanes never let FSU build any momentum. Sounds like the perfect game plan…and Virginia will study the film religiously…but can we create a downpour?
“The FSU passing game is very dramatic with two very good receivers,” Groh told the room full of writers and reporters Monday. “(P.K.) Sam and (Craphonso) Thorpe are classic Florida State receivers with height and speed, the hallmark of their passing game.”
Defensively the ‘Noles just flat out bring it. They gamble, play press, man to man coverage, and bring everything on every down. Florida State leads the nation in scoring defense giving up just 9.83 points per game and they rank seventh in total defense, yielding just 265 yards per contest. Against the run, the Seminoles give up just 96 yards per game, which ranks them 20th in the country.
Virginia has a few things to fix. After the Clemson game, fans and the media were quick to jump on the lack of a running game which UVA continued to try and exploit against the Tigers. Second year and ACC leader Wali Lundy is doubtful with the sprained foot and ankle however Marquis Weeks should be available after his knee was “scoped” a couple of weeks ago. However, this is a game of schemes and quick decisions. It’s a matchup of coaches putting players in position to win. I like Virginia’s chances…why? Matt Schaub.
Since Schaub’s return, the graduate has completed 71% of his passes and would lead the nation if he had played in enough games. This is a week where Matt will study a little more film, take a few more throws…lead by example, speak up in practice, and prepare his team for a game the Cavs can win. This is not about the national spotlight, or the Heisman race, or how many hits his website gets…this game is about the ACC race…as Coach Groh said Monday…”It’s still on!”
“Someone has to beat them or they (FSU) run away with it,” Al said referring to the title chase.
And that’s the focus…win the ACC and let the national rankings, BCS, and all that other stuff take care of itself.