Story Links
Aug. 17, 2004
It was one of the Doobie Brothers greatest hits….”It Keeps You Runnin'”
I’m surprised Virginia head football coach Al Groh and his staff don’t have the song echoing throughout the McCue Center offices.
Talk about feeling your heartbeat.
UVA’s success this year might rest on the legs of the running backs. Since all of the West Coast offensive talk the past few years it seems the RB’s have become back page material. However, the role they play is so important that the way the Cavaliers finish the year might depend on Wali Lundy, Alvin Pearman, Michael Johnson, Jason Snelling and Brandon Isaiah.
Admit it. Fans are pass happy. Hitting the home run, the sideline streak, or the post corner ignites a fan flame faster than a tailgate grill. Seeing All American tight end Heath Miller break open over the middle against a cover two defense makes Virginia fans stand and up cheer as if gas prices had dropped to $1.30. That’s football and the nature of the first and ten beast. But look for the Wahoos to dominate people on the ground.
Last season the Cavaliers only averaged 130 yards per game on the ground. Granted, UVA had Matt Schaub in the backfield and it doesn’t take an EA Sports guru to know when someone like him is under center, you utilize his talents. Lundy only gained 77 yards per game and Pearman 49. The per carry averages were solid…4.1 and 4.8 respectively and last year the `Hoos had two backs go over 500 yards for the first time since 1998. Balance has always been a Groh method of operation and last year was no exception…439 running plays to 466 passes. Plus, when Virginia has a fourth quarter lead look out. UVA runs a whole heck of a lot more than it passes.
“I think we have some young offensive lineman who can establish themselves to be all star candidates,” Groh said. “Plus, we have a lot of versatility in our backfield. Lundy and Pearman have certainly proved themselves to be productive competitors in both the running and passing games.”
Enter guys like Snelling and Johnson and a lot of pressure has been taken off the shoulders of quarterback Marques Hagans.
“We are enthusiastic about Michael getting into the rotation. He brings a new level of speed to the lineup that we have been looking forward to. With Jason back we have a lot of versatility and multiple skills at the fullback position as well.”
Snelling, an outstanding blocker and receiver, caught 31 passes in 2002 including a seven catch, one touchdown day against Maryland and a game winning reception against Duke.
“We love to use those guys,” offensive coordinator Ron Prince told me in the hallway the other day. “And the best part is they run well and all can catch. It just gives a ton of options on offense.”
So while the talk right now seems to be about Hagans, who will step up at wide receiver…and does Virginia have any big play guys on the outside… look to the ground. Follow the fourth quarter stat sheet at days end and see how many running plays UVA puts into motion. Notice the yards per carry, and the yards on first down.
UVA has a five-headed monster that will feed off opponents attempting to stop the run.
Fans will feel the heartbeat.