Story Links
Sept. 16, 2004
University of Virginia head football coach Al Groh made it very clear Monday during his weekly press conference.
“There are a lot of things we haven’t seen yet in the first two games,” Groh explained. “We haven’t been in a two minute situation, we haven’t been behind, and our punter hasn’t been under duress. It’s just way too early yet for most teams. There can be a lot of false hype.”
Not that the Cavaliers aren’t deserving of the ranking and the early season attention. So many things have gone right. The offensive line has dominated. The running backs have played smart. Quarterback Marques Hagans has made a classroom full of correct reads, the defense has had a goal line stand and has been an attacking unit with six sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Special teams have been just that…special, and in two games UVA has transferred its emotion to smart football. Once again UVA is one of leaders in the ACC in penalties against with only 8 in two games for 75 yards.
“All we’re trying to do is get into November and be a part of the chase,” Groh said. “We are treating this Monday like every Monday. There are a lot of things we need to do to get better.”
One area of mild concern is the secondary.
“We have erred on deep balls and made a couple mistakes,” Groh pointed out. Two of the three guys are playing a lot for the first time.”
It is evident though how the Cavaliers are displaying their personality. Its a little bit smash mouth…a little bit finesse…with attack and power on defense thrown in for good measure. UVA still likes to blitz when in the nickel and the `Hoos will continue playing the best guys for what ever the situation calls for. That’s why you see offensive guard Elton Brown playing defense in goal line situations…linebacker Kai Parham and defensive end Chris Canty line up in the `hammer’ set inside the five on offense, and why linebacker Ahmad Brooks is returning kick offs. Virginia is saying to the football world…this is who we are, and this is the way we are going to play. Find a way to out coach us.
This week UVA closes out a two game contract with Akron and a quarterback who is one of the nation’s best. Charlie Frye holds 49 school records for the Zips and defensively they are a bit unconventional. The Zips biggest problem might be their age playing a lot of redshirt freshman and sophomores.
Akron’s head coach, J.D. Brookhart is no stranger to the Cavalier schemes. He was the offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh the past four years and matched wits against UVA’s staff in the Continental Tire Bowl.
Virginia is a heavy favorite…and why not. The `Hoos have outscored their first two opponents 100-38.
From Mac’s game day notebook:
Even though Charlie Frye is one of the best quarterbacks in the country he has thrown only two touchdown passes in two games. He has 3 interceptions, but has hit 60 of 80 tosses for 622 yards. His top three receivers…Dominek Hixon, Jason Montgomery and Jabari Arthur rank 1-2-3 in receiving in the MAC and Akron is just one of two schools to have three players ranked in the top 30 in the country in receptions.
UVA has won nine straight homecoming games against non-conference competition dating back to 1986. The last non-conference homecoming loss? William and Mary…41-37.
The Cavs have never lost to a MAC team…and is 6-0 with one tie, a 1948 deadlock against Miami of Ohio…14-14.
When UVA tight end Heath Miller failed to catch a pass in the North Carolina game it marked only the second time in his career he did not haul in a football. His 22 game reception streak, dating back to Duke in 2002, ended.
Virginia has scored at least 40 points in both games this season…the first time UVA has opened a year like that since 1913.
Special? UVA ranks fifth in the country in kickoff returns (39.38) and 11th in punt returns (18.17)
Thanks to Michael Colley and Cathy Stewart for all the wonderful numbers….