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Groh Press Conference Video Highlights
Sept. 5, 2006
Cavaliers Open Home Schedule vs. Wyoming
Virginia looks to get its first win of the season this Saturday against Wyoming at the Carl Smith Center, home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm. The game is not being televised.
The Cavaliers were hurt by four big plays and lost to Pittsburgh 38-13 in their season opener last Saturday. The Panthers outgained Virginia nearly two-to-one (390 yards to 211) and averaged more than seven yards per play. Pitt struck with two long scoring passes (72 and 78 yards) and returned two interceptions for touchdowns.
QB Christian Olsen struggled in his first start and will hope history repeats itself. Several recent UVa quarterbacks have done much better in their second start following a rough beginning.
Several other first-time starters did well for the Cavaliers. Sophomore inside linebacker Jon Copper led the defense with seven tackles, including five solo stops. Senior Jason Snelling led the ground game in his first start as the feature tailback with 28 yards and one touchdown. Junior Chris Gould made his debut as the team’s placekicker and made a 48-yard field goal on his first attempt to set a school record for the longest made field goal on a first attempt.
Virginia’s starting line-up last weekend featured six new faces, including two who made their first collegiate appearance. Of the 58 players to see action vs. the Panthers, 12 were making their debuts.
This is the first time the Cavaliers have played Wyoming, UVa’s only first-time opponent this season. The Cowboys rolled to a 38-7 win over Utah State at home in their season opener last Saturday. The offense was remarkably balanced with 239 yards passing and 221 rushing. Quarterback Jacob Doss tossed three touchdown passes and completed 65.4 percent of his throws. Overall Wyoming is 38-62-2 (.382) all-time in road openers.The Cavaliers look to continue their recent run of success at home. They have won 15 of their last 18 home games (.833) in the last four seasons, the best mark in the ACC. Only 14 teams have been better at home since 2003. Last season Virginia was 5-1 at home. Virginia has also won its home opener in six of the last eight years, including the last three.
