Next question, please
Oct 23rd
From the Daily Press, under the headline, “So, Virginia fans, do you want Al Groh to win or lose?”:
That brings me to the Commonwealth. Are Virginia fans thinking the same way about Al Groh?
Do they want him to win or lose?
Since the 0-3 start (including an embarrassing loss at home to I-AA William and Mary), the Cavaliers have pulled out wins over North Carolina, Indiana and Maryland (a heck of a win streak in basketball, not so much football).
On Saturday, the Cavaliers face No. 11 Georgia Tech, which just knocked Virginia Tech out of the national title picture last week.
A statement game. A chance for the Cavaliers to get above .500 and make some national noise. A chance to further improve their head coach’s still shaky job status.
Groh is 59-47 in nine years at his alma mater. That’s three losing seasons (including last year’s 5-7 record) and a 1-7 mark against the real football powerhouse in the state.
Now, how big is this game for Groh? Difficult to say. It wouldn’t be a bad loss at all, but it certainly would be a huge win.
So, Virginia fans: Do you want the Cavaliers to win or lose?
A legitimate question many fans, I’m sure, are asking.
Ummm…no, that isn’t a legitimate question. I can’t cheer for Virginia to lose, even if it will hasten Groh’s departure.
Yes, I think replacing Groh would likely be a good thing for the football program. He is an alum, he is a hard worker, and Groh really cares about football at the University of Virginia, but he just isn’t getting the job done, unfortunately.
Still, I’m a Hoo. I want them to win. Period.
Defense?
Oct 22nd
Every time I read another article about the beginning of basketball practice for Tony Bennett’s team, I get more excited for the season to finally tip off. The latest is from Michael Phillips in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Tony Bennett has been running basketball practices at U.Va. for a week now. In that time, and since workouts started this fall, the players have learned a few things about him.
The 40-year-old coach is a big fan of the movie “Rocky,” and says he wants to install a “bulldog mentality” among this year’s Cavaliers. He’s old enough that he’s taken up golf, but young enough that he carries around an iPod. He also remembers what it’s like to be a player, and plans drills accordingly.
But above all, the players have learned this: They will play strong defense this year.
Defense? What’s that?
Go read the entire article and see if you can avoid getting a bit excited to see what the Hoos are going to look like on the court this season. It’s going to be a new-look squad, and I think people are going to be happy.
Jameel Sewell to start vs. Georgia Tech
Oct 22nd
It appears that Jameel Sewell (ankle) will be the starting quarterback against Georgia Tech on Saturday. You tell me whether that is a good thing or not.
Over on The Edge, there is speculation that Marc Verica will still see a lot of action.
Still no word on whether tailback Mikell Simpson will play, or whether he will miss his second straight game. Similarly, we’re all waiting anxiously to find out if defensive end Matt Conrath will play this weekend after suffering an injury against Murr-land:
Early indications suggest that Conrath’s ankle injury might sideline him. Conrath was omitted from the initial depth chart released to reporters this week, although freshman Will Hill was listed with the first team. Virginia will release its final injury report after Thursday’s practice.
I’m afraid the defense can’t withstand the loss of Conrath for long.
One Simple Request for Al Groh
Oct 21st
Please, for the love of all that is good and pure, no more quarterback draws this weekend. Please??!!?!?!?!
Has that play worked a single time this season? Then why does Groh and company continue to run it in every single short yardage situation?
Next up: the Ramblin’ Wreck
Oct 20th
While we can all still enjoy being atop the ACC, it’s almost time to put the Maryland victory to rest. Before we do, however, read this by Brendan at From Old Virginia. If you disliked Maryland before (and who doesn’t), that post won’t change your mind.
On to Georgia Tech. Dear Old U.Va. has an exhaustive preview of the game here.
I’m very concerned with Tech’s triple option. Let’s be honest; while the wins over UNC and Maryland were fun, Virginia played pretty poorly in both games.
Georgia Tech is a whole different animal. UVa is going to have to play much better to grab another victory.
A cause we can support
Oct 19th
It’s not often that a converted defensive tackle playing end becomes your big star, but for this game, Nate Collins was dominant. Nine tackles (two for loss), a sack, and the huge interception and go ahead touchdown that featured some impressive sprinting for a 290 pound man as he outran Maryland defenders for the 32 yard score – the first defensive touchdown of the year for the ‘Hoos.
Big Nate imposed a Chris Long-like performance on the Terps. It was fun to watch.
UPDATE: It’s not the Heisman, but Collins has been named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week.
Basketball practice begins
Oct 18th
Video from the first men’s basketball practice is up now at VirginiaSportsTV.com. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Tony Bennett era begin at JPJ. Bennett was an inspired hire, and I think he’s the perfect fit for Virginia.
Time will tell.
On Heath Miller
Oct 18th
Watching Heath Miller catch everything thrown his way for the Steelers, including a touchdown, has to make a UVa fan proud. He’s turning into exactly the same player he was at Virginia, i.e., Big Money.
I remember Miller in high school. He was a great quarterback, sure, but you should have seen him on the basketball court. He was a beast under the boards.
I love the fact that two prominent former Hoos in the NFL — Miller and Thomas Jones — are stand-up citizens from far Southwest Virginia. Like me!
A banner day
Oct 17th
It should be noted that, as of 8:59 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2009, only one ACC football team is undefeated in conference games.
Yes, that’s right: the University of Virginia. Wahoowa.
