Virginia football coach Al Groh said yesterday that taking three weeks off amid a time of tragedy is a very difficult thing to do, and that the Cavaliers (1-1) would welcome this weekend's game against No. 19 Clemson (2-0) and a return to the normal routine.
"I think it's rare you find a team that doesn't play for three weeks during the course of the season, as usually that happens before the first game or preliminary to a bowl game," Groh said at yesterday's weekly press conference.
He pointed out that during those three weeks the football team has practiced against three different systems.
"The first couple of practices following the Richmond game we worked just against ourselves," he said. "Then we got into the Penn State preparation and obviously worked against the Penn State system. Now we are working against Clemson."
Three weeks is a long time to be away from game action, which is more intense than practice, he added. Groh said a lot of practice is not always a good thing for players.
Coaches would almost always be in favor of more practice time, but players eventually lose interest in what is going on if they have too many practices between games, he said.
Groh stressed that the Cavaliers have enough practice time to prepare for Clemson despite a shortened, four-practice week.
Coaching staff helps team deal with tragedy
The Cavaliers were shocked and taken aback by the tragedy that took place in New York and Washington last week, and the coaches were there to provide support and perspective in such a difficult time.
"We talked to the players about the terrorist actions just like most of America talked about it," Groh said. "You have to stop and express to them that some things are simply more important than football."
His sentiment echoed President Bush's message that it is time for the American people to go back to their daily work.
"It's not business as usual after something like that," Groh said. "But by the same token, what are you going to do? Sit around and watch television all day long? I think you function and you continue do the tasks and responsibilities that you normally have. The event continues to be on your mind, but you go on functioning."
Groh, like most of the players, said he was glad all sporting events were canceled over the weekend and said that the team members' minds would not have been focused on Virginia's game against Penn State. He believes it is now time to try to move on and get back to focusing on the game.
Cavaliers prepare for tough
opponent
The Cavaliers return from their three-week layoff and begin their ACC schedule against Clemson on Saturday - one of the best teams in the ACC. Clemson has lost several players to early-season injuris, but Groh does not believe that this will make much of a difference.
"They haven't lost all the wrong players as far as I am concerned," Groh said. "They still have [Woodrow Dantzler] playing quarterback, and [running back Travis Zachery], who are both dynamic players. I still see those two defensive tackles [Nick Eason and Jovon Bush] who most teams have had trouble keeping out of their backfield. Then there is the linebacker [Chad Carson] who seems to make every tackle."
Clemson has had very little trouble beating the Cavaliers two years ago, 33-14, and last season, 31-10, by using a spread offense. But Groh said that Virginia's defense is up for the challenge.
"The substitution pattern is a major factor in the game," he said. "It's all no huddle, as they run different players on the field every play. Sometimes they will have 11 in the huddle, and when the huddle breaks, three will run off while another three run on. That's how they prevent defenses from matching personnel. They have a tough scheme to go against"
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