Virginia football coach Al Groh announced in a press conference yesterdaythat sophomore Bryson Spinner would be the starting quarterback for this week's match-up against Penn State on Thursday night.
Groh quickly added that both Spinner and sophomore Matt Schaub will receive playing time against the Nittany Lions, saying that both quarterbacks have been performing well in practice.
"Both Schaub and Spinner are making very good progress," he said. "I told both guys yesterday that they are both completing balls right now that we weren't seeing three weeks ago. Both quarterbacks are getting a few more reps and getting sharper as their accuracy gets a little more finite."
Groh continues to believe the Cavaliers can thrive using two quarterbacks throughout each game. To make his case, he mentioned the University of Florida, which has successfully used a two-quarterback system for the past few years to become a perennial top-10 team.
"Using two quarterbacks happens more often in college football because in pro football, it is unlikely that you can afford two quarterbacks that fall in the same ability range," Groh said. "I think it is a positive situation for me and the team, as we become a better team because of it."
Penn State better than first game indicates
The Penn State team that Virginia will face Thursday will be very different than the team that suffered a 33-7 drubbing at the hands of Miami on Sept. 1, Groh said. Penn State played a Hurricane team that is one of the better teams in the nation, if not the best, he said.
"I would expect their offense to be much more proficient now that they are not playing against Miami's defense," he said. "Penn State is well aware of the fact that they are not playing against the same kind of team that they played in their first game."
Groh also talked about the many weapons Penn State has to offer on offense. He pointed out that Penn State had three straight recruiting classes that were in the top five: 1997, 1998 and 1999.
"They have three running backs [Omar Easy, Larry Johnson and Eric McCoo] that might be the three best running backs we play this year," he said. "They have speed on the outside in two legit wide receivers [Ediie Drummond and Bryant Johnson] who have great vertical speed. They also have a guy [John Gilmore] that is the number two or three rated tight end in the [NFL] draft for next year."
Several players still suffering from injuries
The loss of running back Antwoine Womack to surgery was the first of several key injuries for Virginia.
"Merrill Robertson's status has not changed from last week, as he will not be available to play against Penn State," Groh said. "Earl Simms has earned the right to get more playing time, and things seem to be going in that direction for him. He is working his way to more and more playing time, and if Merrill doesn't start, he will."
The Cavaliers will have the services of two players that have been a little banged up from minor injuries. Starting fullback Tyree Foreman will see a lot of playing time, but it is still unclear if he will start. Starting tight end Chris Luzar, who suffered a concussion against Richmond, only practiced for some of the bye week but will be ready to start Thursday night.
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