The Cavaliers (1-2, 0-1 ACC) had a week off following their 34-21 victory over South Carolina on Sept. 7, and Virginia coach Al Groh seems pleased with his team's progress during the break.
"It was a good week," Groh said. "We had some very specific things in every phase that we wanted to improve our team on."
Although the Cavalier players enjoyed their rest, they did not waste their extra practices. Instead, they used them to work on individual and team performances.
"During the whole week we worked on things that are going to make us better," senior linebacker Angelo Crowell said. "We didn't see it as an off-week, just a time to improve."
The bye week came at an opportune time for the young Cavalier team. The South Carolina game marked the end of a brutal three-game stretch to open the season. During that stretch, the Cavaliers faced three teams that have been ranked in the top 25. The respite allowed Virginia coaches to analyze the team's performances and progression during the first three weeks.
"It gave us an opportunity to [view the team] in a more extended fashion," Groh said.
Additionally, the time off undoubtedly allowed Groh and his staff time to think about recruiting; the Cavaliers hope to match the top 10 recruiting class that they brought in last February. When asked of his recruiting secret, Groh laughingly responded, "I guess I'm just a warm fuzzy figure."
Groh showed no laughter, however, as he spoke about Virginia's upcoming game against Akron. The Zips visit Scott Stadium this weekend coming off a tough 24-17 loss to Central Michigan. Sophomore quarterback Charlie Frye should provide a tough challenge as quarterback of Akron's pass-heavy offense. Frye ranks seventh on the Akron all time career passing yardage list and has played only 14 games.
"We better be able to defend this quarterback and put pressure on him," Groh said. "That's something that no one has been able to do."
Sophomore Jermaine Hardy will be one of the defensive backs hoping to contain Frye and the Zip receivers. Hardy played a major role in Virginia's win over South Carolina, recovering two fumbles and returning one for a touchdown.
"This is a player that the ball seems to find him," Groh said. "What he's getting now is a much improved foundation about how to play coverage."
Virginia will look to both sophomore defensive end Chris Canty and freshman linebacker Darryl Blackstock to put pressure on Frye. Canty played in his first game of the season against South Carolina and will see action again against Akron. Meanwhile, Blackstock leads the Cavalier defense with two sacks and is tied for second on the team with 24 tackles.
On offense, Virginia again will count on junior quarterback Matt Schaub to call the signals. Schaub has completed 60 percent of his passes and has thrown for seven touchdowns, placing him second in the ACC in pass efficiency.
"If he continues to do that, we'll be pretty proficient on offense," Groh said.
Groh seemed optimistic that freshman tailback Wali Lundy would be able to play Saturday after leaving the South Carolina game in the third quarter with a hip pointer.
"Wali is one of those players that's changing the team," Groh said. "He's one of the faster players on the team. We want to make sure he'll continue to play fast the rest of the year."
Although the Akron Zips might not provide the same challenge as Florida State or South Carolina, Virginia cannot afford to take this week's preparation lightly. The Cavaliers have 10 games left, and Groh made it clear the fate of his young team relies on its ability to come ready to play and to treat each team with a good deal of respect.
"This is going to be a season [that requires] resolve," he said. "One of the things we have to do is make sure we don't turn into a 1-12 team."
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