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Groh credits defense, offensive line for win

At his Monday press conference, Virginia coach Al Groh left no doubt as to the keys to Virginia's victory over South Carolina Saturday -- defense and pass protection.

Against the Gamecocks, Virginia's defense proved both stingy and opportunistic. The Cavaliers held the Gamecocks to 243 yards on offense. Considering Virginia gave up nearly 1,000 yards in its first two games, Saturday's performance marked a vast improvement. Groh cited takeaways as a big factor in Virginia's defensive success. Virginia forced seven Gamecock turnovers, including six fumbles, en route to the upset.

"You just don't go and play 75 plays and give up 200 yards without a number of takeaways," Groh said. "That's how we play good defense."

On the offensive side of the ball, junior quarterback Matt Schaub benefited from the stellar offensive line play, which provided Schaub ample time to pick apart the porous South Carolina defense. Schaub looked comfortable in the pocket, throwing for 170 yards and three touchdowns.

"The teams that are successful with their passing game are the teams that think protection first," Groh said. "If you keep your quarterback from getting hit, you're gonna have a better chance at a successful day."

Sophomore center Zac Yarbrough was one standout on the offensive line Saturday night. Yarbrough received the first start of his career, replacing the injured Kevin Bailey. Like Schaub, Yarbrough looked comfortable and confident at his position. Groh attributed that confidence to Yarbrough's easy-going attitude.

"I doubt he'd be nervous about his first skydiving experience," Groh said.

Saturday's victory marked one of Schaub's best performances to date and his second win as a starter. Perhaps more importantly, he frequently showed the poise and promise needed to lead Virginia to more wins in the future.

"I think he's a better player than in the past," Groh said.

Virginia also benefited Saturday night from the return of defensive end Chris Canty. The sophomore broke his leg during spring practice and watched the team's first two games from the sideline. He did not disappoint upon his return, however, putting constant pressure on Gamecock quarterback Corey Jenkins and forcing an intentional grounding penalty in the first half. Canty's experience should improve Virginia's defense.

"He's got more know-how than most of these guys," Groh said. "He's been doing this for 18 months now, while [the freshmen] have only been doing it for two."

Although the Cavaliers did not suffer as many injuries as they did against Florida State, they did not emerge from Saturday's game unscathed. Freshman tailbacks Michael Johnson and Wali Lundy both left the contest in the second half. Groh did not comment on Lundy's injury, but he did provide information on Johnson.

"I'd say he's got a significant ankle sprain and we've got to see how it develops," he said.

Fortunately, Virginia has a bye week this weekend before facing Akron in two weeks. The bye week will give injured players some time to heal and allow the team to concentrate on improving, and Groh appeared excited and confident about the likelihood of such improvements.

"I like the development we've had," he said. "I've seen a lot of individual development and it's added up to collective development

I'd like our progress to occur two, three, four, five weeks in a row."

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