Riding a four-game winning streak, the Virginia football team returns home to Scott Stadium this Saturday at noon to face off with conference rival Clemson.
After a rocky start to the season, the Cavaliers have proved to be a stronger team than many initially believed.
Virginia brings a 4-2 overall record into this game, two of which are conference victories. Clemson, however, is not far behind, and will enter with a 3-2 overall record, 1-1 ACC.
The difference is the four-game winning streak that has "very definitely" bolstered Virginia's confidence, Virginia Coach Al Groh said at a Tuesday press conference.
"There's a better acquaintance, understanding and appreciation of each other and along with a demonstrated performance," Groh said.
The Cavaliers will enter Saturday's game energized by a 27-22 win at Duke last weekend, much in thanks to two fourth-quarter touchdowns that broke the tie, and solid passing consistency from junior quarterback Matt Schaub, who threw for 315 yards.
Groh said he was not surprised by Schaub's performance. "It's ultimately come down to the quarterback and wide receiver stepping up for some big plays," he said. "We have great confidence in those players."
The Tigers are preparing to mount an attack in order to hold Schaub at bay.
"You have to give him some different looks in the secondary," Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden said. "You also have to put some pressure on him. That combination will be the key. He is really in the zone right now as far as throwing is concerned. His receivers are doing well and they have a good plan. So we are going to have to do something to confuse him."
About All-American receiver Billy McMullen, who completed a decisive 35-yard pass and moved the ball close to midfield in last week's game, Bowden said, "He certainly gets your attention. He is an NFL type
really durable, has good hands and runs real good routes."
Virginia emerged as the winner of last year's game against then-No. 19 Clemson in Death Valley last season, giving Groh his first career victory over a ranked team.
The history of the Virginia-Clemson series has been mixed, however, with Virginia's all-time record standing at 6-34-1 against the Tigers. The Cavaliers have won three of the last four games in Death Valley and lost two of the last three at home.
The Tigers hope to shake off last weekend's loss to Florida State.
"One of my philosophies is do not let a loss beat you twice," Bowden said. "It is not how you start, it is how you finish."
Special teams breakdowns and a frustrating lost fumble proved to be problematic for Clemson in their performance at FSU.
Despite the disappointment, sophomore Derrick Hamilton presented himself as a threat, logging 256 yards against Georgia Tech and 160 yards against Ball State. He ranks ninth in the nation and first in the ACC for all-purpose yards per game. Clemson quarterback Willie Simmons also has been making improvements this year.
With no great disparity between the teams, Virginia will have to be focused and play effectively, as in their past few games. Facing the well-rested Tigers will prove to be a challenge that the Cavaliers must evaluate carefully.
"Part of having your team ready to play in the latter part of the season is gauging the readiness factor of the team and not just the game planning," Groh said.
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