At high noon tomorrow in Scott Stadium, Virginia draws North Carolina in search of its sixth straight win and fourth straight in conference play. The Tar Heels (2-4, 0-2 ACC) have not had as much recent success, dropping three of their last four games. Few would accuse the Cavaliers (5-2, 3-1) of dominating their opponents in victory, but they are on a hot streak, receiving votes in the national polls for the first time this season.
Virginia defeated Clemson 22-17 last Saturday in what can only be described as a typical Wahoo win. As has been their habit all season, the Cavaliers surrendered the lead early, did not run the ball well and were severely outgained in total yards (Clemson had 412 yards, compared to Virginia's 288), but still managed to put together some late scoring drives to win a close game.
The team has failed to be overly impressive in terms of football dominance, but has more than made up for it with grit and perseverance. Virginia Coach Al Groh has recognized the team's calling card this season.
"With our particular team, I really don't expect that during the course of the season, we're going to establish a dominant way that we play to win," Groh said. "We haven't picked apart anybody so far this year."
Groh sees that his players are undeterred by and have even benefited from the close games.
"I think it's an advantage," Groh said. "You learn that every play, every week is important. It sharpens your competitive edge. We've won five games that we're very pleased about, and I think the players have a lot of reason to feel confident about themselves."
Virginia's defense was the superior unit last week against Clemson, allowing only 17 points and forcing three turnovers. Particularly impressive was Virginia's defensive backfield that permitted only 223 passing yards despite the obstacle of its sub-six-foot defensive backs facing Clemson's trio of 6-foot-4 wide receivers.
Junior quarterback Matt Schaub was again called upon to lead the offense. He threw for 208 yards and a touchdown. He needed 23 completions to reach 208 yards and his longest completion was only 21 yards -- clear indicators that the Virginia offense is not taking enough chances downfield. Running backs Alvin Pearman and Wali Lundy combined for 80 yards rushing. In the game, Lundy tied a school record with 11 receptions.
In tomorrow's game against North Carolina, Virginia renews the oldest rivalry in Southern college football as they meet for the 107th time. The Tar Heels lead the all-time series 55-47-4, and the two are tied 21-21 all-time in Charlottesville, though the Cavaliers have won every contest in their own stadium since 1981.
"It's going to be a tough game," Schaub said. "It's a rivalry game."
Despite the nearly reciprocal records, Virginia and North Carolina can be easily likened to one another for their youth and game play.
"I see a team very similar to our team," Groh said. "Very, very good wide receivers. A lot of young players. A lot of guys getting on-the-job training. A lot of games getting into the second half. A lot of hard fought games."
North Carolina lost two defensive stars to the first five picks of the National Football League draft last year, including Julius Peppers. They still have a star at safety in Dexter Reid, who has accumulated an astounding 82 tackles in six games. Overall, however, the defensive squad is allowing a league-worst 447.2 yards per game.
On the offense, it will be Tar Heel quarterback Darian Durant leading the way. He tops the ACC with 272.5 yards passing per game and ranks third in conference passing efficiency.
Durant has "got a very quick release and a lot of velocity," Groh said. "He's got a lot of maneuverability in the pocket. It's certainly the most vertical passing team we've played this year. Overall, this is probably the most dangerous quarterback we've seen."
Read More
Football lands three additional transfers
By Peter Kriebel | YesterdayOne common trait that stands out with this most recent batch of transfers is size.
Men’s basketball suffers road drubbing versus California
By Emory Huffman | YesterdayVirginia submitted another rudderless performance.
