Trick plays were the talk of the team yesterday as Virginia Coach Al Groh and his players reflected on their victory over Wake Forest and looked ahead to this week's matchup with the upstart Duke Blue Devils. The Cavaliers (3-2, 1-1 ACC) used a number of unorthodox plays in their stunning 38-34 comeback win over the Demon Deacons. Most prevalent was a halfback pass from freshman Wali Lundy that was tipped by freshman tight end Heath Miller and caught by junior wide receiver Ryan Sawyer for a 33-yard touchdown.
Sawyer's score was the second touchdown Virginia scored off of a trick play this season, the first being a pass from Miller to fellow tight end Patrick Estes against South Carolina. Although these types of plays are occurring more frequently in the Cavaliers' offensive scheme, Groh told reporters he did not have a developed system to consult when deciding whether to use them.
"I use a Ouija board," Groh said. "A lot of it is just a feel for the right moment."
Although Lundy's pass was ultimately effective, it was not thrown particularly well. Miller's decision to tip the ball was not a part of the Virginia play book, but rather an attempt to keep the ball from being intercepted by the Demon Deacon defensive backs.
"I really just threw the ball up there, and things just happen on their own," Lundy said.
Since coming to Virginia, Groh has called several trick plays in key moments that have helped lead the Cavaliers to victory.
"It's just a matter of making the right call at the right time and executing," quarterback Matt Schaub said. "You only get one shot with those plays."
Although Schaub was not on the receiving end of any of Groh's trickery, lately the junior's play has been nothing short of stellar. Schaub is second in the nation in touchdown passes (15) and third in passing efficiency. This past week, he feared no defender from Winston-Salem, throwing for 312 yards and three scores. Additionally, Schaub has shown an increased ability to move the pocket and scramble for first downs.
"All of his decisions are coming faster," Groh said. "Whether it's which receiver to throw to
or when to bring the ball down and run."
While Schaub has brought consistency to the Virginia offense, Marques Hagans has added versatility. Against Wake Forest, Hagans served as a running back, wide receiver, quarterback and punt returner. His 13-yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter put Virginia up 38-34 and turned out to be the game winner.
"He's a multi-talented player," Groh said. "One of those talents is speed. He's one of those players who has made this a faster team, and we need to use [him] as much as possible."
A rash of injuries at the running back position has required Hagans to fill in there. Sophomore Alvin Pearman broke his hand in practice last week, and freshman Michael Johnson has yet to bounce back from the ankle injury he suffered against South Carolina. Although Hagans might see some action at that position, Lundy remains the go-to guy. Although Lundy had trouble running the ball against a stingy Wake Forest defense, he led the Cavaliers in receiving with nine catches. Still, he may need to improve his running totals as Virginia begins to face the tougher opponents in its schedule.
"I just think I have to focus more," Lundy said. "It's gonna be a lot more reps for me."
An improved rushing performance from Lundy could help the Cavaliers defeat Duke this weekend. Blue Devil defenders will likely focus on containing Schaub and shutting down Virginia's prolific passing game, and although the odds will favor Virginia this weekend, Duke provides another stern test for the young Cavalier team.
"It's another tough team in the ACC," Schaub said. "We have to prepare like we have the last three weeks and come out on Saturday ready to play."
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