Two teams more alike than they are different face off when No. 22 N.C. State comes to Charlottesville tomorrow to play the Cavaliers at noon.
Both teams boast a junior quarterback, the first and second-ranked passers in the ACC, both have relied on true freshmen to carry the load on the ground, and both have dropped their last two games after a long win streak.
The Wolfpack (9-2, 4-2) come into Scott Stadium following losses to Georgia Tech and Maryland and without their leading rusher freshman T.A. McLendon and leading reciever Jerrico Cotchery, both out with injuries.
Virginia also has suffered consecutive losses to Georgia Tech and Penn State, and will be without the services of sophomore running back Alvin Pearman who "more than likely" will need surgery, Virginia coach Al Groh said.
Both of these teams, however, are passing teams are at heart, as Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub and N.C. State quarterback Philip Rivers have a combined 627 passes and 5,071 yards this season. Both Schaub and Rivers are ranked in the nation's top 10 in passing efficiency. N.C. State coach Chuck Amato sees some similarities between the junior play-callers.
"He makes quick decisions," Amato said of Schaub, describing his similarities to Rivers. "The fact that he's studied so much film and the fact that he gets the ball out so quickly, and he's a winner -- he makes plays when he needs to make plays."
Schaub has the 10th-best quarterback rating in the nation, but part of his success in passing efficiency is due to the large number of short throws in the Virginia offense.
"I've seen him play a couple times," Rivers said of Schaub. "He seems to really fit in their system. He's really spreading the ball around and has had a good year."
Rivers has the arm and experience to go downfield with more precision and can take control of a game.
"I am very impressed," Groh said of Rivers. "I can see why he has the leadership and impact on this team as he does. With a quarterback like Rivers, you want to prevent him from having one of those 'gee whiz' days."
The Wolfpack cannot rely solely upon its star quarterback however, and will need a solid showing from a special teams and defense that have scored a total six touchdowns on fumble and kick returns.
"Terrence Holt -- number one on the list," Groh said when asked what he most needed to prepare for against N.C. State. "He's a terrific safety, and his prowess on special teams is one of the best in college football history."
Holt, the brother of former standout Wolfpack receiver Torry Holt, has become an imposing force on the N.C. State defense with his size and speed.
Like Holt, Virginia's defensive team captain Angelo Crowell has a brother who was a standout wide receiver at Virginia. Now Crowell, in his last season as a Cavalier, has precious few chances to guide his team to a bowl game. A win over the 22nd ranked team in the nation would not only make them bowl eligible, but also will put the Cavaliers ahead of the Wolfpack in conference standings.
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