Fresh off a 48-13 thrashing of the Maryland Terrapins last Saturday, the Virginia Cavaliers (8-4) travel to Blacksburg this weekend to face in-state rival Virginia Tech (8-3). A once highly competitive rivalry, the Virginia-Virginia Tech series has become a bit one-sided as of late, with the Hokies winning the last three games.
Last year, Virginia Tech won 31-17 at Scott Stadium. However, Virginia's recent success against ranked opponents, coupled with Tech's three-game losing streak, promises this weekend's matchup should be as heated and exciting as ever.
"I think games like this are fun," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "They are just those kinds of games that bring an intensity out of the participants."
When looking for the key to Virginia Tech's success this season, one needs to search no farther than their dominant running game. The Hokies rank 15th in the nation, rushing for 219 yards a game. Senior Lee Suggs and sophomore Kevin Jones lead the running attack.
"Those guys are really good players," Groh said. "They are fun to watch
except when you're watching from the other sideline."
The once-suspect Hokie passing game has begun to click these past two weeks. With wide receiver Ernest Wilford stepping-up as the primary target for quarterback Bryan Randall, the Hokies have put up exceptional numbers through the air. In a loss to Syracuse, Randall threw for over 500 yards, a Hokie passing record.
Virginia will be led Saturday by a pretty good quarterback of its own. Junior Matt Schaub has dominated his opposition this season, throwing for 2,751 yards and 26 TD's. With Schaub and Randall firing away, this weekend's Cavalier-Hokie matchup looks to be one of the best the series has seen.
Virginia players highlight All-ACC teams
Schaub was one of six Cavaliers named to All-ACC teams announced yesterday. Schaub, senior wide receiver Billy McMullen and senior linebacker Angelo Crowell were named first-team All-ACC, with McMullen making the first team for the second year in a row. Freshman tight end Heath Miller, sophomore defensive end Chris Canty and senior safety Jerton Evans made the second team. Senior offensive tackle Mike Mullins, sophomore offensive guard Elton Brown, freshman linebacker Darryl Blackstock and junior cornerback Almondo Curry were named honorable mention All-ACC.
Cavs plan to remain tight-lipped
Despite the intensity of this week's rivalry game, Virginia players have remained respectful of their opponent.
"We don't feel like the favorite," Brown said. "We like being the underdog. We like the position we're in right now."
Brown's deference likely had something to do with the results of Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen's trash-talking last week. Virginia players put Friedgen's boastful comments about the Virginia-Maryland series on their bulletin board and used it to inspire them as they prepared for the game.
"If you can play the game, there is no reason you should talk," Brown said. Friedgen's comments "said something like 'we shouldn't lose to teams like Virginia and Duke.' Well, we showed them that they should."
Bowl puzzle remains unsolved
Despite Virginia's victory over the Terrapins, the Cavaliers' bowl destination still remains unclear. The Gator Bowl has the second choice from ACC teams, followed by the Peach and Tangerine. However, just because Virginia finished second in the ACC, it is not guaranteed a second or third placed bowl. The bowl committees can select whichever teams they want, and it has been rumored the Gator will take Maryland, while the Peach will choose N.C. State.
Read More
ISTVAN: Tony Bennett left Virginia in a hole
By Ben Istvan | 46 minutes agoHis decision to retire doomed this men's basketball season.
Football lands three additional transfers
By Peter Kriebel | YesterdayOne common trait that stands out with this most recent batch of transfers is size.
