With the ACC season winding down, a number of Virginia players have put themselves in excellent position to gain all-conference honors. The media begins voting for All-ACC selections this week, and the Cavaliers look to bring home a hefty sack of hardware and accolades. If things go well this weekend against Maryland, those honors could begin at the top.
In only his second season, Virginia coach Al Groh has led his team to a record of 7-4 overall, and 5-2 in the ACC.
Under his tutelage, the Cavaliers have shattered preseason expectations. Picked to finish eighth in the conference, Virginia already has locked up third place, and could finish second with a win against the Terrapins.
Interestingly, the ACC's other most noteworthy coach, Ralph Friedgen, will be standing on the opposite sideline Saturday night. Should Groh's Cavaliers upset "The Fridge's" Terps, Groh will emerge the front-runner for ACC coach of the year.
On the offensive side of the ball, junior quarterback Matt Schaub, stands as a strong candidate for the ACC's All-Conference first team. Schaub has been an extraordinary field general for the Cavaliers this season, leading the team to major comeback victories against Wake Forest and North Carolina. Completing over 68 percent of his passes, he has thrown 23 touchdown passes and only six interceptions. Last week, he defeated and outshined N.C. State quarterback Phillip Rivers, his stiffest competition in the race for the conference's best quarterback.
"I think there are some terrific players out there, but who's had a better season than Matt Schaub?" Groh asked.
One of Schaub's favorite targets, Billy McMullen, also looks to garner All-ACC honors. McMullen's catches and touchdowns are down from his record-setting season last year, but his overall importance to the team has not diminished in the least.
"He's a phenomenal receiver," freshman cornerback Marcus Hamilton said. "Even if he's not getting the ball he takes half the defense to focus on him, and then leaves the running game open and the other receivers open."
One of the reasons for the drop in McMullen's catch production has been the emergence of freshman tight-end Heath Miller as a viable target in Virginia's passing game. Miller ranks second in the ACC with eight receiving touchdowns and has evolved into a marked-man in opponents' red zones.
"He's a big key to a lot of our success this year," Schaub said. In comparison to the tight ends Virginia has seen this year, "he ranks right up there," especially as a redshirt freshman.
Defensively, linebackers Angelo Crowell and Merrill Robertson have established themselves as candidates for All-ACC honors. The seniors lead the team in tackles and forced fumbles, and have made outstanding teachers for the younger defensive players.
"I think they're two of the best [linebackers] in the country," sophomore linebacker Rich Bedesem said. "Out of the ones we've played, I haven't seen any better than them."
Bowl possibilities
With its dramatic 14-9 victory over N.C. State Saturday, Virginia gained bowl eligibility for the first time in the Al Groh era. Barring a Wake Forest victory over Maryland in two weeks and a shunning of ultimate proportions, the Cavaliers should play in one of five bowl games come late December. Bowl possibilities include the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla. (Jan. 1), the Peach Bowl in Atlanta (Dec. 31), the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Fla. (Dec. 23), the Continental Tire Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. (Dec. 28) and the Seattle Bowl in Seattle (Dec. 30).
In the past, the Virginia fan base has been maligned because of its poor attendance numbers at bowl games. However, Groh feels that his Cavaliers deserve an impressive fan turnout and should have no problem attracting supporters to bowl games in the future.
"I think that everybody would like to attach to great success," he said. "If you get to a certain level it goes beyond the coaches and players. If you want to be a part of it, you better do your part."
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