The Virginia football team will attempt to return to its winning ways Saturday night when they take on Florida State in a nationally-televised contest at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers (4-2, 3-1 ACC) can remain a factor in the ACC race with a victory over the Seminoles (5-1, 4-0).
The only time the Cavaliers have defeated the Seminoles came in 1995, with Virginia's 32-27 victory serving as Florida State's first ACC loss since joining the conference in 1991. The similarities between that game and tomorrow's game are notable and only begin with both being night games at Scott Stadium televised by ESPN.
Before last Saturday's college football match-ups, ESPN Gameday host Lee Corso had stated that his crew would be in Charlottesville if Virginia took care of business against Clemson and Florida State defeated arch-rival Miami. Neither team held up to its side of the bargain, with the Cavaliers losing, 30-27, in overtime, and the Seminoles falling, 22-14, in a game that was not as close as the final score indicates.
At Clemson, Virginia came out flat and fell behind from the start. After going in to the half down 10-0, the Cavaliers caught fire in the third quarter and pulled ahead, 17-10. When Clemson went back on top, 24-17, following junior Yusef Kelly's 13-yard touchdown run with 3:20 left, it appeared that the Cavaliers were finished.
However, Virginia junior Alvin Pearman responded on the other end with a rushing touchdown, sending the game into overtime. After sophomore Connor Hughes kicked a 33-yard field goal on the first possession of overtime, Clemson sophomore Charlie Whitehurst connected with senior Kevin Youngblood on a six-yard touchdown pass, sending the Cavaliers back to Charlottesville with a heart-breaking defeat.
While Virginia coach Al Groh was quick to praise Clemson and its players for their victory, he realizes that Florida State will possess even more speed and athleticism.
"Clemson was, in terms of athletic skill and speed, exactly what we anticipated them to be: the most athletic and fastest team we've played this year," Groh said. "Until we were finished with that game, they were the leader in the clubhouse. Now, we're playing a faster team."
Florida State, currently the No. 7 team in the nation and the only ACC team undefeated in conference play, boasts an impressive aerial attack that will challenge the Cavaliers' secondary. Seminole junior quarterback Chris Rix has thrown for 1,523 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, and junior wide receivers Craphonso Thorpe and P.K. Sam provide him with two capable deep threats, each having amassed over 400 yards receiving so far.
On defense, Seminoles senior Peter Boulware is one of 11 candidates for the Butkus Award, which is annually presented to the best linebacker in college football, and sophomore free safety Pat Watkins has intercepted three passes.
"Their linebackers have tremendous speed for their position," Virginia senior quarterback Schaub said. "They're physical and can run with anybody."
Despite possessing such an abundance of talent, Florida State could be missing three starters, including two on the offensive line. Junior center David Castillo has an injured foot, junior guard Bobby Meeks hurt his shoulder and senior noseguard Jeff Womble is nursing a tricep injury.
While many consider his team the favorite heading into tomorrow's game, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden is cautious not to take anything for granted.
"There's no doubt about it, this is a very big game," Bowden said. "You knew that you would be looking at it before the season started."
Bowden's counterpart also understands the magnitude of the game. Groh has issued an appeal to the Virginia fans to arrive at the game sporting orange attire.
"Sure, when you play the team picked to win the [conference championship] and is currently in the lead, if you anticipate finishing ahead of them, yes, it means a little bit more," Groh said.
The Cavaliers hope that tomorrow night's game will replicate not only the intense atmosphere of the 1995 game, but also the end result.
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