Peter Lalich had a date with destiny. A true freshman, Lalich was on the verge of taking the helm of the Virginia offense. Suddenly, destiny canceled and said, "It's not you, Peter. It's me."
Lalich played in the first four games of the season. In addition to leading the offense on an 82-yard drive that secured Virginia's first win of the season against Duke, Lalich has had better-than-decent numbers. Completing 63 percent of his passes, Lalich showed the ability to push downfield, averaging just under 10 yards per completion.
But since defeating Georgia Tech Sept. 22, Virginia hasn't seen Lalich on the field, deferring to the team's original starter, sophomore Jameel Sewell.
"Sewell brings some things to the offense that are unique to his style that fit this team at this present time," coach Al Groh said.
Namely, the ability to scramble.
With junior tailback Cedric Peerman currently out of the picture, Sewell has had to fill in the gaps in the running game. Against Connecticut, Sewell led the team with 66 yards on the ground. As a team, Virginia rushed for 148 yards.
"The overall rushing numbers reflected about the same number had Cedric [Peerman] been in the game," Groh said. "Take those 60 [to] 65 yards out of it, and that rushing total is not very impressive. That's a significant quality that he brings to the offense that's necessary for us."
Additionally, without a go-to receiver stepping up, the offense has been more likely to throw the ball short distances. Virginia tight ends senior Tom Santi, senior Jonathan Stupar and Peerman are the team's leading receivers, and the offense has found less need for Lalich's strong arm.
Nevertheless, a fan buzz still exists around Lalich. Already one of the most popular players on the team, fans keep asking Groh about his presence, despite Sewell's success.
"It's a fan mentality," Groh said. "There's always a fascination at that position with the player who's not playing, unless it is Tom Brady or Peyton Manning ... Our starting quarterback has won six games in a row. That's a pretty fascinating thing."
Even if Lalich sees no playing time for the rest of the season, Groh is satisfied with the production Lalich has contributed to the team, and Groh does not regret opting not to use Lalich as a redshirt.
"If we won one more game than we could've won, as a result of his performance, [then] it would make everything worth it," Groh said. "Which it clearly has."
After Lalich delivered the team's first victory, Sewell has tacked on another five. Despite fans' desire to see Lalich on the field, Sewell has given no reason to be taken off, having completed 58 percent of his passes and thrown seven touchdowns.
"We're going to stay behind him, and we know he's going to make plays for us," junior tight end John Phillips said. "We're excited when he does."
Lalich now stands on the sideline, often wearing the radio headset rather than a helmet. Given his new, more subdued role, Groh says he can understand the frustration Lalich must feel, but said in the end, it cannot affect the operation of the team.
"We've got a lot more people's satisfaction to take in to account than one person's," Groh said. "We've got half a season left to play. Who knows? He might be the ACC Player of the Year before it's all over with."
Team Notes
Walk this way
With senior fullback Josh Zidenberg filling in for injured sophomore fullback Rashawn Jackson, Virginia could have four walk-ons in its starting lineup Saturday. Along with Zidenberg, juniors Byron Glaspy and Jon Copper, and freshman Staton Jobe will be in the starting lineup Saturday.
Down but not out
Though junior tailback Cedric Peerman is not expected to play, Groh said junior cornerback Chris Cook could play Saturday, as could junior Maurice Covington.
Smokin' Joe
Groh has compared the Virginia squad to boxer Joe Frazier, crediting the team for being able to take punches, stay in the fight and then return the hits.
"That's the way we prepare in practice," Phillips said. "That's the mentality our team has. That's how we prepare -- just go out there and battle and fight and give it everything we got"
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