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OT
Eugene Monroe (PHOTO CREDIT: Pete Emerson) |
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2007
Statistics |
Coach:
Al Groh
51-37,
7 years |
2007
Record: 9-4 |
|
at
Wyoming |
LOST
3-23 |
DUKE |
WON
24-13 |
at
North Carolina |
WON
22-20 |
GEORGIA
TECH |
WON
28-23 |
PITTSBURGH |
WON
44-14 |
at
Middle Tennessee |
WON
23-21 |
CONNECTICUT |
WON
17-16 |
at
Maryland |
WON
18-17 |
at
North Carolina State |
LOST
24-29 |
WAKE
FOREST |
WON
17-16 |
at
Miami FL |
WON
48-0 |
VIRGINIA
TECH |
LOST
21-33 |
GATOR
BOWL |
Texas
Tech |
LOST
28-31 |
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2007
Final Rankings
AP-26, Coaches-27, BCS-20
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2008
Outlook |
Momentum
can be a tough thing to keep
going. By earning just his second
nine-win season in seven campaigns,
head man Al Groh again sets
the bar high for Wahoo fans
heading into this season. Two
eight-win years followed their
last nine-win effort (in 2002),
but that seems like a tall order
for the 2008 squad, a squad
that is missing its proven QB
and recently lost the one guy
(Jeff Fitzgerald) who could
replace all-world end Chris
Long. The Cav’s “next
man up” philosophy - of
not skipping a beat when a player
goes down (or leaves, in these
cases) - will be seriously put
to the test.
What
has the past few groups of underclassmen
still geared for continued success
will remain predicated on defense.
Only five teams have gone over
the 30-point barrier in the
last two years. Luckily, the
entire set of starting LBs comes
back to tie together the elements
in front of and behind them.
The entire starting front four
vacating, along with Fitzgerald,
is much more of a concern than
the few new faces in the secondary.
The DBs are stacked and ready,
while the linemen are capable,
and lack only starting experience.
This side of the ball should
be humming by the end of September,
if not sooner.
In
breaking down how Groh and his
son, offensive coordinator Mike,
will play the hand they’ve
been dealt, the Chinese approach
of viewing crisis as opportunity
must be understood. In losing
Sewell – a dual-threat
game manager who likely has
reached his collegiate apex
– pro-style hurler Pete
Lalich has a chance to jump-start
Cav production more so than
any QB since the younger Groh
was under center. This (West)
Springfield product stands tall
and benches more than any QB
besides Tim Tebow (325lbs compared
to TT’s 425), a testimonial
to how hard he will be to bring
down. Lalich can motor when
needed, but he will be asked
to stretch the field after Sewell
could only manage one pass (over
all of 2007) over 40 yards.
Peerman and Simpson will join
Ogletree and Covington as open-field
threats, with the RBs also keeping
foes (more than) honest as between-the-tackle
purveyors of pain. One thing
Groh’s offenses guarantee,
a balanced result.
Like
last year, both the regular
season opener and closer seems
like losses. Obviously, a warmed-up
Hoos’ squad will fare
better against in-state rival
Tech than they will when they
are still not gelled for the
opener against powerful USC.
Many of the other games on the
slate look gray, the varying
shade of which will change weekly
depending on everything from
injuries to the weather. Clemson
and Miami are at home, while
upstart UConn and unpredictable
Georgia Tech are road tests.
This Virginia squad is therefore
no more grounded than any of
Groh’s other teams, and
that leaves a wide range of
results within which UVA can
land.
This
set up can easily lead to another
surprise year. Most won’t
see Virginia coming, especially
after the almost guaranteed
loss to the Trojans. Overall,
the second half of the year
looks more consistently challenging
than the first half, so a one-
or two-loss Cav team could again
make national noise if achieved.
Modest expectations will keep
the fan-base (and local media)
from over-pressuring their guys,
the needed formula for the most
success. We hope Groh can make
us look bad for our pessimistic
view of his team.
Projected
2008 record: 5-7
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VIRGINIA
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 2 |
DL
- 3 |
RB
- 3.5 |
LB
- 4 |
WR
- 3.5 |
DB
- 3 |
OL
- 2.5 |
.. |
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VIRGINIA
2007 Statistical Rankings |
OFFENSE |
|
National |
Conf. |
Rushing: |
79 |
6 |
Passing: |
90 |
10 |
Total
Off: |
101 |
9 |
Sacks
Allow: |
83 |
7 |
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DEFENSE |
|
National |
Conf. |
Rushing: |
13 |
3 |
Passing: |
54 |
8 |
Total
Def: |
23 |
5 |
Sacks: |
6 |
3 |
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RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Peter Lalich, 35-61-1, 321 yds.,
2 TD
Rushing: Cedric Peerman,
113 att., 585 yds., 5 TD
Receiving: Mikell Simpson,
43 rec., 402 yds., 2 TD
Scoring: Mikell Simpson,
10 TD, 60 pts.
Punting: None
Kicking: None
Tackles: Jon Copper,
109 tot., 56 solo
Sacks: Clint Sintim,
9 sacks
Interceptions: Ras-I
Dowling, 2 for 17 yds.; Jon
Copper, 2 for 7 yds.
Kickoff Returns: Andrew
Pearman, 29 ret., 21.0 avg.,
0 TD
Punt Returns: Vic Hall,
23 ret., 10.0 avg., 0 TD
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CB
Vic Hall (PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Daves) |
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OFFENSE
- 6 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 5 |
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KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Chris Gorham-WR, Jonathan Stupar-TE,
Tom Santi-TE, Jordy Lipsey-C,
Ian-Yates Cunningham-OG, Chris
Gould-K/P, Branden
Albert-OG (NFL), Jameel
Sewell-QB (academics) |
DEFENSE:
Allen
Billyk-NT, Chris Long-DE, Jermaine
Dias-OLB, Nate Lyles-S, Jamaal
Jackson-S, Ryan Weigand-P, Jeffrey
Fitzgerald-DE (left school), Chris
Cook-CB (academics) |
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2008
OFFENSE |
Last
year had little to do with offensive
prowess for why the win-total increased,
regardless of the modest progress
seen from 2006’s 113th ranking
(total offense). Taking one step back
so they can take many more steps forward
soon, Virginia revamps its offense
for 2008. After reshaping the approach,
it may take a little time in real
game scenarios to get the offense
into full gear.
QUARTERBACK
Academic issues have Jameel Sewell’s
dual-threat abilities on hold, so
there is no choice but to shape the
play calling around the talents of
Peter Lalich (pronounced ‘la-LICK’).
The coaches Groh – Al and his
son Mike, the only Cav QB to ever
win nine games and that season’s
bowl game two consecutive years –
are confident that this (West) Springfield
product can provide the passing impact
not seen since Marques Hagans left
nearly three years ago. Whereas Sewell
had likely reached his apex of talent,
Elite 11 participant Lalich has a
huge upside that UVA could ride back
into the top 25. Lalich under center,
with the potential of a strong running
game to keep foes from cuing on stopping
him solely, should allow the sophomore
to progress quickly. As a prep senior,
he completed more than two out of
three attempts, so look for Groh(s)
to have him up to speed quickly (with
shorter routes), and then unfold the
playbook from there. The eight games
he was in last year mean some kinks
are already worked out. Scott Deke
has never played, but he has a nice
set of wheels for that change of pace.
He and Verica seem like a step back,
so Lalich’s health is key for
the Cavs to go their farthest. Could
Riko Small sneak into the QB picture
with his 4.4-speed when he arrives
this summer? Like Deke, Small could
shake up defenses if inserted poignantly,
but the running game should be fine
in the hands of a senior and two juniors.
RUNNING
BACK
Cedric Peerman hadn’t done much
(though he was a Freshman All-American)
until he broke out last year to lead
the team in rushing. Mikell Simpson
stepped in last year when Peerman
and Andrew Pearman were hurt and produced
storybook results. After switching
to WR early on in ’07 to get
face time, Simpon jumped back to running
back and ran for 119 yards and caught
13 passes for another 152 yards against
Maryland. He become only the sixth
player in ACC history to both run
and catch for 100 yards each in the
same game. The winning drive featured
Simpson touching the ball on 14 consecutive
plays; he leapt into the endzone on
a one-yard dive to cap the win with
0:16 seconds left. His 4.38-speed
means he will keep seeing the ball,
but Simpson won’t start…for
now. Payne is a change of pace, as
is fullback Jackson, yet neither was
in this spring, and Pearman is off
the roster. The running game looks
solid unless injuries become abundant,
a notion that holds for the backs
and the line.
RECEIVER
/ TIGHT END
The tight ends have potential, and
Torchia might supplant Phillips (especially
since Groh likes to use so many multiple-TE
sets and the speedy sophomore will
surely impress.) The increase in passing
means the receiving corps needs role
players. The main weapon looks like
Kevin Ogletree, who missed 2007 after
he went down in spring (ACL). The
most utilized Cav target of ’06,
a healthy Ogletree will equal at least
one All-ACC snarler. Biggie Mo Covington
has strength for going over the middle,
and that will be a popular area for
the new QBs when they check off. Staton
Jobe walked on and proved through
his excessive speed that he deserved
to start (12 games in ’07).
Jobe will now be a deadly third receiver
(works well over the middle). Factor
in Simpson’s team leading 43
catches to see how this underdog corps
will produce beyond expectations.
The longest pass of 2007 was 45 yards
(and was the only pass over 40), a
number sure to be surpassed by the
second week.
OFFENSIVE
LINE
The starters up front will be fine,
even with the new blood at guard.
It’s “go time” for
Eugene Monroe since Lalich and the
other QBs are now all right-handed
(Sewell is a lefty). This 6’6
monster is a former national No.1
tackle prospect and a surefire NFL
pick. Will Barker has started every
game over the past two years, and
his footwork and speed may be better
than Monroe’s. Senior tackle
Zak Stair moves inside; Stair bumped
in front of Monroe in 2006 for seven
games at LT, so he’s a good
fit anywhere. Cabell is another example
of how the Virginia linemen are big
yet mobile. Jack Shields is only a
two-star prospect, and his flashes
of brilliance have also included signs
that he is a work-in-progress. Bradley
and Milstead, like the guys in front
of them, are the best linemen at their
respective level of the depth chart.
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TB
Mikell Simpson (PHOTO CREDIT:
David Petkofsky)
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VIRGINIA
2008 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Peter
Lalich-So (6-5, 225) |
Marc
Verica-So (6-3, 206)
Scott Deke-Sr (6-3, 215) |
FB |
Rashawn
Jackson-Jr (6-1, 253) |
Curt
Orshoski-Fr (6-2, 232) |
TB |
Cedric
Peerman-Sr (5-10, 208) |
Mikell
Simpson-Jr (6-1, 200)
Keith Payne-So (6-3, 236) |
WR |
Kevin
Ogletree-Jr (6-2, 189) |
Staton
Jobe-So (6-0, 182)
Dontrelle
Inman-So (6-3, 191) |
WR |
Maurice
Covington-Sr (6-4, 225) |
Cary
Koch-Sr (6-0, 198) |
TE |
John
Phillips-Sr (6-6, 250) |
Joe
Torchia-So (6-5, 255) |
OT |
Eugene
Monroe-Sr (6-6, 315) |
Landon
Bradley-Fr (6-7, 275) |
OG |
Zak
Stair-Sr (6-6, 300) |
Patrick
Slebonik-Jr (6-5, 298) |
C |
Jack
Shields-So (6-5, 289) |
Anthony
Mihota-Fr (6-4, 285) |
OG |
B.J.
Cabbell-So (6-6, 304) |
Billy
Cuffee-Fr (6-5, 310) |
OT |
Will
Barker-Jr (6-7, 315) |
Lamar
Milstead-So (6-5, 290) |
K |
Chris
Hinkebein-Fr (6-1, 190) |
.. |
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2008
DEFENSE |
Out
is coordinator Mike London and his
consistently strong results; in is
legend Bob Pruett and the successes
that follow wherever he goes (Marshall
coach during their jump to I-A; went
94-23 while head coach there). Pruett
and Groh worked together at Wake Forest
in the mid-‘80s, so chemistry
that’s already been developed
will help bring things along that
much faster on many levels.
DEFENSIVE
LINE
Line coach Levern Belin loses all
of the names that started every game
together in the 3-4. More directly,
the big question goes to Chris Long’s
departure and how they’ll replace
his 14 sacks, 23 QB hurries and two
forced fumbles. The real worry is
actually the sudden departure of Long’s
heir apparent, Jeffrey Fitzgerald,
and what can be done to find pressure/results.
Alex Field is an ex-TE who has bulked
up nicely without losing a step; his
TFL rate is (approx) 20% of his total
tackles, but that result has been
as a reserve, so his new starting
status and leadership role become
a primary development for bolstering
what was the No.13 rushing D and No.6
sack producing group. Four-star Richmond
product Sean Gottchalk looks like
he may need an adjustment period for
the increased face time he’s
about to get. Not bad as a frosh,
Gottchalk should fulfill his destiny
as a major contributor after his strong
spring. The least amount of worry
surrounds the inside: NT Nate Collins
earned a safety and a QB sack in the
first quarter of the Texas Tech (bowl)
loss, which highlights his responsible
approach. Collins has an all-around
knowledge of the game due to his prep
experiences (played end, fullback,
tailback, tight end, wide receiver,
tackle, linebacker and quarterback),
and it pays off seeing how he had
more sacks and TFLs in 2007 than his
predecessor who started in front of
him. The reserves are three redshirted
freshmen, each of whom has the pedigree
to succeed at the FBS level.
LINEBACKER
No matter how the DL comes together,
an all-senior linebacking corps has
their back(s). Jon Copper has started
every game for the past two years
after walking on as a freshman. Not
the flashiest player, the local product
is found anywhere the ball goes. Ex-DE
Clint Sintum is brought up in a two-point
stance as a hybrid variable. His nine
sacks may decrease unless another
distraction (like Long) is established.
Appleby also has the ability to play
up closer. The best LB in coverage
is probably going to be Denzel Burrell,
and he is also the most experienced
of the backups. The biggest impact
by a new face might also go to RS
frosh Terrence Fells-Danzer and his
four-star abilities. Clark is a perennial
second teamer who is the biggest risk,
and is another large backer likely
to be found near the line. The run
stopping may take a bit of a hit,
but it should rebound quickly.
DEFENSIVE
BACK
The strength of this D is its ability
to provide consistent, cohesive coverage.
The last three years have shown pass
efficiency results worthy of fans
garnering optimistic attitudes toward
this year’s DB group. Vic Hall,
the only corner to start every game,
is the solid outside player who tackles
with authority. Ras-I Dowling was
tested amply in opponent’s response
to Halls solid play; throwing away
from Hall proved as dangerous since
Dowling stepped up, and Dowling’s
two starts make him a broken-in commodity.
Same goes for CB Mikey Parker and
his three starts, especially since
he is sized like a safety (as is Dom
Joseph, who only lacks real game reps).
Former walk-on Byron Glaspy is the
starting strong safety, but he is
just as strong in coverage as he is
when near the box. Glaspy gets to
break in ex-WR Woods, who was primarily
a special teams guy until this year.
Bell runs a sub-10.5-second 100 meters,
while local product Mosley has much
to prove. There is little drop-off
in the secondary’s quality,
so expect foes to again earn every
yard they may get out of the Cav’s
bend-but-don’t-break approach
in back. With the struggles expected
up front and due to a new QB, the
back seven holding its own is important
if UVA wants to again finish over
.500.
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LB
Jon Copper (PHOTO CREDIT: Jim
Daves)
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VIRGINIA
2008 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Alex
Field-Sr (6-7, 270) |
Zane
Parr-Fr (6-6, 267) |
NT |
Nate
Collins-Jr (6-2, 280) |
Nick
Jenkins-Fr (6-3, 285) |
DE |
Sean
Gottschalk-So (6-4, 275) |
Matt
Conrath-Fr (6-7, 269) |
OLB |
Aaron
Clark-Sr (6-5, 250) |
Denzel
Burrell-So (6-4, 230) |
ILB |
Antonio
Appleby-Sr (6-4, 250) |
Terrence
Fells-Danzer-Fr (6-4, 242) |
ILB |
Jon
Copper-Sr (6-0, 230) |
John
Bivens-So (6-2, 233) |
OLB |
Clint
Sintim-Sr (6-3, 254) |
Jared
Detrick-So (6-1, 235) |
CB |
Vic
Hall-Jr (5-9, 190) |
Dom
Joseph-Fr (6-1, 195) |
CB |
Ras-I
Dowling-So (6-2, 200) |
Mike
Parker-So (6-2, 200) |
SS |
Byron
Glaspy-Sr (5-11, 206) |
Rico
Bell-So (5-10, 190) |
FS |
Brandon
Woods-Jr (6-2, 211) |
Corey
Mosley-Fr (5-10, 197) |
P |
Jimmy
Howell-Fr (6-6, 240) |
.. |
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2008
SPECIAL TEAMS |
The
two new feet that will control opponent’s
field position(s) have much to prove. Chris
Hinkerbein was a top 15 placekicking prospect,
but to replace last year’s 5-for-5
performance from outside of 40 yards will
put this frosh to the test. 6’6 Jimmy
Howell is an ex-QB, so during punting downs,
expect the unexpected. Howell is this year’s
No.6 punting prospect. Hall is solid at
PR, and with Peerman taking over for Pearman
(say it 10 times quickly), the kick runbacks
will also stay strong.
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