After a bye week of rest, Virginia coach George Welsh and his football team are back at work, prepping for this weekend's contest at Florida State.
With Virginia quarterback Dan Ellis still questionable for the game because of a pulled hamstring, Welsh is focused on the accomplishments of Florida State's starting quarterback, Chris Weinke. Weinke has thrown for 2,510 yards this season and has bolstered his chances of winning the Heisman Trophy with 1,032 yards in the last two weeks in a loss to Miami and a win over Duke.
"He was off a little bit against Miami, if you can believe that with all those yards," Welsh said. "They had guys open that dropped the ball and their timing wasn't as good as it usually is."
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Without a game last weekend, Virginia coaches had a chance to begin planning earlier than most weeks. By Friday, Welsh and staff already had a "pretty good idea" of what they wanted to accomplish against the Seminoles.
Welsh said he expects the usual Florida State formula: spreading out the defense and throwing early. If the Seminoles have limited success with Weinke, then Travis Minor and the running attack will test the Cavaliers' defense.
"I don't think you can totally shut down a high-powered offense like [Florida State]," senior linebacker Byron Thweatt said. "But you can make them make enough mistakes that they slow themselves down."
Hoos in the backfield?
Welsh has another problem to deal with this week, as sophomore tailback Arlen Harris returns. For the first time since the preseason, there is no clear starter in the backfield. After choosing a starter, Welsh must balance the playing time at running back between Harris, juniors Antwoine Womack and Tyree Foreman and freshman Jonathan Ward.
"I don't want to play four tailbacks and it's hard to practice four tailbacks," Welsh said.
Harris was injured in the season opener against BYU and dressed for the first time against Maryland Oct. 7, but did not play. Womack suffered a toe injury against the Terps, but will be ready to play against the Seminoles. Foreman had a career-high in touchdowns and rushing yardage against Maryland and Ward has had solid performances in a reserve role, making the decision even tougher for Welsh.
Rest for the weary
A host of Virginia players took advantage of the week off to rest their banged-up bodies for the Florida State game. Ellis has not practiced with the team since straining his hamstring against Maryland. Welsh said Ellis might be able to practice Wednesday. Welsh rested linebacker Yubrenal Isabelle, offensive tackle Jermese Jones, Harris and Womack for most of the bye week. Tight ends Billy Baber and Chris Luzar sat out one day each to recuperate from injuries sustained in the Maryland game. All are expected to play Saturday in Tallahassee.
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