Call it a new era, call it an overhaul or simply call it a coaching change, but the hiring of Virginia football coach Al Groh is the buzz of the Cavalier sports community.
Can Groh and his staff lead the Cavaliers to victory this year? Or will the Cavaliers rebuild and recruit? What is Groh going to do to make this "his" team?
Often lost in speculation over the upcoming season and scrutiny of Groh's new coaching style, however, is a team that hits the practice field every day with one goal in mind.
This season, "we're going to be in the mix every game," Virginia wide receiver Billy McMullen said. "We've got a tougher schedule and we're going out to win."
"Tough" may be an understatement. The Cavaliers open their season at Wisconsin on Aug. 25 and face Penn State just a few weeks later. The Badgers and Lions are both members of the Big Ten conference and should give the Cavaliers a run for their money.
Virginia then plays conference powerhouse Florida State and rival Virginia Tech, teams that finished last season ranked fifth and sixth in the nation, respectively.
But the team is far from discouraged. "Everybody's pumped up," Virginia linebacker Merrill Robertson said. Having this coaching staff and team is "the best experience in college football."
An experienced coaching staff is one of the team's greatest assets this season. Many members of Groh's staff have NFL experience either as coaches or players. Groh himself returned to Virginia after a solid NFL coaching career that included the head position with the New York Jets.
"When you have [NFL experience] on your resume, it's a built-in credibility in what you have to say," Groh said. "This coaching staff has more NFL experience than any other coaching staff in the country."
The players agree. "We respect them from the first day," McMullen said.
"What stands out to me is how much [Groh] knows about the game," Roberston said. "He was with Bill Parcells and with the Giants."
Groh demands the players' respect even off the field. He graduated from the University and has a deep appreciation for the school's academic reputation.
"Going to class is a must," Robertson said. "You'll have to sit down with your dean, then you see coach Groh walking with your dean. Coach eats with the deans. He wants school and then football to be so important to us. That's different from how it was in the past."
"The two things I stressed at the first meeting was you have to believe in the honor code and you have to want to graduate with a degree," Groh said.
There are differences on the field as well. Groh draws on his extensive experience as a defensive coordinator and emphasizes the importance of defense.
"We have a belief that if you don't play good defense, you'll lose," Groh said.
Robertson, the team's defensive play caller, feels the pressure.
"The defense is the focal point of winning championships," Robertson said. "Coach Groh has a vision, and I make that vision happen."
The entire staff, not just Groh, has had a profound effect on the players. His son, Mike Groh, who also played for Virginia, is the wide receivers coach.
Mike Groh "has been great," McMullen said. "He played quarterback in high school and in college, so he lets receivers learn what the quarterback is looking for. He's teaching us to trust the quarterback."
Robertson has similar praise for the defensive coaches.
"Coach [Danny] Rocco, coach [Mike] London, they've been so big for us," he said. "Whenever you have a question, they're always willing. You don't have to worry about getting yelled at, and when you make a big play, it's like they made a big play. They're just as hyped as we are."
Optimism shines as Virginia readies for the fall. Groh, who has been out recruiting for most of the summer, has not seen the new freshmen work out but hopes they will help him add depth to a fairly balanced roster.
Despite his optimism, Groh hesitates to predict any outcome for the season.
"I don't know if I'm smart enough to be able to look into the crystal ball," he said.
Robertson, however, sees a successful season.
"I won't talk any trash," he said, "but we're going to shock a lot of people this year"
Read More
Mel Josephson and women’s lacrosse prepare to take center stage
By Xander Tilock | 19 hours agoJosephson's ability to perform throughout a game's biggest moments is crucial for the Cavaliers.
Virginia schools can pay players through NIL, but the University should proceed with caution
By Emory Huffman | 2 days agoGiven the unique academic and athletic opportunities Virginia is able to offer its athletes, it is not shocking that Virginia has been resistant to extravagant, NIL-induced changes.
Record-setting weekend for Virginia track and field at Penn Relays and Virginia High Performance
By Tanmayi Patil | 2 days agoThe Cavaliers took down records across two events over the weekend.
