The Virginia football team hopes to take another positive step forward tomorrow when it hosts Duke for a 1 p.m. game at Scott Stadium.
The Cavaliers (2-1, 1-0) have won two games in a row, including a thrilling victory over Clemson last week. Should Virginia prove successful this weekend, it would be the team's first three-game winning streak since November of 1999.
Duke (0-3, 0-1) comes to town battling against a streak of its own. The Blue Devils have lost 15 games in a row, and are in danger of breaking the school record for consecutive losses. Yet, Virginia coach Al Groh is not taking this game lightly.
The streak "is a non-competitive issue," Groh said. "What we have to do is get ready to meet the competition as it presents itself to us."
Junior quarterback D. Bryant leads a struggling Duke offense into Charlottesville. Bryant showed signs of promise last season, completing a school record 16 consecutive passes en route to 310 passing yards and three touchdowns against N.C. State.
However, Bryant has struggled thus far this season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns in Duke's three losses. To make matters worse, talented Blue Devil wide receiver Reggie Love is injured and will most likely miss Saturday's game.
"It's doubtful that he'll be able to play at all," Duke coach Carl Franks said.
Whereas Duke's offense has sputtered this season, Virginia seems to have found a winning combination.
Quarterback Bryson Spinner showed great improvement last week against Clemson. Spinner ran for a touchdown and threw for two more, including the game winner to wide receiver Billy McMullen with time winding down.
"There are certain things you have to learn about a quarterback and you can only really see them in competition," Groh said. "The games create your opportunity to evaluate the quarterback in certain circumstances. Obviously, Bryson had to deal with that and he did a very good job with it."
McMullen was equally impressive against the Tigers, hauling in eight catches for 88 yards. He currently leads the ACC in receptions and receiving yardage.
"Billy wants the ball," Groh said. "I think he's demonstrated that quite a few times. Four of the five touchdowns that he has scored this year, he really had to go get it."
Although Virginia has shown definite progress already this season, it cannot afford to overlook the Duke game.
Two years ago, the Blue Devils upset the Cavaliers at home, 24-17. Duke scored on a trick play at the end of regulation, and proceeded to shutout the stunned Cavaliers in overtime. Groh is determined to prevent history from repeating itself.
"We're a team that won one game by a point, and won another game on the last play," Groh said. "So, far be it for us to overlook anybody"
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