In his weekly press conference, Virginia coach Al Groh stressed that the Cavaliers must work on punt returns and pass protection.
Groh said that Virginia must cut down on penalties if they are to compete in every game.
"I was very unhappy with the number of penalties," Groh said. "Essentially, that's what [the game] is all about. If we can't correct them, we will have trouble winning football games. One of the things we did separately yesterday was take a look at all the penalties so we can cut down."
Groh believes that the Cavaliers must improve in every facet of the game to compete with the competition they have upcoming.
Unexpected players step up
Groh was very pleased with the play of several players who are raising their level of play.
Senior linebacker Earl Sims, who was starting in place of the injured Merrill Robertson, came up with the game-saving interception and fumble recovery
Sims "did exactly what he needed to do to compete," Groh said. "A week ago nobody, including Earl, projected him to play almost every play in the game, but when his time came up, he did exactly a player in that role has to do if a team is going to be successful."
Tight end Kase Luzar, a walk-on two years ago, has played so well that he has earned a scholarship, according to Groh.
"We're gonna put Kase Luzar on scholarship, because he has become a very solid, dependable player," Groh said. "He made a big play down at the goal line to extend a drive. He has given us what we need and that's how you become a good player, and team."
Defense shows signs of improvement
Groh believes that the defense has made great strides in tackling. Tackling is extremely important if a defense is going to be effective.
"It's hard to play really good defense when you can't tackle," Groh said. "Our defense is much improved and I believe that it can only get better."
The defense wranked 98th nationally in 2000, but Groh believes that he has a unit that can dominate a game if they can tackle.
Both quarterbacks will continue to see playing time
Groh believes that while both quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Bryson Spinner had their moments against Richmond, there still is room for improvement.
"I really would like to say, 'Hey, this is the guy,' but both are getting better, and both are stepping up in practice," Groh said. "Both of them have handled the pressure when called upon in games. So far their play adds up to about the same."
"The games they have left in their career greatly outnumber the games they have played," Groh continued. "I would suspect that you will see a break from one quarterback as they both continue to improve."
Groh expects both quarterbacks will continue to see time in games. He pointed out that there have been many teams that do well with two quarterbacks who see regular playing time, including Virginia's first-week opponent, Wisconsin.
In addition to the quarterback position, Groh indicated that other starting spots are still up for grabs.
"There are many positions on the team that are unsettled," Groh said. "Until they get settled to my satisfaction, then I don't think we're going to be as solid as the objective is"
Read More
Virginia Athletics wins second straight Commonwealth Clash over Virginia Tech
By Eleanor Lynch | 1 hours agoThe Cavaliers’ fifth Commonwealth Clash victory over the last eight contests proves the athletic department’s overall success in recent years.
No. 6 men’s lacrosse falters late, fumbling chance at huge victory over No. 1 Notre Dame
By Michael Liebermann | 4 hours agoThe ache of last season's defeat will persist.
No. 6 women’s lacrosse eliminated by No. 4 Syracuse in ACC Semifinal
By Peter Kratz | 4 hours agoA forgettable first-half performance sunk the ship for the Cavaliers.
