The Virginia football team (1-1) hopes to prove history wrong when it travels to Clemson on Saturday for its first game in three weeks.
Traditionally, No. 19 Clemson (2-0) has given Virginia a great deal of trouble. Since the teams first met in 1955, Clemson has dominated the series, winning the first 29 games. Virginia broke the losing streak in 1990 with a 20-7 home win over the Tigers and went 4-3-1 in the next eight games. But since Clemson hired Tommy Bowden as its coach in 1999, the Tigers found their winning touch by trouncing Virginia two years ago, 33-14, and winning again last year, 31-10. Bowden, however, is not overconfident heading into Saturday's game.
"Now they've got a new coach and a new kind of enthusiasm," Bowden said. "I think we will see a different team."
For Virginia to win, it must stop Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler. The standout leads a Clemson offense that has befuddled Cavalier defenders. Last season, the elusive Dantzler rushed for 220 yards against Virginia, including two impressive touchdown runs of 45 and 75 yards.
"Dantzler is a very dynamic player," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "They have a lot of speed, and the style that they play is well chosen. It's one that utilizes speed."
When Dantzler isn't producing yards, he's giving the ball to running back Travis Zachery, Clemson's leading rusher.
"He's an excellent all-purpose back," Groh said. "He's a very good ball carrier who pushes the ball up-field. He's also a very good receiver."
Cavalier fans likely will see Zachery catching a lot of passes since Clemson runs many formations with Dantzler alone in the backfield. Confusing formations and talented offensive players have contributed greatly to Clemson's success.
"Everybody on their offense has something that can distract the defense," Groh said.
Clemson's substitution style is equally confusing. The Tigers often will make last-second replacements when the team breaks out of the huddle.
"This team causes a lot of problems before the snap of the ball," Groh said.
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Virginia's hopes of pulling off an upset may depend on its ability to exploit an injury-plagued Tiger defense. Clemson safety Marcus Houskin broke his neck against Wofford and is out for the year, which forces Braxton Williams to move over from his normal position at linebacker. If Virginia's offense can capitalize on this switch, it could have a big day.
"They lost a couple of guys, but we still [have to] respect the talent they have over there," Virginia running back Arlen Harris said. "Their defense flies to the ball. We have to establish [both] a good running and passing game against these guys."
After three weeks off, the Cavaliers seem eager to prove themselves in the dreaded "Death Valley."
"It's gonna be a big game for us, and more of a challenge," Harris said. "It's gonna be important to put some points on the board on offense and open some peoples eyes around here"
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