In what has been a roller-coaster season for Virginia quarterback Bryson Spinner, there is one word that comes to mind when thinking about the strongest aspects of his game. Clutch.
Spinner has engineered two of Virginia's most memorable comebacks in recent history. One came on a last-second lob to Billy McMullen at Clemson on Sept. 22 that boosted the Cavaliers to a 26-24 victory. The other culminated in a 39-38 win over Georgia Tech last Saturday, with the "hook and ladder" as the weapon of choice. Spinner threw a pass to McMullen who, about to be tackled, tossed the ball over to Alvin Pearman who ran into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
Spinner insists, however, that he does nothing special when the game is on the line. He said he believes he has been in the right place at the right time. That's all there is to it.
"I just try to lead the team down the field," Spinner said. "I just go out and focus. I try to concentrate on the game and not let the crowd noise get into my head."
But during the final drive this past weekend against Georgia Tech, in which Spinner had 1 minute, 45 seconds to march down the field, fellow quarterback Matt Schaub was warming up on the side line, leaving many to wonder if Virginia coach Al Groh would take out Spinner, and for what reason.
"I had a cramp in my calf," Spinner said. "For two plays it hurt pretty badly. I was just trying to focus and stretch it out."
When asked if he ever thought about coming out of the game because of the pain of the cramp, Spinner's answer was simple. It also showed why Spinner easily could be the leader of the Cavaliers for the next couple of seasons.
"Not a chance," he said with a smirk.
In what has been an up-and-down season for the redshirt sophomore quarterback, Spinner has made it clear why it's been important for him to stay focused. He said that he was waiting for another opportunity to show that he can lead the Cavaliers.
"He has that special quality," Groh said. "He's got a knack for coming up in the big situations. We are waiting for one of our two quarterbacks to take the reigns and not look back. He knows what he's doing out there."
Virginia has played 10 games so far this season with each of its two quarterbacks starting five games apiece. In four of Spinner's five starts, the Cavaliers have won, with the one loss coming at Maryland when he was taken out after the first quarter.
"It was disappointing to sit out while the team was doing so poor," Spinner said. "I wanted to be in there helping, but I trust the coaches' decisions. I always kept my helmet around and head in the game, though."
Spinner first started to see playing time a year ago when then-starting quarterback Dan Ellis was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Spinner had good efforts at Florida State and Virginia Tech, where he proved he could handle pressure that was thrust upon his shoulders.
Chances are that Spinner likely will feel that same pressure again this weekend, as he leads the Cavaliers against Virginia Tech at Scott Stadium. Because Virginia already has been eliminated from a chance at a bowl appearance, many players and fans will think of this game as their bowl.
The Hokies "are always a tough team," Spinner said. "Obviously we want to beat them. It is a big game for us, going up against a defense that is always one of the best. They are a national power and we want to take them down."
With Spinner at the helm, the Cavaliers have a very good chance. This season Spinner has passed for 1,260 yards, completed 114 of 190 passes with only five interceptions, and has thrown 12 touchdowns. Against Georgia Tech, Spinner passed for 327 yards and had five touchdowns.
With the final word on the quarterback position still hanging in the air, Spinner plans to keep control of the job for the rest of his playing career.
"I want to be the team's quarterback," Spinner said. "It's no fun sitting on the bench. I want to lead us to better places"
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