The Virginia football team's offense regained something that it had been lacking for most of the season on Saturday. In the squad's game against Georgia Tech, running back Antwoine Womack saw his first significant playing time since his return from ankle surgery a week before.
Womack started the game but only carried the ball 13 times. But it was his presence in the huddle that made the difference and continued the revitalization of the Cavaliers' offense, according to Virginia coach Al Groh.
"Antwoine was great," Groh said at his weekly press conference yesterday. "He is a vocal leader on the field. I can't think of anyone who deserved that win more than him. He is a great player and person."
Playing with a visible limp for most of the contest, Womack ran for 63 yards and provided terrific pass protection. The senior tailback posted a gutsy effort after being sidelined since the opener against Wisconsin. Womack received the game ball after the game.
"He really thought that he might not be able to play another game here" because of the injury, Groh said. "It's great that he could come back and be a part of such a great win. He really deserved it after the work he put in to come back."
Groh added that although Womack was not seriously hurt in the game, he was very sore Sunday morning.
Cavaliers gear up for Hokie rivalry
The Cavaliers square off against Virginia Tech on Saturday for the annual battle of the Commonwealth Cup.
"These are two good teams," Groh said. "It's not like the older days. We both have talent now, and a lot of it is in state. It makes the match-up special for a lot of the players. It will be a good game."
Groh commented that the matchup this weekend will be a test against a classic team in every sense of the word. Virginia Tech pounds the ball, plays good special teams and plays tremendous defense, according to Groh.
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"They run the ball with power and authority, which sets up first downs," he said. "They keep the offense on the field, which magnifies what the defense does in the stats department. Their special teams play is outstanding, and always seems to win the field-position game."
When asked if the game means anything more to him than other, Groh said he will approach it like any other contest.
"I think we have rivalries with everyone," he said with a smile.
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