In an inter-conference matchup that promises to be a fascinating game, the Virginia football team will take on Akron in a homecoming weekend contest that will test the Cavaliers' newfound confidence and offer the Zips a chance to regain theirs.
Virginia (1-2) is coming off their emotional win over the South Carolina Gamecocks two weeks ago in Charlottesville, and has enjoyed the distinct advantage of a bye week. Akron is 0-3 on the season, after last weekend's close conference loss to Western Michigan.
Virginia Coach Al Groh considers this week a turning point in the Cavaliers' season.
"Teams that are going to do something during this season are teams that make a move around this time," Groh said in Wednesday's ACC coaches teleconference.
Sometimes bye weeks can work against a team, especially after a big win. Virginia freshman defensive end Kwakou Robinson said he doesn't feel that Virginia will fall victim, though.
"I don't think we've lost any momentum at all," Robinson said. "I think the young guys are taking it well."
Robinson and the rest of the Virginia defense have seen steady improvement, allowing South Carolina only 261 yards of total offense and forcing seven turnovers.
The Zips' one-touchdown loss to Central Michigan followed lopsided losses to another ACC team, Maryland, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Despite the losses, Akron's offense has looked solid, producing 230 passing yards per game. A big part of that offense is sophomore quarterback Charlie Frye.
"We don't shy away from the so-called BCS conferences," Frye said. "Personally, I like playing those games. It's a chance to prove that I can play with these guys."
The theme for Virginia this year has clearly been the impact of the highly regarded freshman class, which continues to impress. With the return of sophomore defensive end Chris Canty, many expected Robinson to start on the bench, but Groh said that would not happen.
"I think [the starting defense] will stay the same, with Schmidt and Kwakou," Groh said.
On offense, Virginia needs another solid performance from junior quarterback Matt Schaub, who played well against South Carolina, completing 66 percent of his passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Schaub's career has been marked by inconsistency, but recently he has steadied his erratic ways.
"We need the same guy every week" Groh said in reference to Schaub. Schaub has excellent run support in Virginia's four-man tailback rotation anchored by freshman Wali Lundy and sophomore Alvin Pearman. Both average over 4.0 yards per carry.
Akron's defense has given up 125 points in three games, including the 44-14 loss to Maryland. Seniors Ryan Schultz and Ryan Gargasz are the foundation of the line, keeping blockers off star senior linebacker Ryan Myers.
Clearly, the Zips will need a better showing from their Ryan-Ryan-Ryan triumvirate at defensive tackle if they hope to contain the Cavaliers.
The Zips need a win to turn their season around, and a victory for Virginia would send the Cavaliers into the heart of the ACC season on a two-game winning streak.
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