PHILADELPHIA It's all about rhythm.
It was the first thing Marques Hagans talked about after his stellar 17-22, 211-yard performance. It's what Al Groh said was the primary thing his quarterback had to establish.
The good news is that as far as rhythm goes, Hagans looked like Fred Astaire out there. Of course, the other important thing to consider is that the Temple defense is a pretty easy song to dance to.
In a way, Hagans has been here before. In Virginia's third game of the season last year, he was named the starter on the road against a weaker out-of-conference opponent. In that game at Western Michigan, he threw three touchdown passes, ran for 68 yards and completed 12 of 20 passes to fill in for an injured Matt Schaub and lead the Cavaliers to a 59-16 victory.
On Saturday, Hagans had slightly better numbers. But more importantly, he delivered on a much bigger stage.
Against Western Michigan last year, all Hagans was expected to do was play respectively and do enough to put another mark in the Virginia win column. At that point, Hagans was just a backup. It would be his only start that season, as Matt Schaub took back the reigns the next week.
This year, Hagans' start was no temporary assignment. He is the man behind center for a Cavalier team considered a serious contender for the ACC title. And Saturday, all eyes were on the new starter as he tried to prove that he is capable of leading a team to national prominence.
Hagans did not disappoint. He showed that he could be consistent, completing 77.3 percent of his passes. He showed that he could make plays happen when forced out of the pocket, finding the open receiver several times while on the move. Most importantly, he showed that he could run the Cavalier offense efficiently and successfully.
"You judge a quarterback by his pelts," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "That's all that counts. You get your team in the end zone more than the other team. It's a nice start from him. It's important he had a good start from a confidence standpoint."
Hagans had every reason to gain self-assurance quickly. He completed eight of his first nine throws, including a 44-yard pass to Michael McGrew that set up a two-yard Wali Lundy touchdown run at the end of the first quarter. Under Hagans' guidance, the Cavaliers led 30-0 at halftime. He was in control, and he knew it.
"I could just see the confidence," guard Elton Brown said. "He's kind of got a swagger out there."
The confidence of Virginia's new quarterback should be viewed as a positive. But for all intents and purposes, Hagans remains untested. Temple had one of the worst records in Division I football last season, finishing 1-11 overall and winless in the Big East. This season, expectations are not much higher for the Owls. Hagans undoubtedly did well Saturday. But he still has more to prove.
Hagans has the talent. He deserves to be held to a high standard. If Virginia is going to be a serious BCS contender, he needs to be held to a high standard. Picking apart Temple's defense is good, but there are much more difficult challenges ahead.
It was a great opening act, Marques. The rhythm was good. Just make sure you're ready when the tempo picks up.
Read More
Matt Ganyard, resilient Renaissance man, has seen it all
By Theo Moll | 22 hours agoFrom undergrad, to the Marines, to Darden and Virginia football, Matt Ganyard has surely been one of the most unique alumni in Virginia football history.
Stony-faced and poetic: Virginia’s most colorful coaches
By CD Sports Staff | 5 days agoA walking encyclopedia, a fiery basketball coach, the bard of lacrosse and more.
Virginia field hockey strikes gold with first in-state recruit in three years
By Eleanor Buchanan | 5 days agoA superstar is on the way.
