The Cav Report: Dark Days in ‘Hooville

The Cav Report: Dark Days in ‘Hooville

Per request of one of my fellow UVa graduates, future business partner, and one of my best friends, Mr. Heron Mehrehtab, I am providing some analysis on the 2009 Virginia Cavaliers football team.  Being a former Cavaliers football player, most would assume that I have an insider’s knowledge of the Cav’s current situation and they would be partly right in that assumption.  I have played with many of UVa’s current players and I have played under the tutelage of many of the coaches.  But this team is much different from the one that went on to win the 2006 Music City Bowl.  This team doesn’t feature the likes of D’Brickishaw Ferguson, Tom Santi, Jon Stupar, Tony Franklin, Marcus Hamilton, Chris Long, Clint Sintim, Ahmad Brooks, Kai Parham, Jason Snelling, Wali Lundy, Cedrick Pearman, Brad Butler, etc. (all recent NFL players for those of you keeping track).  However, this team does have some exciting young talent and a coaching staff who tries and often succeeds at preparing their young team for every possible situation.  As a player I know that Coach Al Groh stressed the importance of situational football.  The question that has to be on Coach Groh’s mind right now is, “How the hell did we get ourselves into this situation?”

Any person who is a follower of UVa football, or ACC football in general is aware of and either jubilated or sickened by the Cavs loss to William & Mary this past weekend.  Not only did the Cavs lose to a Football Championship Subdivision school for the first time since 1986 (also a loss to the Tribesmen), but they lost at home by two touchdowns!  I feel the pain of all of the loyal alumni and orange clad students who attended or watched the game.  I have seen my share of disappointments as a fan and a player.  I know exactly what you’re thinking, “How could you do this to us?” “How is Groh still coaching this team?” “How do we still not have a quarterback?”  “Why are we running the spread offense when we can’t throw the ball effectively?”  Maybe your questions contain a few more expletives than the ones I have presented here, but let’s keep in mind that this is a family blog.  

Cavalier fans, I beg of you, do not throw in the Orange Crush towel just yet.  Let’s be realistic and optimistic in our feelings about our beloved Wahoos.  Does anyone remember what happened this time last year?  The Cavaliers visited a then unknown and underrated Wyoming Cowboys football team and got spanked.  Many of us, including me, didn’t think that Coach Groh would make it through the season.  The Cavaliers were able to pull it together and stay competitive throughout the season, and Wyoming turned about to be a decent football team.  Let’s give it at least one more game…

This weekend I will be in attendance as the Cavaliers take on the 16th ranked TCU horned frogs.  Many Cavs fans are expecting their team to be dismantled against a team with superior talent, but these same fans will show up in full force and drunken spirits on Saturday.  That combination can produce wondrous results and I look forward to being fully engaged with my fellow Wahoos.  One thing is for sure, Coach Groh will have this team prepared.  They may not win the game but they will definitely compete.  Mark my words. 

The Cavaliers need to turn to their best players and let them do what they do best.  That means a heavy dose of QBs Jameel Sewell and Vic Hall running the ball.  The also need to do all they can to get the ball into the hands of Mikell Simpson and Rashawn Jackson.  They may run the ball as many as 50 times this week and if it leads to a win, we will all change our tune about this team. But if the Cavs turn the ball over 7 times again, Groh may not make it through half-time.  Be prepared to be surprised either way.