Coach Al Groh hit the mother lode in recruiting last year, and he threw his
novices right into the fire. Tight end Heath Miller was the ACC's top
pass-catching tight end and a Freshman All-American, running back Wali Lundy led
the Cavs in rushing and the nation's freshmen in all-purpose yardage, and
linebacker Darryl Blackstock was the National Defensive Freshman of the
Year.
Offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the anchor of the offensive line, and
end Kwakou Robinson, one of four returning D-Line starters, also broke in last
year as true freshmen. The linebacking corps of Blackstock, Kai Parham and Ahmad
Brooks, who comes to Charlottesville via Hargrove Military Academy, will make
history before their college playing days are over.
The Cavaliers play host to Florida State in midseason and to Virginia Tech in
the finale, but must travel to NC State and Maryland for consecutive November
matchups.
Mountaineer mauler: Wali Lundy amassed 239 all-purpose yards
and scored four touchdowns in Virginia's 48–22 Continental Tire Bowl win over
West Virginia.
Youth movement: Of Virginia's 22 bowl game starters, nine
were freshmen.
Ball! Virginia led the nation last season in fumble
recoveries with 22.
2002 results: 9–5 (6–2 ACC)
Bowl Game: Beat West Virginia 48-22 in Continental Tire
Bowl
Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense, both kickers
2003 Schedule:
A. 30 Duke
S. 6 at South Carolina
S. 13 at Western Michigan
S. 27 Wake Forest
O. 4 at North Carolina
O. 11 at Clemson
O. 18 Florida State
O. 25 Troy State
N. 1 at NC State
N. 13 at Maryland
N. 22 Georgia Tech
N. 29 Virginia Tech
Schedule Analysis: The heavy hitters come late in the season
for Virginia. Al Groh's young squad will have an excellent chance to take a 5-0
record to Clemson, a team the Cavs beat 22-17 last year. The Florida State home
game on Oct. 18 will obviously be the biggest home game in years for Virginia,
but the Cavs also face stiff road challenges in November with NC State and
Maryland. Should Virginia split with Florida State and NC State, the Thursday
night game at Maryland on Nov. 13 could be for the ACC title.
Final Word: The top four teams in the ACC all look like
title contenders prior to the season. Virginia's strengths are its momentum from
last season, strong recruiting classes and a top-flight quarterback. Weaknesses
include a defense that was soft against the run and an offense that did not run
effectively last season. Virginia could finish first in the ACC just as easily
as fourth, though with what Groh is building in Charlottesville, the Cavs can
expect to be closer to first than fourth for the foreseeable
future.
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