The downtrodden Wahoos (3-5, 2-2) travel to Miami Saturday, as the Hoos try to get their train-wreck of a season back on track. It will be a homecoming affair in Land Shark (Jimmy Buffet’s Beer Company) Stadium for the five-time national champion Miami Hurricane’s. We just found out that quarterback Jameel Sewell might be done for the season, and he will most likely not play on Saturday. Marc Verica will get the start at QB, and he will be backed up by Vic Hall. Vegas odds-makers give Miami the big edge, as they are favored by two touchdowns.
Earlier this week UVA athletic director Craig Littlepage said in an email that Groh’s body of work would be looked at after the end of this current season, and that UVA liked to have more fans in Scott Stadium. Many, myself included, look at this as a vote of non-confidence towards Al Groh’s status as coach here in Charlottesville. If Virginia finishes the 2009 schedule with another losing season, it will be their third losing season out of the last four. Many folks here in Charlottesville feel that Groh already has been told his services will no longer be required next season, but this team is still playing for his honor, as well as their individual pride. No one has give up hope yet, including the very prideful Groh.
The U is back in business, and their swagger is back after a couple of years rebuilding. They are coached by former Hurricane linebacker Randy Shannon. The Hurricanes are loaded with lightning-fast NFL prospects, and are looking to revenge the smack-down given by the Hoos on their last trip to South Beach. UVA closed out the long, 70 year run of the Orange Bowl with a tremendous ass-whipping in 2007 (48-0). The win was UVA’s first ever in the state of Florida. Last season in Charlottesville, Miami had to come from behind to finish off the Hoos in overtime 24-17. Virginia’s Marc Verica fumbled in the fourth quarter, and it was recovered by the Hurricanes’ Johnson. A couple of plays later the Miami kicker (Bosher) missed a 51 yard attempt that would have won the game. In the overtime stanza, Miami scored a touchdown first, and then on the first UVA possession, while the Hoos were driving, Cedric Peerman fumbled and the ‘Canes won the game.
#16 Miami came back last week and finished off Wake Forest 28-27. In the game the Hurricanes were down most of the game, but ‘Canes sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris finished strong, and ended up 22-43 as he threw for 330 yards on the day. Look for Miami to test UVA’s corners early and often Saturday. Matt Conrath might be back in action, and it will be a game time decision for the UVA medical staff if he will play or not.
Miami-Virginia News and Notes:
~This game is usually close, as five of the six in the series have been decided by 10 points or less. Miami leads the series all-time 4-2.
~Virginia is 0-3 at Land Shark Stadium, but this is the first time we have played the University of Miami there. The other games have been bowl losses. The stadium was formerly known as Joe Robbie Stadium, and it’s also home to the Miami Dolphins.
~Miami’s cornerback Brandon Harris is tied for second in the nation in broken up passes (11), and total passes defended (12). He also ranks third on the team in tackles with 42 on the season.
~The Hurricane’s second year quarterback Jacory Harris, who split time with Robert Marve (transferred out of Miami) is now running the show.
~Miami has long been one of the most penalized teams in major college football, but this season has drastically cut down their total (502 yards).
I have Miami winning this game 48-13. Ouch! What do you think UVA fans? Can Virginia pull a huge upset and get their bowl chances percolating again?
