Virginia Shellacks Big-10 Member Indiana 47-7
The University of Virginia football team delighted a Homecoming crowd of 45,371 with a near perfect performance. Virginia played almost flawless football, and dominated the game on every level. Anthony Poindexter’s jersey was retired Saturday, as well, in a pre-game ceremony. Virginia had 536 yards of offense in the game, which was their first contest against a Big-10 school since the 2005 Music City Bowl versus Minnesota.
Jameel Sewell continued his October heroics and finished the game 20-30 for 308 yards for an average of 10.3 yards, and he threw one touchdown to Vic Hall on a beautifully designed play. That pass reception, was the first career touchdown catch for the former Gretna High School star!
Mikell Simpson had a stellar performance on the day, as Simpson had 4 rushing touchdowns on 15 carries for 83 yards. His day was cut short, though, as he was injured in the third quarter, and he had to be rushed to the UVA Medical Center with an apparent spine injury. As Simpson lay motionless on the grass in Scott Stadium, a pronounced hush fell over the crowd. When the dreaded John Deere cart took Simpson from the turf to the ambulance, Simpson gave a promising thumbs-up to the UVA crowd. This morning I learned that Simpson was treated and released from the hospital, and he will be evaluated by UVA’s medical staff later this week. Virginia had not have a Wahoo rush for 4 Td’s, since Wali Lundy did it against Temple in 2005 in a game at the Eagles Stadium in Philadelphia.
Virginia (2-3) has now won 11 of their last 12 games in the month of October. The Hoos, also, have won 16 of their last 19 homecoming games. The only sore-spot Saturday for the Wahoos, was the fact that they had 7 penalties for 71 yards. The Hoos did not have a turn-over in the game on offense. Defensively, the Hoos we led by Brandon Woods, Ras-I Dowling, and Steve Greer. These three guys played an exceptionally outstanding game.
The Hoos go back on the road Saturday, with a 4 p.m. game in College Park against Maryland (couch burning U). For those fans brave enough to travel to the notoriously unfriendly confines of Byrd Stadium, make sure you don’t wear anything flammable. Maryland fans are known to be big fans of the fire!
I’m not sure if I have ever been more proud of a Virginia football team in my entire life than I was yesterday. Kudos to the Hoos for making me believe again!!! Go Hoos. Tell me what you think, fans! Can the Hoos keep it rolling next week in College Park? Is Al Groh going to be back next year? Has Groh done enough to save his job IF he keeps winning?
