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Al Groh didn't get a ringing vote of confidence from Virginia's athletic department, but his players are standing by him. |
BY TAFT COGHILL JR.
CHARLOTTESVILLE
--Throughout a dismal season, poor home attendance has stood out as Virginia's biggest issue.The Cavaliers are averaging 7,200 fewer fans than last season. The crowds have been increasingly smaller as the year has gone on, with each game breaking the mark for the lowest attendance since Scott Stadium expanded in 2000. Virginia's play at home hasn't helped because it's 1-4 there.
But the Cavaliers have found some solace on the road.
They're 2-1 away from Scott Stadium with the lone loss coming in a hard-fought 37-34 setback to Southern Mississippi.
Virginia (3-5, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) takes to the road again today when it visits Coastal Division rival Miami (6-2, 3-2).
Virginia players said it makes no difference whether they play at home or away, but the road has been much friendlier so far.
"Our house is between the white lines," junior defensive lineman John-Kevin Dolce said. "Whether it's home or away, we don't necessarily play for our fans. They don't sweat with us, they don't bleed with us and they don't cry with us."
Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage doesn't totally agree. He told the Associated Press this week that head coach Al Groh's job status will be evaluated at the end of the season.
He said the lack of fan support is an issue that will factor into the decision to retain or dismiss the ninth-year coach.
"Our goal is to have our fans support the team, realizing that the players continue to respond to their coaches," Littlepage wrote in an e-mail to the Associated Press. "The players are working hard every day to represent the University of Virginia. Fans have various options for how they spend their Saturday afternoons; we'd like for our fans to be in the stadium, supporting our program."
The Cavaliers' next home game is Nov. 14 against Boston College. For now, they have to focus on Miami and face the possibility that senior quarterback Jameel Sewell will not play.
Sewell is listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury. Sewell suffered an ankle injury last month against Maryland.
If he can't play, junior Marc Verica, who was 5 of 16 for 21 yards in a loss to Duke last week, will start.
"He's a very physical player for a quarterback," Groh said of Sewell. "He takes a pretty good licking but keeps coming back."
Miami sophomore Jacory Harris came off the bench last year to throw for 160 yards and two touchdowns as he rallied the Hurricanes to a 24-17 overtime win Charlottesville.
This season, Harris isn't sharing the quarterback job with Robert Marve, who has transferred. He leads the ACC in passing efficiency and he's third in passing yards per game (267.8).
But Miami coach Randy Shannon is concerned about the Cavaliers' defense in the red zone. Virginia is tied for second in the ACC for fewest touchdowns allowed inside its 20-yard line (11).
"The biggest thing that we noticed is that in the red zone they give up a lot of field goals and don't allow a lot of touchdowns," Shannon said. "That shows a true test of guys on defense playing hard."
The Hurricanes' overall team speed concerns Groh.
"All across 22 positions, most obviously is wide receivers and guys who can get vertically up the field," Groh said. "It shows in kick coverage, it shows in pass-rushers off the edge, it certainly shows in defensive backs closing on the ball."
INJURY REPORT
Sewell (shoulder) is the only doubtful player for Virginia. Sophomore defensive end Matt Conrath (ankle) and senior reserve linebacker Aaron Clark (knee) are questionable.
Defensive end Nate Collins (hip), linebacker Steve Greer (shoulder), fullback Rashawn Jackson (arm), defensive end Zane Parr (knee) and safety Brandon Woods (shoulder) are probable.
Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
Email: tcoghill@freelancestar.com
