Going out this weekend? Have fun. Here’s what the rest of us willbe watching on television …
Friday night:
If you can slip out of work in time and make it to the local pub, you can catch No. 15 Ohio State taking on No. 12 Cal in the 2K Sports Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, which is set to tip-off at 5 p.m. and will air on ESPN2.
Even if you missed the OSU/Cal match-up, you’ll be able to see No. 4 UNC vs. No. 24 Syracuse which directly follows OSU/Cal on ESPN2 at 7 p.m.
Don’t get all caught up in UNC/Cuse to forget that there is still some other quality programming on; you really need to utilize the “go back” function on your remote control … Seinfeld comes on Fox 19 (CVille) at 7 followed by an episode of The Office, then Tosh.0 comes on Comedy Central at 8 and 8:30.
If you’re still awake after the UNC/’Cuse game and missed it this past Tuesday, FX is re-airing this week’s Sons Of Anarchy episode.
Saturday:
On a national scale, this weekend is lousy for college football match-ups with only one game featuring two ranked teams. However, there are plenty of good college football games starting at noon to keep you glued to the couch well before UVa’s game vs. Clemson at 3:30. Ohio State/Michigan, though significantly less exciting than previous years, is always a fun game to watch. UNC/BC and Duke/Miami are also set to kickoff at noon for those following the ACC race.
If you feel the noon football games really aren’t doing it for you, don’t forget the UVa men’s basketball team hosts Oral Roberts at 2pm in the JPJ, and that might be worth leaving the couch for … at least for an hour or two.
UVa/Clemson kicks off at 3:30 on ABC, wahoowa!
The Cal/Stanford game (the only one with two ranked teams) starts at 7:30 and can be found on the Versus channel. If that game is a downer, flip over to Kansas @ No. 3 Texas, which starts at 8 p.m. and airs on ABC.
Sunday:
Football, FOOTBALL, FUTBOL!! Sunday’s line-up is loaded with football … and even a little “foot-ball”.
The Redskins travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys at 1 p.m. Colts @ Ravens and Falcons @ Giants also start at 1.
If it’s European football you prefer, you should head over to Klöckner Stadium at 1 p.m. and watch the UVa men’s soccer team host Bucknell in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
After you get home from the soccer game, pop on CBS for the start of the Jets/Patriots game which kicks off at 4:15.
The Eagles travel to Chicago for the Sunday night game, set to kickoff at 8:20 p.m.
If you’re feeling a little “football’d out” on Sunday night, don’t forget that a new episode of Family Guy comes on Fox at 9 p.m.
If you’ve followed my viewing guide, you will have spent about 70 hours in front of the TV, taken in a UVa men’s basketball and men’s soccer game, and hopefully ingested about 20,000 calories worth of Doritos, Pizza Hut, beer, fried chicken and nachos in the process … nicely done.
Here is the injury report for the Cavaliers’ game at Clemson on Saturday:
Out
Raynard Horne (back)
Torey Mack (ankle)
Tim Smith (back)
Marc Verica (head)
Questionable
Vic Hall (hip)
Probable
Kris Burd (shoulder)
Darren Childs (neck)
Matt Conrath (ankle)
Colter Phillips (leg)
Jameel Sewell (shoulder)
All remaining players on the Virginia roster are available to participate. Please note the status of an injured student-athlete’s ability to participate can increase or decrease between the time this report is issued and game time.
Key:
Probable = Virtual certainty will be available for normal duty
Questionable = 50-50 chance will not play
Doubtful = At least 75% chance will not play
Out = Definitely will not play
With his team sitting at 3-7 overall, dead last in the ACC Coastal Division and the media scrutiny mounting by the day, I think it’s fair to assume that the next two games for Virginia’s football team will be the last under head coach Al Groh. And while I could list off several other reasons why Groh does not need another season as UVa’s coach, I think it would be counterproductive at this point … he’s gone. Period.
So where does that leave us? In search of a coach who can lead us in the right direction and get us back to a level of respectability on the national level while maintaining the academic prestige of The University and graduating student athletes. (sounds familiar doesn’t it?)
With that in mind, I thought about all the possible candidates that would or could come to UVa and came up with a pretty interesting question that I’ve decided to pose to the rest of you…
What would you, as a UVa fan, rather see out of our next football coach: a “flashy” candidate who could take us to the BCS once or twice then bolt for greener pastures after 5-6 years of success OR would you rather see more of a “system” guy who would take more time but would eventually get us to 7 wins a year with the occasional 9-10 win outbursts?
On one hand, you could bring in a guy like a Tommy Tuberville or Brian Kelly (neither of whom I believe will get the job, but for argument’s sake…) who can generate enough “name power” to bring in some big recruits and get us back on the map before leaving us for a better job. But on the other hand, you could bring in a guy like Mike London or Ken Niumatalolo who will probably have a losing season or two to start off before ultimately finding success with the players that fit in their system and end up staying with us until they retire (ala George Welsh).
I’m pretty sure I have a good idea of which type coach I would prefer, but I’d like to let the situation play out a little bit longer before I show my hand. Besides, I think most fans would be happy with either one so long as they brought some “W’s” to the table … right?
On the EDGE board Wednesday night, poster 4hoova asked a fun and straight-forward question. Read the post here (sub required). The gist? What are your expectations for the football program? National Championships? ACC Championships? How many wins?
I couldn’t help but answer and I thought the thoughts belonged on the blog for any Hoo to see! Here goes …
Expectations should not be for National Championship – those are few and far between for anyone. National Championships aren’t really “expected” most places, although many schools attempt to achieve national titles. Expectations are to play at a level where you can beat the top teams, but playing for national titles is more of a dream than a reality, even for the teams that “expect” to get there.
Expectations for a new coach at Virginia would be to first get the Hoos back to where they were a few years before George Welsh left. Fielding competitive teams, and I mean competitive with the top of the conference and competitive out of conference with solid programs, like the Hoos were against VT, Texas, Auburn and Michigan. UVa has had teams that could compete at that level sprinkled in here and there. I really thought Al Groh would sustain what Welsh had build and maybe give Virginia a few more teams throughout the years that could compete at that level. Unfortunately, he really doesn’t understand the college landscape very well, particularly as it applies to overall team execution (still trying to teach the NFL way to kids right out of high school for example).
I know I haven’t been around in a while, but I couldn’t resist posting this superb idea from the EDGE Board to give it a bit more exposure. Someone asked what other schools do to attract fans to their Spring Games, and here was a brilliant response:
Make it an event …. Growing up in Florida in a family of FSU fans, the entire weekend was an event – they always had the FSU-Miami baseball series, etc, and scheduled things so that fans could attend everything with ease.
For us, it should be even easier with all of the fans who would love to watch a great lax game, baseball games, etc. Market it as “UVa Spring Sports Weekend” or something similar. Imagine a Friday afternoon baseball game, Friday night LAX, Saturday 2 pm football, Saturday night baseball. Open up the lots for tailgates.
I know folks who go to SEC Spring Games and treat it like a regular season game with tailgates etc – the weather is getting good again, it’s been a few months since you’ve seen all your football friends.
Living in Atlanta and not getting to Charlottesville much outside of football season (when I only make 1-2 trips a year), I’d love to go up one weekend a year in the Spring if it were worth it, but thus far the Athletic Dept has never done something that would make me want to do it.
Nailed it. Hopefully someone from the AD will see this post.
Err, uhh, hmmm … is it basketball season yet? You know that it’s a sad state of affairs when there is literally not one positive thing to take away from a 60-minute football game. Sadly, UVa was involved in one of those games on Saturday afternoon in Miami, getting beat 52-17 by the revenge-seeking Canes. And the score wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the fact that the Hoos (once again) failed to show any improvement in any facet of the game. Now don’t get me wrong, I bleed orange and blue and consider myself one of the most passionate fans in the fan base, but even I found myself sighing at the TV on Saturday afternoon saying, “I don’t even care anymore.”
SO, with all that in mind, here are a few things I can safely surmise following the weekend:
Even though we still lost, it sure was fun watching UVa play a little bit of “Beamerball” on Saturday with two blocked punts and a long INT return. Now I finally understand why Hokie fans are so amped to watch their team play every week.
If you’re in favor of a college football playoff system, then start praying for Texas to lose. Now that TCU is ranked #4 in the BCS rankings, the only thing standing in the way of a TCU/SEC Champion BCS Championship Game is the Longhorns.
As long as he can stay healthy, Matt Schaub is a Pro Bowl quarterback this year.
Does anyone want to take control of the NFC East? It’s the NFL’s version of the ACC this year with the top teams trading spots week after week.
It’s taken some time since he was hired, but I’m finally getting warm to the idea that Tony Bennett is the right guy to lead our basketball program in the direction we all want it to go.
The winner of tonight’s Monday Night Football game between the Steelers and Broncos will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
Are the Saints really that good? After giving up boat loads of yards to the Panthers on Sunday and the Dolphins a few weeks ago, I’m beginning to question whether that defense is good enough to complement Drew Brees and Co.
The fact that Andre Agassi used “meth” during his tennis playing days is disappointing, but I really don’t see why everyone is so up in arms about it. I think the fact that his ATP ranking dropped 100-some spots and he lost countless money in earnings and endorsements is punishment enough.
Tom Brady and Randy Moss appear to have returned to their 2007 form … which is depressing news for the other 31 teams in the NFL.
Over at the Dear Old U.Va. blog, Ben interviewed John Gasaway from Basketball Prospectus, which is dedicated to statistical analysis of NBA and College Basketball. In one of his answers, Gasaway predicts an 8-8 ACC finish for Tony Bennett’s team in his first season on the Cavalier sidelines! Read the whole interview here.
And while you’re at it, try out our new polls! So what say you? How many ACC wins do you see for UVa this season?
The injury reports for both Miami and Virginia for Saturday’s noon game follow …
Miami
Probable
RB Javarris James – Lower Extremity
DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity
Doubtful
DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity
Out
DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity
FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity
DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity
LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity
Surgery and Out for the Season
DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity
DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity
LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity
TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity
LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity
DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity
DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity
DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw
Virginia
This report is compiled by the University of Virginia Sports Medicine staff under the direction of Dr. David Diduch.
Doubtful
Jameel Sewell (shoulder)
Questionable
Aaron Clark (knee)
Matt Conrath (ankle)
Probable
Nate Collins (hip)
Steve Greer (shoulder)
Rashawn Jackson (arm)
Zane Parr (knee)
Brandon Woods (shoulder)
All remaining players on the Virginia roster are available to participate. Please note the status of an injured student-athlete’s ability to participate can increase or decrease between the time this report is issued and game time.
Key:
Probable = Virtual certainty will be available for normal duty
Questionable = 50-50 chance will not play
Doubtful = At least 75% chance will not play
Out = Definitely will not play
Atrocious, appaling, detestable, vomit inducing, unforgiveable … it’s fair to say any of those statements accurately describes UVa’s second consecutive loss to Duke on Saturday afternoon in Scott Stadium. Perhaps it was the 424-196 advantage the Blue Devils had on us in total yardage that caused the loss. Or maybe it was the 34% completion percentage our two quarterbacks had on 38 passing attempts; it could have been the fact that only 41,300 fans showed up to cheer the Hoos on. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact area that ultimately cost UVa the victory on Saturday. What’s not hard to pinpoint, however, is that there is an obvious problem with the current state of Virginia’s football program.
BUT, thankfully for us all, the weekend lasts 72 hours and UVa football only took up a lousy 3 1/2 of them. Here’s what I can safely surmise from the other 68 1/2:
After seeing him in person, Thaddeus Lewis is the best quarterback in the ACC. You could argue Josh Nesbitt or Jacory Harris mean more to their teams, but Lewis is the best pure quarterback in the league.
When I was sitting atop my section on Saturday, I scanned over the empty Scott Stadium crowd and it dawned on me just how far we have fallen in the past few years.
While I have been pleasantly entertained by the World Series thus far, I would still much rather see a Sunday night NFL game on TV in its place.
Is it just me or have there been no real “epic” college football match-ups so far this season? I feel like every week they hype up a big game (see USC/Oregon and Texas/Ok. State this weekend) and every week the games are a snooze-fest.
As much as I try to hate on him for retiring and “un-retiring”, I’ve got to hand it to Brett Favre. The guy can flat out ball. Even in his 40’s.
Even though the Baltimore/Denver game was pretty one-sided it gave me a chance to watch Ed Reed in action, which is always a treat. He and Troy Polamalu are by far the best safties in football today.
After receiving one vote in this weeks AP Top 25 Poll, is there any reason why we shouldn’t hire Richmond’s Mike London to be our next coach? If my math is correct, that’s one more vote than our current coach has gotten us in the same poll this season.
If any of you “C-villians” haven’t checked it out yet, the new Irish pub on the corner, Trinity, is a pretty cool spot. It’s got tons of space and a bazillion flat-screens and it also seemed to attract UVa’s top talent on Friday and Saturday night.
Hey guys, so with Duke on deck on the football schedule and basketball season right around the corner, I wanted to get a little interest generated in hoops, so I decided to do a quick run-down of the ACC teams:
Boston College (22-12, 9-7 NCAA 1st Round)
Key Players: Joe Trapani, Rakim Sanders, Reggie Jackson
The Skinny: Fresh off an NCAA tournament appearance, the Eagles will have to replace all-world guard Tyrese Rice. However, they return all four starters besides Rice and Joe Trapani and Rakim Sanders both look to handle the scoring load with Reggie Jackson handling the ball.
The Skinny: Oliver Purnell has led his Tigers to the past two NCAA tournaments, but replacing three key starters from those teams, K.C. Rivers, Terrence Oglesby, and Raymond Sykes, will not be an easy task. Trevor Booker returns as an ACC POY candidate and Demontez Stitt provides some experience in the Clemson backcourt. Look for freshman Milton Jennings to give some good minutes.
3 BIG GAMES: 12/2 Illinois, 1/3 @Duke, 3/2 Georgia Tech
Duke (30-7, 11-5 NCAA Sweet 16)
Key Players: Kyle Singler, John Scheyer, Nolan Smith
The Skinny: Even with the loss of Gerald Henderson, this Blue Devils squad appears loaded for a tourney run. Singler, Scheyer and Smith are now all upperclassmen who should be able to mentor the three McDonald’s AA’s from the incoming recruiting class. Look for freshman Ryan Kelly to be the “go to” guy for the Blue Devils in the paint.
3 BIG GAMES: 1/9 @Clemson, 2/10 @UNC, 3/6 UNC
Florida State (25-10, 10-6 NCAA 1st Round)
Key Players: Solomon Alabi, Ufe Echefu, Michael Snaer (Fr.)
The Skinny: FSU returns almost the entire starting lineup from a year ago. The problem is the “almost” piece missing is one of the school’s best basketball players ever in Toney Douglas. Besides Douglas, no Seminole averaged in double figures last year and only two players averaged eight points or better. Solomon Alabi and Ufe Echefu return to form an experienced front court and superstar freshman Michael Snaer will look to replace some of Douglas’ point production, but the ‘Noles will ultimately need another player to step up if they want to get back to The Dance this year.
Georgia Tech (13-19, 2-14)
Key Players: Iman Shumpert, Gani Lawal, Derrick Favors (Fr.)
The Skinny: The only team to lose more conference games than UVa last year was the Yellow Jackets. However, few teams enter the 09/10 season with as much confidence as the Ramblin’ Wreck. Freshamn sensation Iman Shumpert returns along with talented forward Gani Lawal. D’Andre Bell also returns for the Jackets after spending a year on medical reserve and should provide quality depth to a starting five littered with talent. Paul Hewitt once again brought in a stellar recruiting class, landing 5-star all-everything Derrick Favors as well as top-100 player Mfon Udofia and Glen Rice Jr.
3 BIG GAMES: 1/9 @Duke, 1/16 @UNC, 3/2 @Clemson
Maryland (21-14, 7-9 NCAA 2nd Round)
Key Players: Grievous Vasquez, Adrian Bowie, Eric Hayes
The Skinny: The Terps return three starters including All-ACC guard Grievous Vasquez. Adrian Bowie, who came on strong in the ACC and NCAA tournaments last year also returns as well as Eric Hayes, Sean Mosley and Landon Milbourne for the Terps. This is a key season for Gary Williams and staff. They have a player in Vasquez who can lead them back to the depths of the NCAA tourney, but is there enough talent surrounding Vasquez to take them there?
3 BIG GAMES: 1/16 @Boston College, 2/7 UNC, 3/3 Duke
Miami (19-13, 7-9 NIT)
Key Players: Dwayne Collins, James Dews, Durand Scott (Fr.)
The Skinny: Frank Haith’s squad looks to find out what life is like without the indispensable Jack McClinton suiting up every night. McClinton averaged one fourth of his teams total points a year ago, so finding someone to replace him will be easier said than done. The ‘Canes will also be breaking in two other starters to go along with McClinton’s replacement, as Brian Asbury and Lance Hurdle are also gone. Even with all the losses from last years team, the ‘Canes were able to sign a top-20 recruiting class including guard Durand Scott and still have some talent left over in forward Dwayne Collins and senior guard James Dews.
3 BIG GAMES: 12/2 Minnesota, 1/26 @Maryland, 2/17 Duke
North Carolina (34-4, 13-3 NCAA National Champs)
Key Players: Deon Thompson, Marcus Ginyard, Ed Davis
The Skinny: Gone from the Heels’ squad are the two winningest seniors in program history in Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green. Also gone are guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington. The four combined for 66.2 ppg a season ago, and even though Roy Williams once again stuffed his cupboard full of talent, it will be hard to replace what the ’09 team lost. Returning for the Tar Heels are seniors Deon Thompson, who started all 38 games last year, and Marcus Ginyard returns after a medical redshirt season. Talented big man Ed Davis also returns and looks to be the primary scorer in the paint. Freshmen John Henson, Dexter Strickland and twins David and Travis Wear could all make an impact this season for North Carolina.
3 BIG GAMES: 12/2 Mich. St., 12/19 vs. Texas, 3/6 @Duke
N.C. State (16-13, 6-10)
Key Players: Javier Gonzalez, Tracy Smith, DeShawn Painter (Fr.)
The Skinny: The Wolfpack lose three starters from a mediocre ‘09 team. In Sydney Lowe’s time at N.C. State, he has proven to be a good recruiter and the ‘09 class was no different as he landed two four stars in DeShawn Painter and Richard Howell. Javier Gonzalez returns and should get most of the minutes at point guard while Tracy Smith provides an experienced post player for the ‘Pack.
3 BIG GAMES: 12/23 @Arizona, 1/16 Clemson, 1/26 UNC
Virginia (10-17, 4-12)
Key Players: Sylven Landesberg, Mike Scott, Jeff Jones
The Skinny: The Hoos are coming off one of their worst years in their basketball program’s history. New coach Tony Bennett has his work cut out for him in the ‘09/’10 season, but Dave Leitao didn’t leave the cupboard completely bare. The Cavs return ACC Rookie of the Year Sylven Landesberg as well as talented big man Mike Scott, who will look for more of a feature role in Bennett’s offense. Bennett was able to bring in the two Leitao commitments in Tristan Spurlock and Jontell Evans, both of whom could provide quality depth for UVa this season.
3 BIG GAMES: 11/24 vs. Stanford, 2/10 @Maryland, 2/28 Duke
Virginia Tech (17-13, 7-9 NIT)
Key Players: Jeff Allen, Malcolm Delaney, J.T. Thompson
The Skinny: The Hokies’ emotional leader from a year ago, A.D. Vassallo, graduated, but Jeff Allen and Malcolm Delaney return for a solid one-two punch for Tech. However, Virginia Tech will need someone to step up and provide a third scoring option for the Hokies to have a successful season and make it to the NCAA tournament. Look for junior forward J.T. Thompson to fill that role.
3 BIG GAMES: 12/1 @Iowa, 1/28 @UVA, 2/4 UNC
Wake Forest (24-7, 11-5 NCAA 1st Round)
Key Players: Al-Farouq Aminu, Chas McFarland, L.D. Williams
The Skinny: Dino Gaudio’s hopes of a second straight top-five league finish took a serious hit when underclassmen James Johnson and Jeff Teague left school early for the pros. On the flip side, the Deacs still return an All-ACC caliber player in Aminu and Gaudio’s recruiting continues to improve as he signed top-50 player Ari Stewart who looks to contribute this year. Chas Macfarland returns up front for Wake and guard L.D. Williams is also back to provide senior leadership in the backcourt.
On the EDGE board Wednesday night, poster 4hoova asked a fun and straight-forward question. Read the post 
