2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team

Last updated

2008 Virginia Cavaliers football
U of Virginia text logo.svg
Conference Atlantic Coast Conference
DivisionCoastal
Record57 (35 ACC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Mike Groh (3rd season)
Offensive scheme West Coast
Defensive coordinator Bob Pruett (1st season)
Base defense 3–4
Home stadium Scott Stadium
(Capacity: 61,500)
Seasons
  2007
2009  
2008 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
Atlantic Division
Boston College xy  5 3   9 5  
No. 21 Florida State x  5 3   9 4  
Maryland  4 4   8 5  
Wake Forest  4 4   8 5  
Clemson  4 4   7 6  
NC State  4 4   6 7  
Coastal Division
No. 15 Virginia Tech xy$  5 3   10 4  
No. 22 Georgia Tech x  5 3   9 4  
North Carolina  0 4   0 5  
Miami (FL)  4 4   7 6  
Virginia  3 5   5 7  
Duke  1 7   4 8  

Championship: Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 12
  • $ BCS representative as conference champion
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • y Championship game participant
  • North Carolina vacated 8 wins, including 4 ACC wins
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was Virginia's 55th season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Cavaliers were led by head coach Al Groh. They played their home games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Contents

Preseason

The 2008 preseason began in early January, with the loss of starting quarterback Jameel Sewell due to academic ineligibility as well as three other players who were not enrolled for the Spring 2008 semester; junior cornerback Chris Cook, freshman wide receiver Chris Dalton and freshman linebacker Darnell Carter. [1]

In February 2008, defensive back Mike Brown was arrested by UVa police and charged with one count each of grand larceny, possession of stolen property with intent to sell, altering serial numbers, and possession of marijuana. Al Groh said of the situation, "At this time we are currently gathering the facts. In view of the nature of the allegation, Mike Brown is not participating with the program at this time." [2] Also in February, defensive end Jeffery Fitzgerald left the school, and subsequently the team, after allegations of honor code violations; the university stating that, "Fitzgerald is no longer enrolled and will never play again for the 'Hoos." [3] [4]

Peter Lalich controversy

On July 24, 2008, Peter Lalich, quarterback, was charged with unlawful purchase and possession of alcohol, a misdemeanor. Coach Groh would not comment on the charge, and stated that any disciplinary action would be dealt with internally, within the team. Lalich's case has been continued until July 21, 2009, at which point his charges will be dropped should he avoid further trouble. [5]

On September 5, 2008, it was reported that Lalich had admitted to court officials that he had used marijuana and alcohol while on supervised probation. The voluntary admission came during a regular probation interview with officials from the office of Offender Aid and Restoration/Virginia Alcohol Safety Program. He is scheduled for a hearing on September 26. [6] On September 10, 2008 it was announced through a statement from Virginia's sports information office that Lalich would not be starting in the September 13 game against the University of Connecticut. [7]

On Thursday, September 18, Lalich admitted that he had violated the terms of his probation. [8] Later the same day, he was dismissed from the Cavalier football team. [9] In a statement, UVA Athletic Director Craig Littlepage said, "We have supported Peter, but believe today a point has been reached where it’s best for all concerned that [Peter] no longer participate on the team. This is my decision, and it has support of head football coach Al Groh. We wish Peter the best in the future." [10]

Schedule

[11]

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 303:30 pmNo. 2 USC * ABC L 7–5264,947
September 63:45 pm Richmond *
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
ESPNU W 16–051,007
September 137:30 pmat Connecticut *ESPNUL 10–4540,000 [12]
September 2712:00 pmat Duke ESPNUL 3–3125,527
October 47:00 pm Maryland
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA (rivalry)
ESPNUW 31–050,727
October 1112:00 pm East Carolina *
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
Raycom W 35–2052,398
October 183:30 pmNo. 18 North Carolina
ABCW 16–13 OT52,342
October 253:30 pmat No. 18 Georgia Tech ESPNUW 24–1747,416
November 112:00 pm Miami Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
RaycomL 17–24 OT53,308
November 83:30 pmat Wake Forest ESPNUL 17–2834,014
November 2212:00 pm Clemson
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
RaycomL 3–1351,979
November 2912:00 pmat Virginia Tech ESPN L 14–1766,233

Personnel

2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
QB Marc Verica
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

    Legend
    • (C) Team captain
    • (S) Suspended
    • (I) Ineligible
    • Cruz Roja.svg Injured
    • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Coaching staff

PositionNameSeason
Head coach: Al Groh 7th
Assistant head coach/Defensive coordinator coach: Bob Pruett 1st
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach: Mike Groh 7th
Assistant head coach/defensive backs coach:Steve Bernstein2nd
Special teams coordinator/linebackers coach Bob Diaco 2nd
Defensive assistant coach/assistant defensive line coachLervern Belin2nd
Wide receivers coach:Wayne Lineburg1st
Running game coordinator/offensive line coachDave Borbely2nd
Asst. Special teams coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Poindexter 4th
Tight ends coach/recruiting coordinatorBob Price10th
Graduate assistant offenseJim Jones1st
Graduate assistant defenseVincent Brown1st
Head strength coachMatt Balis1st
Director of football video operationsLuke Goldstein6th

Players

Recruiting

US college sports recruiting information for 2008 recruits
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeightCommit date
Larry Richardson jr
ATH
Chicago,ILVon Stuben H.S5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)145 lb (66 kg)4.41Dec 11, 2007 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: 3 stars.svg     Rivals: 2 stars.svg     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 76
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2008 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

-->

Watch list

Game summaries

USC

The No. 3 ranked Trojans scored three touchdowns in the first quarter to beat the Cavaliers to win the first game of the season. USC quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for 338 yards, CJ Gable ran for 73 yards, and Ronald Johnson had 78 yards in receiving. The second half was all USC, with UVA turning over the ball three times.

1234Total
USC213141452
Virginia70007

Richmond

1234Total
Richmond00000
Virginia3001316

Connecticut

1234Total
Virginia003710
Connecticut72114345

Duke

1234Total
Virginia30003
Duke03141431

Maryland

1234Total
Maryland00000
Virginia71410031

East Carolina

1234Total
East Carolina607720
Virginia7210735

North Carolina

1234OTTotal
North Carolina7003313
Virginia0037616

Georgia Tech

1234Total
Virginia377724
Georgia Tech1400317

[13]

Miami

1234OTTotal
Miami7307724
Virginia10700017

Wake Forest

1234Total
Virginia0301417
Wake Forest14140028

Clemson

1234Total
Clemson730313
Virginia03003

Virginia Tech

1234Total
Virginia770014
Virginia Tech707317

Rankings

Ranking movements
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP
Coaches
Harris Not releasedNot released
BCS Not releasedNot released

Statistics

Team

TeamOpp
Scoring  
  Points per Game  
First Downs  
  Rushing  
  Passing  
  Penalty  
Total Offense  
  Avg per Play  
  Avg per Game  
Fumbles-Lost  
Penalties-Yards  
  Avg per Game  
TeamOpp
Punts-Yards  
  Avg per Punt  
Time of Possession/Game  
3rd Down Conversions  
4th Down Conversions  
Touchdowns Scored  
Field Goals-Attempts-Long  
PAT-Attempts  
Attendance  
  Games/Avg per Game  

Scores by quarter

1234Total
Virginia0
Opponents0

Offense

Rushing

NameGP-GSAttGainLossNetAvgTDLongAvg/G
Total Larry Richardson jr12-10 179  1307      12  
Total Raymond Edwards12 -12 211  1591      18  

Passing

NameGP-GSEfficAtt-Cmp-IntPctYdsTDLngAvg/G
Total         
Opponents         

Receiving

NameGP-GSNo.YdsAvgTDLongAvg/G
Total Darrin Washington12-12  17  1399  13.4  11  109  109.9    
Opponents         

Defense

NameGPTacklesSacksPass DefenseInterceptionsFumblesBlkd
Kick
SoloAstTotalTFL-YdsNo-YdsBrUpQBHNo.-YdsAvgTDLongRcv-YdsFF
Total

Special teams

NamePuntingKickoffs
No.YdsAvgLongTBFCI20BlkdNo.YdsAvgTBOB
Total
NamePunt ReturnsKick Returns
No.YdsAvgTDLongNo.YdsAvgTDLong
Total


Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virginia–Virginia Tech football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Virginia–Virginia Tech football rivalry is an American college football rivalry between the Virginia Cavaliers football team of the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech Hokies football team of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The two schools first met in 1895 and have played annually since 1970. The game counts for 1 point in the Commonwealth Clash each year, and is part of the greater Virginia–Virginia Tech rivalry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Stadium</span> American football stadium on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, VA, US

Scott Stadium is a stadium located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is the home of the Virginia Cavaliers football team. It sits on the University of Virginia's Grounds, east of Hereford College and first-year dorms on Alderman Road but west of Brown College and the Lawn. Constructed in 1931, it is the oldest active FBS football stadium in Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Brooks (American football)</span> American football player (born 1976)

Aaron Lafette Brooks is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Virginia and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. After one season with the Packers, he was a member of the Saints for six seasons, where he led the franchise to their first playoff victory in 2000 against the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams. Brooks also became the first NFL quarterback to eliminate the defending Super Bowl champions in his first career postseason start. During his final season, he played for the Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Groh</span> American football coach

Albert Michael Groh II is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Wake Forest University from 1981 to 1986 and at the University of Virginia from 2001 to 2009, compiling a career college football coaching record of 85–92. Groh was also the head coach for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL) for one season, in 2000, tallying a mark of 9–7. He last coached as the defensive coordinator for Georgia Tech in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Vick</span> American football player (born 1984)

Marcus Deon Vick is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at Virginia Tech, following the career path of his older brother Michael. However, several legal infractions and unsportsmanlike play led to Vick being dismissed from the school in 2006. Vick joined the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL) the same year as an undrafted free agent, but was released after appearing in only one game. Since the end of his playing career, he has continued to face various legal troubles.

George Thomas Welsh was an American college football player and coach. He served as head football coach of the Navy Midshipmen football team of the United States Naval Academy from 1973 to 1981, and the Virginia Cavaliers football team of the University of Virginia from 1982 to 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virginia Cavaliers football</span> College football team representing the University of Virginia

The Virginia Cavaliers football team represents the University of Virginia (UVA) in the sport of American football. Established in 1888, Virginia plays its home games at Scott Stadium, capacity 61,500, featured directly on its campus near the Academical Village. UVA played an outsized role in the shaping of the modern game's ethics and eligibility rules, as well as its safety rules after a Georgia fullback died fighting the tide of a lopsided Virginia victory in 1897.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jameel Sewell</span> American football player and coach (born 1987)

Jameel Sewell is a former American football quarterback who currently serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Nebraska Danger of the Indoor Football League (IFL). He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Virginia Cavaliers football team</span> American college football season

The 2007 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was coach Al Groh. They played their home games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 Virginia Cavaliers football team</span> American college football season

The 2006 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Al Groh. They played their home games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virginia–Virginia Tech rivalry</span> American college sports rivalry

The Virginia–Virginia Tech rivalry is an American college rivalry that exists between the Virginia Cavaliers sports teams of the University of Virginia and the Virginia Tech Hokies sports teams of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Cavaliers and Hokies had a program-wide rivalry first called the Commonwealth Challenge (2005–2007) which UVA swept 2–0 before ending the series in a show of sportsmanship following the Virginia Tech massacre. A second series called the Commonwealth Clash (2014–2019), under revised rules and sponsored by the state's Virginia 529 College Savings Plan, was again won by UVA, 3–2. A third series, also called the Clash (2021–present) and sponsored by Smithfield Foods, emerged two years after the previous series was concluded and is currently tied, 1–1. The Cavaliers lead the rivalry series in the majority of sports.

Albert Michael Groh III is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the wide receivers coach for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the wide receivers coach of the Indianapolis Colts and as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears and New York Jets. He is a former starting quarterback at the University of Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike London</span> American football player and coach (born 1960)

Michael Wilson London Sr. is the current head football coach for the William & Mary Tribe football program at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is a former defensive back and associate head coach and defensive line coach for the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to Maryland, London was the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers football program of the University of Virginia. Prior to William & Mary, London was head coach of the Howard Bison football program at Howard University in Washington, D.C. A native of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, London played college and pro football as a defensive back for the Richmond Spiders and Dallas Cowboys. He was a police officer and detective in Richmond, Virginia with the city's street crimes unit before pursuing a coaching career.

Marc Verica is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2011, out of the University of Virginia. He signed to play for the Cougars de Saint-Ouen l'Aumône, France for the 2012 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Virginia Cavaliers football team</span> American college football season

The 2009 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season as a member of the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Cavaliers were led by ninth-year head coach Al Groh. The previous season, Groh fired his offensive coordinator, his son Mike Groh, and replaced him with Gregg Brandon, who had himself been fired as the head coach at Bowling Green. Brandon installed the spread offense at Virginia. The Cavaliers finished the season 3–9, 2–6 in conference play and failed to qualify for a bowl game. Following the conclusion of the season Virginia dismissed Al Groh as head coach and hired Mike London as his replacement.

Vicqual Renee "Vic" Hall is a former American football defensive back. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Virginia, where he played multiple positions for the Cavaliers. He was the starting quarterback and also served as a kick returner and holder. In 2007 and 2008, he played as a cornerback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murder of Yeardley Love</span> American murder case

The murder of Yeardley Love took place on May 3, 2010, in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. Love, a University of Virginia (UVA) women's lacrosse student-athlete, was found unresponsive in her Charlottesville apartment and later that day, UVA men's lacrosse player George Wesley Huguely V was arrested by Charlottesville police. Huguely was tried and found guilty of Love's murder, receiving a 23-year prison sentence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Virginia Cavaliers football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Cavaliers were led by fifth year head coach Mike London and played their home games at Scott Stadium. They were members of the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryce Perkins</span> American football player (born 1996)

Bryce Perkins is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. He played college football at Arizona State, Arizona Western, and Virginia before signing with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Keytaon Kaylen Thompson is an American football wide receiver for the Orlando Guardians of the XFL. He played college football at Virginia. He previously played quarterback at Mississippi State.

References

  1. Kilgore, Adam (January 18, 2008). "U-Va.'s Sewell Not Enrolled For the Spring". The Washington Post . Retrieved March 31, 2008.
  2. "UVA Football Player Arrested". WSLS-TV . March 3, 2008. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  3. Hudtloff, Marty. "Fitzgerald Leaves University of Virginia". WVIR-TV . Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  4. Kilgore, Adam (August 4, 2008). "Five Questions for Virginia". The Washington Post . Retrieved August 8, 2008.
  5. White, Jeff (July 24, 2008). "U.Va. QB Lalich Charged with Alcohol Possession". Richmond Times-Dispatch . Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  6. McKenzie, Bryan (September 5, 2008). "More Charges for UVa's Lalich". The Daily Progress . Charlottesville. Archived from the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2008.
  7. Doughty, Doug (September 10, 2008). "UVa QB Lalich Won't Play Saturday". The Roanoke Times . Archived from the original on September 17, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2008.
  8. "UVa Dismisses Lalich from Team". The Daily Press . Newport News. September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. "UVA QB Lalich off the team". ESPN. September 18, 2008. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  10. White, Jeff (September 18, 2008). "U.Va. Football Team Dismisses QB Lalich". Richmond Times-Dispatch . Retrieved September 18, 2008.[ dead link ]
  11. "Football - 2008 Schedule / Scores". VirginiaSports.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  12. "Game Summary - Connecticut vs. Virginia Game Date: 09/13/08". NCAA. September 14, 2008. Retrieved September 25, 2008.
  13. "Virginia Upsets #18 Georgia Tech". WCAV-TV. October 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 18, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2008.