Cavs intent on getting over top in big games

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Posted 8:43PM on Wednesday, August 24, 2005

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) Year Four in the Al Groh era had a chance to be a breakthrough season for Virginia, but the Cavaliers came up short in their three most important games. The offseason also proved costly as several seniors on their way to the NFL were joined in departure by star tight end Heath Miller and pass-rushing linebacker Darryl Blackstock, juniors who left school early. A loss to Fresno State in overtime in the MPC Computers Bowl ensured that 2004 would be frustrating to the end, particularly given the raised expectations Groh has brought to Charlottesville. But the lingering sting had value in the offseason. ``Any time you fall short in games like that, which were for the most part pretty close, it hurts,'' linebacker Kai Parham said. ``We got a glimpse of how close we were to getting to where we wanted to be. It really motivates you to get to that new level.'' The losses of guard Elton Brown, tailback Alvin Pearman, Miller and two other starters left sizable holes on the offense, and the departures of Blackstock, defensive end Chris Canty, nose tackle Andrew Hoffman and three others did likewise on the defense, but Virginia has talented candidates to take over at every position. Plus, Marques Hagans is back at quarterback and should be better, and Wali Lundy has a chance to end his career as one of the most accomplished tailbacks in Virginia history after regaining the starting job he relinquished to Pearman at midseason. Two players who missed all or part of last season are back. Fullback Jason Snelling is a sturdy runner, receiver and blocker, and Ottowa Anderson brings needed experience to the wide receiving corps after missing last season because of grades. Hagans threw for nine touchdowns and five interceptions last year but said he was haunted all summer by the 37-34 loss to Fresno State. ``It was a sick way to end the season like that,'' the 5-foot-10 senior said. ``But at the same time, it's a new season and we have to look forward.'' Groh said Hagans, a one-time wide receiver at Virginia, has skills similar to those of 2004 Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year Bryan Randall of Virginia Tech, but that only results will determine exactly how similar. ``That's only a comparison at the end of the season if the results are the same, but there's an opportunity for that,'' Groh said. The Hokies won the ACC last season. Hagans seems to relish his role as a leader. ``This is the most comfortable he's ever looked,'' quarterbacks coach Mike Groh said. ``I think he's in command and understands the system, where we want the ball to go.'' Hagans can look for help from other proven playmakers. Lundy ran for 17 touchdowns last season and has scored 41 in his career, fifth among active players in Division I-A. He has a chance to climb near the top of the Cavaliers' career rushing and scoring lists with another strong season. Anderson caught 33 passes two years ago and is one of the best special teams players on the squad, and he's eager to use his mistake to teach younger players. ``I love this game to death and I'm just trying to show them it's going to be hard work, but it's going to be a lot of fun, too,'' he said midway through the preseason. Brown won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy two years in a row as the ACC's best blocker, and four-year starter D'Brickashaw Ferguson could win it this season. He's back to anchor the line for what was the league's top rushing team a season ago. On defense, end Brennan Schmidt is one of many experienced players returning to the line. The most exciting may be Chris Long, NFL great Howie's son, who earned some time as a true freshman last year. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks, a Butkus Award finalist last year, and Parham will again roam the middle, and their partners will come from a combination of veterans and heralded freshmen. The secondary will be led by Tony Franklin at either cornerback or safety, wherever the preseason dictates the Cavaliers can utilize him best. The losses last season to Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech cost Virginia a chance at the league title and Bowl Championship Series bid, but Groh said he doesn't feel his program is at a crossroads after winning 25 games the last three years. ``I'd say a crossroads comes when you've been having bad times. This team played the last game last season with the opportunity to play for the conference championship,'' he said. ``We're not happy with the results, but we're just trying to move on. ``We're here to work hard, try to coach hard, play hard, put together the best team we can put together. We don't really have any causes for this season other than winning. But that's always, for me, been a pretty powerful cause.'' Groh got a new contract during preseason that will pay him $1.7 million per year, and his players are eager to reward him, too, by getting over the top. ``We started out real strong, but when the pressure came on, whether it was a couple plays or whatever, the fact is that we didn't get it done,'' Schmidt said. Defensive back Marcus Hamilton agreed. ``We haven't lived up to what were capable of doing, but it's time to prove it instead of talking about it, and that's what we're going to try to do,'' he said. (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)