Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 23, 1994 TAG: 9410250038
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
``I don't even want to think about that,'' said George Welsh, the Cavaliers' coach.
He shouldn't have to ponder it.
If there is anything resembling a quarterback controversy at UVa after Saturday's 34-10 manhandling of 15th-ranked North Carolina in a game that certified the Cavaliers as bowl-coalition contenders, it will be of Welsh's making.
With Symmion Willis still hobbled and in street clothes on the sideline, Mike Groh again guided the Cavaliers' offense. In only his third start in UVa's poll-climbing 6-1 season, Groh seemed to do everything except tear down a goal post.
It wasn't just that Groh completed his first nine passes and finished 15-of-21 for 256 yards and two touchdowns. It wasn't just that he took the Cavaliers to a 17-0 lead and 200 yards in the first 21 minutes. It wasn't just that he guided UVa to its second consecutive game without a turnover.
It was how he did it and against whom he did it. Welsh said he ``never worries when Groh's in the game. I've always had confidence in him.''
However, Welsh, himself a former quarterback, has tempered Groh's ACC passing-efficiency leadership by considering the competition the junior had shredded.
``He had a good game against Navy,'' Welsh said, putting his alma mater's program in proper perspective, ``but the caliber of team he did it against today ... that's a big difference.''
However, if this was the afternoon Groh finally proved himself to his coach, Welsh wasn't saying. ``We'll take into consideration how it's gone the last two weeks,'' said the coach who has guided UVa to eight consecutive winning seasons.
Welsh said he wants to see how Willis' slowly progressing hamstring is recovering by Friday, then ponder the choice during the weekend and probably name a starter against Duke eight days from now.
Usually, Welsh refuses to take a starter's position because of injury. However, Groh's emergence is an unusual situation. The Cavaliers have won six in a row, mostly with Groh running the offense.
UVa has 19 offensive touchdowns in six games against Division I-A opposition this season. Groh has been on the field for 18 of them. The other was scored with Tim Sherman behind center.
Willis' confidence probably is more fragile than his hamstring. Perhaps Groh doesn't have the anointing of the coach, but this has become his team. It happened Saturday as the Cavaliers beat UNC for the seventh consecutive time at Scott Stadium.
After the game, even Welsh talked about how the Cavaliers have successfully reached this point in three of the past four seasons, then fell with the autumn leaves.
It would seem the last thing the Cavaliers need now is more uncertainty at quarterback. Alternating QBs doesn't often work. Groh plays with efficiency and precision - as one would expect from the son of a coach.
Tom O'Brien, UVa's quarterbacks coach, said the decision on the starter is Welsh's alone. He said Willis, when healthy last year, played the way Groh is performing now.
``I thought the whole team played well,'' O'Brien said correctly. ``I'm one of those guys who thinks the quarterback, depending on how he plays, gets too much credit or too much blame.''
Then, maybe Welsh's 13th UVa team is good enough that it doesn't matter who plays quarterback. The offensive line has been superb. Since the season-opening loss to Florida State, UVa quarterbacks have been sacked four times. The running game has given the Cavaliers a sizeable edge in time of possession this season.
Virginia has its best - and quickest - defense in years. The punting game has given up only 16 return yards this season.
Groh has pitched back-to-back perfect games against ACC competition. Willis had his opportunity, and even before he was hurt, he hadn't played as well as Groh this season.
What won't make the decision any easier is that both quarterbacks are juniors. If neither becomes the obvious starter, the situation could simmer into next season, too.
``The off week is coming at a good time,'' Welsh said.
QB, or not QB? That is the question facing Welsh. The answer already has had enough chances to Groh on him.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB