THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 5, 1994 TAG: 9409050134
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: TALLAHASSEE, FLA. LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Virginia linebacker Skeet Jones had some advice for his teammates Saturday after a 41-17 season-opening loss to Florida State.
``We can't let this get us down,'' said Jones, a former star at Green Run High in Virginia Beach.
``We can look at film of this game and see where we should have done this, should have done that, but we can't make excuses.
``We have to learn from this what we have to do the next 10 games.''
The Cavaliers' defense, expected to be the strength of this year's team, held the Seminoles scoreless in the first quarter while forcing a turnover that produced an 3-0 lead.
But the Cavaliers eventually withered from Florida State's no-huddle offense, reserve strength, and the humid 90-degree heat.
``Everything was in our favor, especially the hot, sultry weather,'' admitted Florida State coach Bobby Bowden. ``Our plan was to get them tired, and I think they died.''
Jones said the Seminoles' talent and relentless attack were more draining than the weather.
``They put so much pressure on you, and I don't think any other team in the country plays as many players as they do,'' he said.
FSU quarterback Danny Kanell threw three touchdown passes in the second quarter and finished the game with 330 passing yards.
Bowden agreed that his team found out early it couldn't run against the Cavaliers.
``Every time we tried,'' Bowden said, ``Virginia blitzed and we just couldn't block it. Finally, we had to get out the shotgun (offense) and go to work.''
The Cavaliers began the past two seasons with 5-0 starts, but those victories came against much weaker teams than the Seminoles, who appear headed for another sweep of the ACC.
Despite the loss, Jones saw benefits from starting out against the strongest team on the schedule.
``Right off the bat, it shows what kind of team we have,'' he explained. ``No ifs, buts, or ands about it. We have some work to do, and that is what we are going to do.''
While the defense showed flashes of its potential - Jones recovered a fumble and freshman Ronde Barber set up the field goal with an interception - the Cavaliers' biggest concern remains the offense.
Offensive coordinator Tom O'Brien admitted his unit didn't give the defense much support.
``If you can't make first downs against a team like this, you can't help the defense stay off the field,'' he said.
Virginia's longest drives came when reserve quarterback Mike Groh took over from Symmion Willis midway in the third period and passed for two touchdowns.
But coach George Welsh said Willis would keep his starting job for Saturday's game against Navy in Annapolis.
``You can't put all the blame on Willis,'' Welsh said.
``He had four passes dropped and one completion fumbled. It's hard to . . . make something happen when people are dropping the ball.'' by CNB