THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, October 17, 1994 TAG: 9410170131
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: FRANK VEHORN
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
George Welsh bravely smiled when someone asked after Virginia's 24-7 victory over Georgia Tech if he knew his team's record.
``Yes, 5-1,'' Welsh replied.
That's when he smiled.
``We've been here before, haven't we?'' he mused.
Ah, yes. The Cavaliers have been ``here'' before.
Last year, they were 5-1 and struggled down the stretch to finish 7-5 after losing to Boston College in the Carquest Bowl.
In 1992, they were 5-1, and finished 7-4 without going to a bowl game.
Actually, Virginia was 5-0 in each of the last two seasons when the trouble started with game No. 6.
This year, Virginia lost the opener to Florida State before streaking to five consecutive wins.
Now what?
We have to figure the Cavaliers stand a chance of going into another tailspin.
The problem the last two years was Virginia saved the best - opponents, that is - for last.
Despite getting Florida State out of the way early, the same is mostly true again this year.
Virginia's four I-A victories are against nonranked teams that have a combined record of 3-17 against I-A competition.
The Cavaliers' final five games will be played against teams that are 23-7 against I-A teams.
North Carolina, coming up Saturday, is 5-1. Duke is 6-0, N.C. State 4-1, and Virginia Tech 6-1. The only potential patsy is Maryland, 2-4.
This is not to say Virginia will slump again, however.
The Cavaliers are talking about going 10-1, which means they think they can win the rest of their games.
Maybe they can, too.
The defense is tough, the kicking game sound and the offense has showed the ability to overcome adversity.
Still, the Cavaliers can't afford to get too excited.
They have been here before, you know. by CNB