THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 1, 1994 TAG: 9411010434
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium: 93 lines
The Virginia Cavaliers are less than impressed with their rapid climb to college football's Top 10, as judged by the coaches poll.
Only two weeks ago, the Cavaliers were 22nd in that poll. They jumped to 16th last week after defeating North Carolina.
Without snapping a football on last weekend's open date, they shot up to No. 10 in the latest poll.
Coach George Welsh supressed a smile when informed Monday that he has a ``top 10'' team.
``Is that right?'' he asked. ``Fooled me. I guess all it takes is to have an open week and for a lot of teams to lose.''
The Cavaliers also have jumped from being unranked in the AP media poll three weeks ago to 13th.
Quarterback Mike Groh said he laughed when told that the Cavaliers were ranked 10th in the nation by one of the major polls.
``It is just funny we could move up that much by not playing,'' Groh said. ``If we didn't play this week, we might be in the top five.''
Center Brian Heath said the 10th-place ranking was ``ludicrous, just ridiculous.''
``If we lose to Duke on Saturday that won't mean jack,'' Heath said.
BOWL TALK: The high ranking has put the Cavaliers on some impressive bowl lists.
According to league sources, the Cotton and Fiesta bowls would be interested if Virginia finishes 10-1.
A loss in one of the final four games probably would send Virginia to the Gator or John Hancock bowl.
If Virginia finishes 8-3, possibilies include the Peach, Hall ofFame, and Aloha bowls.
GROH STARTING: It is official. The Cavaliers have a new starting quarterback.
Welsh confirmed that Groh has moved ahead of Symmion Willis on the depth chart based on his play.
Groh had started the last two games, and one previously, because of hamstring injuries to Willis.
Willis, who started all of last season, was cleared to resume full-speed practice last Friday and will be available against Duke.
Welsh had said previously he was reluctant to take a starter's job from him because of an injury.
But Groh's performance in starting assignments against Georgia Tech and North Carolina convinced Welsh to make the change.
Virginia has not had a turnover in the last two games and Groh leads the ACC in passing efficency and ranks sixth nationally.
``I'm not surprised,'' Groh said. ``The offense has played well the last two games and it would be foolish to change anything at this point.''
FREE WEEKEND: The Cavaliers practiced less than normal during an open week and Welsh surprised his players by giving them the weekend off.
``I guess if the Eagles can get back together for a concert tour, we can get a weekend off. It's my first in five years here,'' defensive tackle Ryan Kuehl said.
Center Bryan Heath took a busman's holiday and attended the North Carolina-N.C. State game in Chapel Hill.
Heath said he wanted to wear a T-shirt that pictures a dog wearing a UVa. hat urinating on a UNC hat, but didn't on the advice of assistant coaches.
``They were afraid it might cause a fight or something,'' Heath said.
TRASH TALK: A remark by linebacker Randy Neal following the win over North Carolina has wound up on the Duke bulletin board.
Neal was asked by a North Carolina write what he thought of Duke, which was 7-0 at the time.
Neal replied he didn't think Duke was a real 7-0 team because of a soft schedule.
``I don't remember saying it, but it is something that I probably did say,'' Neal said Monday.
``But after watching Duke against Florida State last Saturday, I have more respect for them. They are better than I thought.''
Duke coach Fred Goldsmith replied to Neal's statement by saying Virginia's schedule wasn't much different than Duke's.
The only loss for each team was against Florida State.
SOLD OUT: The game between Duke and Virginia in 34,000-seat Wallace Wade Stadium is a sellout, a rarity for Duke. The game will be televised regionally (WAVY, noon). It will be the first time since 1952 that both teams were ranked when they played. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Mike Groh will start at quarterback for U.Va. Saturday against Duke
in Durham.
by CNB