THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608270493
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: College Forecast
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 119 lines
The Virginia Cavaliers are working on a serious case of momentum: back-to-back nine-win seasons, consecutive bowl game victories and a win over Florida State - the Seminoles' first-ever loss in the ACC.
But as good as the last few years have been, coach George Welsh knows they could have been even better. The Cavaliers lost four games late in the fourth quarter last year, including one to in-state rival Virginia Tech.
And it would be nice to start off on the right foot for a change. Virginia has lost its opener two years in a row - to Florida State in '94 and to Michigan in '95.
That shouldn't be a problem this time - the Cavs open with Central Michigan on Sept. 7. But there are a few other questions, such as:
Who will be the starting quarterback?
Tim Sherman, a fifth-year-senior, is believed to have an edge since he is more familiar with the offense and showed he could perform under pressure last season when pressed into action twice for an injured Mike Groh.
The other candidate, sophomore Aaron Brooks, has had no highlights, but he had a good spring camp and has a stronger arm. Welsh feels he can win in ACC with either quarterback.
How long will it take for the rebuilt offensive line to jell?
It may be at least four games before the line is really in sync. The Cavaliers are not crying wolf in saying the line faces major rebuilding. The program is solid enough that there is talent in the line, but learning to co-ordinate blocks and movements at game speed is going to take time. Having an outstanding, quick back like Tiki Barber is an asset, since the holes don't have to be that big for him to break through.
Georgia Tech, Maryland and Clemson are back on the way up. How will a more-balanced league affect Virginia?
The Cavaliers have risen to the top of the ACC on the backs of those teams in recent years. The Cavs are 3-2-1 against longtime nemesis Clemson this decade and have not lost to either Maryland or Georgia Tech in the last four years. All three teams will be stronger this year, and don't be surprised if a veteran Maryland team pulls a stunner against the Cavaliers in the second game of season.
What can the Cavaliers expect when they go to Tallahassee on Oct. 26?
A rude reception. FSU coach Bobby Bowden says his players are reminded daily - by the media, teammates or coaches - of last year's loss in Charlottesville.
``We have the date of that game circled,'' says running back Warrick Dunn.
Florida State, though, gives Virginia plenty of respect. The top reason is the Cavaliers come closer to matching the Seminoles in speed than any other ACC team.
Will Virginia fans ever get excited about a winning football program?
There are some encouraging signs. Virginia brought more than 20,000 vocal fans to last December's Peach Bowl, and small crowds of enthusiastic fans made their presence known at a few road games last season.
Season-ticket sales for this season are very good. Who knows, maybe some day the Cavaliers may even have their own marching band.
Are the Cavaliers losing ground with in-state recruiting to Virginia Tech?
South Hampton Roads fans may think so since the Cavaliers have not snatched many prospects out of this area in the last few years. The only area players on the roster are Chesapeake's Joe Williams (Indian River) and Virginia Beach's Shawn Jones (Bayside).
Virginia recruiters continue to keep close tabs on athletes in the area, though, and are interested in several this year. But the program's success on the national level has opened up new recruiting areas. Players on this year's team come from 19 states, the District of Columbia, Quebec and the Virgin Islands.
Who will replace last season's top receivers, Patrick Jeffers and Pete Allen?
The Cavaliers will miss the speed and leadership of both players, but there is no shortage of talent at wide receiver. The primary target will be Germane Crowell, who caught 27 passes for 371 yards and a team-leading five TDs last season.
Behind him are Derick Byrd (14 catches, 2 TDs), Bryan Owens and Brian McCarthy. Sophomore letterman Terrence Wilkins and red-shirt freshman Shawn Jones also will compete for playing time.
Will that controversial streak of intercepting at least one pass in 29 straight games continue despite losing three starters in the secondary?
The controversy came when coach George Welsh said last year he wished the streak would end and the Cavaliers would win without it.
That wasn't as dumb as it sounded. Welsh thought some defenders were gambling too much on interceptions to continue to streak instead of playing solid defense. Whether Welsh likes it or not, though, defensive backs have talked among themselves this summer and vowed to keep the streak alive.
Despite the relative inexperience, the steals could continue since Virginia is expected to have a stronger pass rush to force opposing quarterbacks into more mistakes.
Is Tiki Barber durable enough to do all that will be asked of him - 20-plus carries a game, catching passes, returning punts? And how will his run for Heisman Trophy affect him?
Barber has done everything possible to prepare himself to be the team workhorse and says he looks forward to the opportunity. He no longer is the fragile sprinter he was his first two years.
Long hours in the weight room have added bulk and muscle to his frame, and slowed him just a half-step. He can still turn on the jets when he gets in the open, too.
As far as the Heisman, Tiki is not uptight about it. He promises to have fun with it and says he won't mind all the phone calls from the media.
Will Ronde Barber follow twin brother Tiki to the pros after the season, despite having another year of eligibility?
The Barber brothers are very close and always have done everything together. Don't expect for one to go to the NFL and leave the other behind. Ronde, who redshirted his first year at U.Va., probably has not made a decision but has indicated in the past that he probably would not stay for a fifth year.
Both Barbers will graduate next spring, and Ronde doesn't need another season to impress anyone. He is Lindy's choice as the best college cornerback in the nation this year and was named on four preseason first-team All-American teams. ILLUSTRATION: File photo
Senior Tiki Barber, foreground, is expected to make a run for the
Heisman Trophy by carrying 20 times a game, catching passes and
returning punts.
Graphic
Virginia [For complete copy, see microfilm]
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