Posted on Fri, Aug. 01, 2003
Cavaliers, led by surprise Schaub, rank No. 16 in preseason
BY WENDELL BARNHOUSE
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
FORT WORTH, Texas - On the cover of Virginia's football media guide, the team's senior quarterback is wearing a tuxedo, James Bond debonair. The words describe him as "Heisman Trophy Candidate Matt Schaub."
Matt Schaub? Who?
A year ago, even the staunchest Cavaliers fans were wondering the same thing. He was benched during the season-opening loss to Colorado State. But the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder came back to lead the young Cavs to a nine-victory season. In the process, he was a surprise selection as Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year.
"Matt's impact was incredible," Virginia defensive back Almondo Curry said. "Matt is definitely one of the biggest leaders on this team. He's matured and he's a lot more confident."
Last season, Schaub was the steadying influence on an offense that ended up ranked 80th nationally, but found a way to score points when needed.
Schaub completed 69 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,976 yards and 28 touchdowns - the fourth-best total in ACC history. He threw only seven interceptions and finished sixth in the nation in passing efficiency.
"I need to have a better season than last season," Schaub said. "Last season was a great starting point, but it's important to improve for me and the team. Last season doesn't help us this season."
Schaub is one of only nine seniors listed on Virginia's two-deep chart. If the Cavaliers are to challenge for the ACC title against North Carolina State, Maryland and Florida State, Schaub will be a key figure.
"A lot of his success stems from the fact that he's got a significant passion for being a quarterback," Virginia coach Al Groh said.
No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Coach: Al Groh (14-12 in two seasons, 40-52 overall in eight seasons)
2002: 9-5, 6-2 in ACC, tied for 2nd
Bowl: Defeated West Virginia 48-22 in the Continental Tire Bowl.Starters returning: 8 on offense, 6 on defense
Key players: senior QB Matt Schaub, sophomore TE Heath Miller, sophomore RB Wali Lundy, senior WR Michael McGrew, senior DB Almondo Curry, junior DE Chris Canty, sophomore LB Darryl Blackstock, sophomore K Connor Hughes.
Cheers: The Cavaliers have a veteran quarterback in Schaub, who blossomed last season. He is surrounded by young and talented skill players. In particular, Lundy is a dangerous threat as a runner and a receiver. The 3-4 defensive scheme is loaded with talented linebackers, headed by Blackstock.
Jeers: Virginia needs to develop a deep receiving threat to keep defenses honest. The running game needs to improve, as does the defense, which ranked 100th nationally last season. There is no experienced QB to back up Schaub.
It all means: Groh has a young, developing team that should at least match last year's victory total.
Datebook: The Cavaliers play six road games, and their most difficult stretch comes in the middle of the season. Between Oct. 11 and Nov. 13, Virginia plays four of six games on the road. The four road games are against ACC opponents North Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina State and Maryland. One of the home games is against Florida State. To contend for the ACC title, the Cavs will need to win a minimum of four of those ACC games.
Figuring: Virginia was ranked 80th in total offense and 100th in total defense. The Cavs' nine victories equaled Arkansas (ranked 84th in total offense) and were more than any team ranked 101st or worse in total defense.
Extra points: Two of Virginia's top receivers could be former quarterbacks. Miller moved to tight end last season, and Marques Hagans, after failing to beat out Schaub, moved to wide receiver in spring practice. ... Groh thinks his trio of Blackstock and freshmen Kai Parham and Ahmad Brooks might be the best young linebacking trio in the nation. "They're all 6-4, 240 pounds, and can run," he said. ... Bill Musgrave, offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, took a similar job with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was replaced by offensive-line coach Ron Prince. ... Virginia had a 260-132 scoring edge over opponents in the second half last season. ... Virginia had three players earn first-team freshmen All-America honors last season - Blackstock, Miller and offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
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