2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team

2008 Virginia Cavaliers football
ConferenceAtlantic Coast Conference
DivisionCoastal
Record5–7 (3–5 ACC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorMike Groh (3rd season)
Offensive schemeWest Coast
Defensive coordinatorBob Pruett (1st season)
Base defense3–4
Home stadiumScott Stadium
(Capacity: 61,500)
2008 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings
Conf. Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Atlantic Division
Boston College xy   5 – 3     9 – 5  
No. 21 Florida State x   5 – 3     9 – 4  
Maryland   4 – 4     8 – 5  
Wake Forest   4 – 4     8 – 5  
Clemson   4 – 4     7 – 6  
NC State   4 – 4     6 – 7  
Coastal Division
No. 15 Virginia Tech xy$   5 – 3     10 – 4  
No. 22 Georgia Tech x   5 – 3     9 – 4  
North Carolina   0 – 4     0 – 5  
Miami (FL)   4 – 4     7 – 6  
  3 – 5     5 – 7  
Duke   1 – 7     4 – 8  
Championship: Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 12
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
  • North Carolina vacated 8 wins, including 4 ACC wins
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was Virginia's 55th season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Cavaliers were led by head coach Al Groh. They played their home games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Preseason

The 2008 preseason began in early January, with the loss of starting quarterback Jameel Sewell due to academic ineligibility as well as three other players who were not enrolled for the Spring 2008 semester; junior cornerback Chris Cook, freshman wide receiver Chris Dalton and freshman linebacker Darnell Carter.[1]

In February 2008, defensive back Mike Brown was arrested by UVa police and charged with one count each of grand larceny, possession of stolen property with intent to sell, altering serial numbers, and possession of marijuana. Al Groh said of the situation, "At this time we are currently gathering the facts. In view of the nature of the allegation, Mike Brown is not participating with the program at this time."[2] Also in February, defensive end Jeffery Fitzgerald left the school, and subsequently the team, after allegations of honor code violations; the university stating that, "Fitzgerald is no longer enrolled and will never play again for the 'Hoos."[3][4]

Peter Lalich controversy

On July 24, 2008, Peter Lalich, quarterback, was charged with unlawful purchase and possession of alcohol, a misdemeanor. Coach Groh would not comment on the charge, and stated that any disciplinary action would be dealt with internally, within the team. Lalich's case has been continued until July 21, 2009, at which point his charges will be dropped should he avoid further trouble.[5]

On September 5, 2008, it was reported that Lalich had admitted to court officials that he had used marijuana and alcohol while on supervised probation. The voluntary admission came during a regular probation interview with officials from the office of Offender Aid and Restoration/Virginia Alcohol Safety Program. He was scheduled for a hearing on September 26.[6] On September 10, 2008, the Virginia's sports information office announced that Lalich would not be starting in the September 13 game against the University of Connecticut.[7]

On Thursday, September 18, Lalich admitted that he had violated the terms of his probation.[8] Later the same day, he was dismissed from the Cavalier football team.[9] In a statement, UVA Athletic Director Craig Littlepage said, "We have supported Peter, but believe today a point has been reached where it’s best for all concerned that [Peter] no longer participate on the team. This is my decision, and it has support of head football coach Al Groh. We wish Peter the best in the future."[10]

Schedule

[11]

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 303:30 pmNo. 2 USC*
ABCL 7–5264,947
September 63:45 pmRichmond*
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
ESPNUW 16–051,007
September 137:30 pmat Connecticut*
ESPNUL 10–4540,000[12]
September 2712:00 pmat Duke
ESPNUL 3–3125,527
October 47:00 pmMaryland
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA (rivalry)
ESPNUW 31–050,727
October 1112:00 pmEast Carolina*
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
RaycomW 35–2052,398
October 183:30 pmNo. 18 North Carolina
ABCW 16–13 OT52,342
October 253:30 pmat No. 18 Georgia Tech
ESPNUW 24–1747,416
November 112:00 pmMiami
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
RaycomL 17–24 OT53,308
November 83:30 pmat Wake Forest
ESPNUL 17–2834,014
November 2212:00 pmClemson
  • Scott Stadium
  • Charlottesville, VA
RaycomL 3–1351,979
November 2912:00 pmat Virginia Tech
ESPNL 14–1766,233

Personnel

2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
QB Marc Verica
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
    Legend
    • (C) Team captain
    • (S) Suspended
    • (I) Ineligible
    • Injured
    • Redshirt

    Coaching staff

    Position Name Season
    Head coach: Al Groh 7th
    Assistant head coach/Defensive coordinator coach: Bob Pruett 1st
    Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach: Mike Groh 7th
    Assistant head coach/defensive backs coach: Steve Bernstein 2nd
    Special teams coordinator/linebackers coach Bob Diaco 2nd
    Defensive assistant coach/assistant defensive line coach Lervern Belin 2nd
    Wide receivers coach: Wayne Lineburg 1st
    Running game coordinator/offensive line coach Dave Borbely 2nd
    Asst. Special teams coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Poindexter 4th
    Tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator Bob Price 10th
    Graduate assistant offense Jim Jones 1st
    Graduate assistant defense Vincent Brown 1st
    Head strength coach Matt Balis 1st
    Director of football video operations Luke Goldstein 6th

    Players

    Recruiting

    College recruiting information (2008)
    Name Hometown School Height Weight Commit date
    Larry Richardson jr
    ATH     		Chicago, IL Von Stuben H.S 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) 145 lb (66 kg) 4.41 Dec 11, 2007 
    Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (76)
    Overall recruit ranking:
    • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
    • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

    Sources:

    • "2008 Team Ranking". Rivals.

    -->

    See also: American football positions and Glossary of American football

    Watch list

    Game summaries

    USC

    See also: 2008 USC Trojans football team

    The No. 3 ranked Trojans scored three touchdowns in the first quarter to beat the Cavaliers to win the first game of the season. USC quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for 338 yards, CJ Gable ran for 73 yards, and Ronald Johnson had 78 yards in receiving. The second half was all USC, with UVA turning over the ball three times.

    1 2 3 4 Total
    USC 21 3 14 14 52
    Virginia 7 0 0 0 7

    Richmond

    1 2 3 4 Total
    Richmond 0 0 0 0 0
    Virginia 3 0 0 13 16

    Connecticut

    See also: 2008 Connecticut Huskies football team
    1 2 3 4 Total
    Virginia 0 0 3 7 10
    Connecticut 7 21 14 3 45

    Duke

    See also: 2008 Duke Blue Devils football team
    1 2 3 4 Total
    Virginia 3 0 0 0 3
    Duke 0 3 14 14 31

    Maryland

    See also: 2008 Maryland Terrapins football team
    1 2 3 4 Total
    Maryland 0 0 0 0 0
    Virginia 7 14 10 0 31

    East Carolina

    1 2 3 4 Total
    East Carolina 6 0 7 7 20
    Virginia 7 21 0 7 35

    North Carolina

    See also: 2008 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
    1 2 3 4OT Total
    North Carolina 7 0 0 33 13
    Virginia 0 0 3 76 16

    Georgia Tech

    See also: 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team
    1 2 3 4 Total
    Virginia 3 7 7 7 24
    Georgia Tech 14 0 0 3 17

    [13]

    Miami

    See also: 2008 Miami Hurricanes football team
    1 2 3 4OT Total
    Miami 7 3 0 77 24
    Virginia 10 7 0 00 17

    Wake Forest

    See also: 2008 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team
    1 2 3 4 Total
    Virginia 0 3 0 14 17
    Wake Forest 14 14 0 0 28

    Clemson

    See also: 2008 Clemson Tigers football team
    1 2 3 4 Total
    Clemson 7 3 0 3 13
    Virginia 0 3 0 0 3

    Virginia Tech

    See also: 2008 Virginia Tech Hokies football team
    1 2 3 4 Total
    Virginia 7 7 0 0 14
    Virginia Tech 7 0 7 3 17

    Rankings

    See also: 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
    Ranking movements
    Week
    PollPre1234567891011121314Final
    AP
    Coaches
    HarrisNot releasedNot released
    BCSNot releasedNot released

    Statistics

    Team

    Team Opp
    Scoring    
      Points per Game    
    First Downs    
      Rushing    
      Passing    
      Penalty    
    Total Offense    
      Avg per Play    
      Avg per Game    
    Fumbles-Lost    
    Penalties-Yards    
      Avg per Game    
    Team Opp
    Punts-Yards    
      Avg per Punt    
    Time of Possession/Game    
    3rd Down Conversions    
    4th Down Conversions    
    Touchdowns Scored    
    Field Goals-Attempts-Long    
    PAT-Attempts    
    Attendance    
      Games/Avg per Game    

    Scores by quarter

    1 2 3 4 Total
    Virginia 0
    Opponents 0

    Offense

    Rushing

    Name GP-GS Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
    Total Larry Richardson jr 12-10  179   1307          12    
    Total Raymond Edwards 12 -12  211   1591          18    

    Passing

    Name GP-GS Effic Att-Cmp-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg/G
    Total                  
    Opponents                  

    Receiving

    Name GP-GS No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
    Total Darrin Washington 12-12   17   1399   13.4   11   109   109.9      
    Opponents                  

    Defense

    Name GP Tackles Sacks Pass Defense Interceptions Fumbles Blkd
    Kick
    Solo Ast Total TFL-Yds No-Yds BrUp QBH No.-Yds Avg TD Long Rcv-Yds FF
    Total

    Special teams

    Name Punting Kickoffs
    No. Yds Avg Long TB FC I20 Blkd No. Yds Avg TB OB
    Total
    Name Punt Returns Kick Returns
    No. Yds Avg TD Long No. Yds Avg TD Long
    Total


    References

    1. ^ Kilgore, Adam (January 18, 2008). "U-Va.'s Sewell Not Enrolled For the Spring". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 31, 2008.
    2. ^ "UVA Football Player Arrested". WSLS-TV. March 3, 2008. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
    3. ^ Hudtloff, Marty. "Fitzgerald Leaves University of Virginia". WVIR-TV. Archived from the original on February 13, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
    4. ^ Kilgore, Adam (August 4, 2008). "Five Questions for Virginia". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 8, 2008.
    5. ^ White, Jeff (July 24, 2008). "U.Va. QB Lalich Charged with Alcohol Possession". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
    6. ^ McKenzie, Bryan (September 5, 2008). "More Charges for UVa's Lalich". The Daily Progress. Charlottesville. Archived from the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2008.
    7. ^ Doughty, Doug (September 10, 2008). "UVa QB Lalich Won't Play Saturday". The Roanoke Times. Archived from the original on September 17, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2008.
    8. ^ "UVa Dismisses Lalich from Team". The Daily Press. Newport News. September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
    9. ^ "UVA QB Lalich off the team". ESPN. September 18, 2008. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
    10. ^ White, Jeff (September 18, 2008). "U.Va. Football Team Dismisses QB Lalich". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
    11. ^ "Football - 2008 Schedule / Scores". VirginiaSports.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
    12. ^ "Game Summary - Connecticut vs. Virginia Game Date: 09/13/08". NCAA. September 14, 2008. Retrieved September 25, 2008.
    13. ^ "Virginia Upsets #18 Georgia Tech". WCAV-TV. October 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 18, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.