Whereas Pete Carroll named his starting quarterback last spring, Groh has yet to do so. He needs to decide before Saturday between Peter Lalich, a sophomore who appeared in eight games, and Scott Deke, a redshirt senior who has only seen action in one game.
Groh was expecting Jameel Sewell to win out in the quarterback competition. But Sewell was declared academically ineligible last spring. The loss hurt the Cavaliers because of Sewell’s mobility. Last season, Lalich connected on 35-of-61 passes (57%) for 321 career yards, but he lacks the mobility and athleticism of both Sewell and Deke.
The rest of the Cavalier backfield stacks up fairly well with tailbacks, Cedric Peerman and Mikell Simpson. Peerman was the ACC’s leading rusher through five games, averaging over 100 yards before suffering a broken leg.
Simpson filled in for him, and the Cavaliers didn’t really lose a beat. Simpson gained 570 yards with eight touchdowns on 113 carries. Against Maryland, he put up over 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving.
Both are expected to share the duties at running back while Rashawn Jackson, a 6-foot-1, 253-pound converted linebacker, returns at fullback.
Kevin Ogletree returns at wide receiver after missing the 2007 season with a torn ACL. He is the fastest player on the team and should give the Trojans defensive backs a good test. He is joined by Maurice Covington (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) on the other side.
With Ogletree unavailable last season, Groh went to a double tight-end offense.
John Phillips (6-foot-6, 260) returns this season. Phillips appeared in all 13 games last year, starting eight. He had 17 catches for 193 yards and two2 touchdowns.
Like the Trojans, the Cavaliers' offensive line is inexperienced in the middle. All-American offensive guard Branden Albert, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 15th overall pick.
That left Eugene Monroe (6-foot-6, 320), an Outland Trophy candidate at left tackle, and Will Barker at right tackle as the only experienced players on the offensive line.
DEFENSE
Former Marshall University head coach Bob Pruett takes over as defensive coordinator this season for Virginia’s 3-4 defense. In 2007, Virginia’s defense ranked 16th nationally allowing 19.7 points and 13th in rushing, allowing just 106.9 ypg. In total defense, the Cavs ranked 23rd allowing 332.5 yards per game.
Like USC, the linebackers and defensive backs are the strength of Virginia's defense. Three of four starters return from last year at linebacker. Jon Copper led the Cavs with 109 tackles. He also had three sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Senior Antonio Appleby had 60 tackles and two sacks. Senior pass rushing specialist and outside linebacker, Clint Sintim, led the linebackers with nine sacks. Like Trojan linebackers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing, Sintim is a candidate for the Bronco Nagurski Award.
The secondary has two returning starters: cornerback Vic Hall and free safety Byron Glaspy. Hall, the most experienced DB on the squad, is only 5-foot-9 and may have trouble defending the likes of Patrick Turner and David Ausberry. He’s also the Cavs' punt returner.
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