A Surprising Season For Virginia

After September 1st, I had just about given up hope for a successful season.

I know I wasn’t alone. Many of my fellow 'Hoos remember the feeling that evening.

Beta Bridge on Rugby Road showed what many of us were thinking: "Groh must go!"

As if a loss out west at Wyoming wasn’t enough, the next two weeks didn’t build much confidence either, as Virginia posted wins over Duke and UNC that were far from impressive.

Then Georgia Tech came to town—and we won! Although it wasn’t pretty, it was impressive, because the Yellow Jackets were still considered a very good team at this point.

Three weeks later, Virginina put up their best win of the season—a one-point squeaker over then-undefeated UConn. At this point in the season, the Wahoos became known as the Cardiac Cavs, who would go on to post a NCAA-record five wins by two points or less.

This Virginia team had heart—something that hasn’t seen in a UVA team in quite a while. They kept their composure in crunch time, and even though they trailed in most of their games, they always found a way to fight back and win.

As the end of the season approached, two dates loomed on the schedule—November 10th at Miami, and November 24th at home against the other Virginia school. The team continued their impressive run—in a game they were expected to lose, the Cavs posted a 48-0 win over Miami in the Hurricanes' final game at the Orange Bowl. This win also happened to be UVA's first win in the state of Florida in 12 previous tries.

And now it was down to one. This team had the chance to do something spectacular. While UVA was tearing through its schedule, the "other school" was also. It all came down to one game—UVA versus Va Tech, with the winner to play in the ACC Championship game the following week.

Unfortunately, the Wahoos could not pull out the win, but have far exceeded everybody's expectations. Al Groh is now the ACC Coach of the Year, less than three months after fans were calling for his firing.

It was great to see things come together, and even though I would have loved to see a win this past week, I still can’t say anything bad about this team. The Wahoos stepped up with class, and showed the nation what teamwork looks like.

As the bowl games begin to shape up, it looks like the Cavs can do no worse than the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando on December 29th—although they might get an invitation to play in the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day.

Congrats, Hoos—you have made us proud!