Groh mum on QB decision
University of Virginia football notebook
Date published: 8/27/2008
BY TAFT COGHILL JR.
CHARLOTTESVILLE-- University of Virginia football coach Al Groh knows who his starting quarterback will be in the Cavaliers' season opener on Saturday against No. 3 Southern California.
He just isn't telling anyone outside the Cavaliers' locker room.
Junior wide receiver Kevin Ogletree said he has an idea as well, but he also declined to say if it will be Peter Lalich, Marc Verica or fifth-year senior Scott Deke.
Senior left guard Zak Stair is playing along, too.
"Every time I turn around I see a different guy back there," Stair said. "Sometimes I'm shocked."
Southern California head coach Pete Carroll will be shocked if Lalich isn't the answer on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Scott Stadium.
In a teleconference with Virginia reporters yesterday, Carroll said the Trojans' coaching staff is preparing for Lalich--the only one of the trio he has game film on. Verica and Deke have never taken a snap in a regular-season game, while Lalich appeared in relief of ex-quarterback Jameel Sewell eight times last year, throwing for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Groh said Lalich's experience doesn't give him an edge because it was mostly in emergency situations, but Carroll is unconvinced.
"We saw more of Peter Lalich last year, so we're thinking that's the guy," Carroll said. "But I know they're holding it close to the vest. We'll wait to see what happens on this deal."
Carroll has been a bit more forthright on the Trojans' quarterback situation.
Junior Mark Sanchez suffered a dislocated knee cap 18 days ago, but Carroll said he's been a full participant in practice since Monday and he's expected to start against the Cavaliers.
If Sanchez can't play, sophomore Mitch Mustain or freshman Aaron Corp will start under center for the 19-point favorites.
But even if that's the case, it doesn't give the Cavaliers much confidence facing a program that has produced two Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks (Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart) since 2002.
"We just know that whoever is going to be in there is going to be a great player," Virginia senior safety Byron Glaspy said. "They have the talent at quarterback, depth at quarterback like they always have."
The Cavaliers' three potential starting quarterbacks have declined to talk to the press this preseason. Groh said that's been beneficial to their progress.
He said because they have never been starters, they're not prepared to be the "team spokesman" in addition to learning how to play the position.
The coaching staff has had informal conversations with the trio, Groh said, but they've kept the dilemma as subdued as possible.
"It's really been very low-key on our end," he said. Southern California's defense figures not to give Virginia's quarterback such serenity. The Trojans were ranked second in the nation last year in total and scoring defense.
So whoever is taking snaps for Virginia on Saturday could be in for an unsettling day.
"We're moving forward with it," Groh said of the quarterback decision.
Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
Email: tcoghill@freelancestar.com
Date published: 8/27/2008
|
Star Directory
