Luther,

I think we can win if we can run, and our defense fixes some issues. First, Coach Al Groh did something actually admirable. He fired his own son who was the OC and replaced him with Greg Brandon. (Nepotism just isn't good for anyone. Hint hint Coach Galt.) So, Greg Brandon has attempted to implement the Spread offense at UVA. Uhhhhg, there it is again that nasty moniker for a whole host of offenses that are based upon a spread concept. There's the throw non stop Texas Tech spread, the run constant WVU spread, and then there's Bolling Green which is where Greg Brandon came from. (Not to mention JMU and MTSU) He uses 3 - 5 receivers with the QB in the shotgun. When Vic Hall is back there they seem to roll out alot. When Sewell is back there they seem to stay put more. Hall is only 5'9", so if he rolls out it is probably a lot easier for him to see the receivers. They initially had some problems getting adusted to a new system which is understandable (see it happens else where too.) However, they are getting more comfortable with the system as the season rolls on. Sewell may be competent enough to hit the seams.

Another interesting fact is that point Jeff talks about, UVA's defensive characteristics. It seems the only time UVA wins is if the other team can't run. UNC managed a total of .... 39 yards! Indiana (a celler dweller of the the Big 10) managed to get only 89 yards.

So, with those facts to ponder it would seem I've managed to delude myself into believing we can win. Our star running back and shut down corner are out. We've had problems with the spread for years.

Ahhh... but there's more. UVA's passing game has had its share of problems. They have used 2 QBs. In five games they have thrown for only 5 TD and thrown as many INTs. UVA's O line is not much better than Maryland's. At one point they allowed more sacks than any team in DIV 1A! The UNC game was a kicker's and punter's game. The first three teams scored an average of 31 points on them! Included in the drubbing were William and Mary which scored 26, and Southern Mississippi (CUSA not SEC) which scored 37.

So, I believe we can win because I'm expecting our new DC to give problems to the other newbie system on the field. I believe our kicking game and return special teams are better than UVA's giving us hopefully better field position all day. If we can somehow manage to put together a decent running game to compliment or free up our passes, (+1 about the O line needing to have their best game.) I think we have a shot.

Turtles by 7

Pterp

This game may come down on who handles field conditions the best. The Terps already have cb's that slip on normal turf and can our speedy wr's maintain their cuts while a Turner pass is in the air?Little things like that may matter all day,though I'd rather not see it.No prediction,Jeff,too close to call but home field should help.

Our biggest plus should be incentive. We were robbed two years ago by the refs and last year UVA destroyed a non motivated team. So, if we cannot be motivated for revenge in this game what game can we be motivated for??

If UVa. loses this one the blame goes on coach Grogh. Last week he made a very stupid move. RB Simpson is out after scoring 4 TD's last week and with 6 min. left and the game way out of hand [ stupid ] left Simpson in the game where he got injured. Even the TV announcers said [ right before he went down, " you won't see Simpson the rest of the way, let him rest." Off on a stretcher. I love UVa. but " GO TERPS "

Terps will probably win today which will move us to the top of the division and give Yow the excuse for giving Fridge a contract extension and proclaiming the season a rousing success