2008_Virginia_Cavaliers_football_team
2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team
American college football season
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.
| 2008 Virginia Cavaliers football | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conference | Atlantic Coast Conference |
| Division | Coastal |
| Record | 5–7 (3–5 ACC) |
| Head coach |
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| Offensive coordinator | Mike Groh (3rd season) |
| Offensive scheme | West Coast |
| Defensive coordinator | Bob Pruett (1st season) |
| Base defense | 3–4 |
| Home stadium | Scott Stadium (Capacity: 61,500) |
Seasons | |
| Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duke | 1 | – | 7 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Championship: Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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]
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]
| Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 30 | 3:30 pm | No. 2 USC* | ABC | L 7–52 | 64,947 | |
| September 6 | 3:45 pm | Richmond* |
| ESPNU | W 16–0 | 51,007 |
| September 13 | 7:30 pm | at Connecticut* | ESPNU | L 10–45 | 40,000[12] | |
| September 27 | 12:00 pm | at Duke | ESPNU | L 3–31 | 25,527 | |
| October 4 | 7:00 pm | Maryland |
| ESPNU | W 31–0 | 50,727 |
| October 11 | 12:00 pm | East Carolina* |
| Raycom | W 35–20 | 52,398 |
| October 18 | 3:30 pm | No. 18 North Carolina |
| ABC | W 16–13 OT | 52,342 |
| October 25 | 3:30 pm | at No. 18 Georgia Tech | ESPNU | W 24–17 | 47,416 | |
| November 1 | 12:00 pm | Miami |
| Raycom | L 17–24 OT | 53,308 |
| November 8 | 3:30 pm | at Wake Forest | ESPNU | L 17–28 | 34,014 | |
| November 22 | 12:00 pm | Clemson |
| Raycom | L 3–13 | 51,979 |
| November 29 | 12:00 pm | at Virginia Tech | ESPN | L 14–17 | 66,233 | |
| ||||||
| 2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team roster | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Players | Coaches | |||||||||||||||||
Offense
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Defense
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Special teams
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| 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 |
Recruiting
| US college sports recruiting information for 2008 recruits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | 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 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 76 | ||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: | ||||||
Sources:
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Watch list
USC
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 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Richmond
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Virginia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 16 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Connecticut
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Connecticut | 7 | 21 | 14 | 3 | 45 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duke
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Duke | 0 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 31 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Maryland
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Virginia | 7 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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East Carolina
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Carolina | 6 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
| Virginia | 7 | 21 | 0 | 7 | 35 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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North Carolina
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| Virginia | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 16 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Georgia Tech
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| Georgia Tech | 14 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 17 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Miami
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| Virginia | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Wake Forest
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
| Wake Forest | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Clemson
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
| Virginia | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Virginia Tech
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Virginia Tech | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Team
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Scores by quarter
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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 | ||||||||||
- Kilgore, Adam (January 18, 2008). "U-Va.'s Sewell Not Enrolled For the Spring". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 31, 2008.
- "UVA Football Player Arrested". WSLS-TV. March 3, 2008. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
- Hudtloff, Marty. "Fitzgerald Leaves University of Virginia". WVIR-TV. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
- Kilgore, Adam (August 4, 2008). "Five Questions for Virginia". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 8, 2008.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- "UVa Dismisses Lalich from Team". The Daily Press. Newport News. September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.[permanent dead link]
- "UVA QB Lalich off the team". ESPN. September 18, 2008. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
- White, Jeff (September 18, 2008). "U.Va. Football Team Dismisses QB Lalich". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved September 18, 2008. [dead link]
- "Football - 2008 Schedule / Scores". VirginiaSports.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
- "Game Summary - Connecticut vs. Virginia Game Date: 09/13/08". NCAA. September 14, 2008. Retrieved September 25, 2008.
- "Virginia Upsets #18 Georgia Tech". WCAV-TV. October 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 18, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2008.