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THE BIG GAME
Saturday vs. Southern California
Virginia had a nightmarish start to the 2007 season, losing at Wyoming. This year, the good news is the Cavaliers open in Charlottesville; the bad news is they play arguably the most talented team in college football. Virginia likely will be a heavy underdog, and last season's turnaround is an indication that the first game will not dictate the season. But considering the questions at key spots such as quarterback and defensive line entering the season, a strong performance will generate confidence that can carry throughout the next three months.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
· R Bs Mikell Simpson, Jr. (above) and Cedric Peerman, Sr.: Simpson emerged in the second half of 2007 in Peerman's absence. Peerman is back, and the duo will be counted on to carry the offense.
· LB Jon Copper, Sr.: With an unproven defensive line, the team's two-time leading tackler must be even better.
· WR Kevin Ogletree, Jr.: Injured throughout the entire 2007 season, Ogletree will become a major offensive piece.
· CB Ras-I Dowling, So.: Dowling played well as a freshman in 2007 and will need to continue his rapid progression.
· T Eugene Monroe, Sr.: At 6 foot 6 and 315 pounds, Monroe enters his final season in Charlottesville as a potential all-American.
BIGGEST SHOES TO FILL
Bob Pruett,
Defensive Coordinator
Pruett takes over for Mike London, who left to coach his alma mater, Richmond. Pruett inherits a defense that lost end Chris Long, perhaps the best player in Virginia history. Pruett has been out of football since 2004 after serving as head coach at Marshall from 1996 to 2004, but reunites with old friend Al Groh. London was a capable recruiter in addition to defensive coordinator, and Pruett must turn on the Virginia charm from his time as head coach at Gar-Field to keep recruits away from Virginia Tech.
