Cavaliers Notebook
Randolph's emergence is a pleasant surprise
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CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Before the season started, Virginia Coach Al Groh identified three keys for a successful season: a reliable quarterback, a strong defense and a good kicking game.
Each has been present during Virginia's three-game winning streak, including the unexpected emergence of place kicker Robert Randolph. After a preseason search for a starting kicker, Groh settled on Randolph.
The sophomore is 9 for 9 on field goals this season and connected on five in ACC wins over North Carolina and Maryland -- two games in which scoring relied almost entirely on his right foot.
"I try to block out anything in the crowd, the fans, the hype of the game or the rivalry," Randolph said. "We kick it a lot in practice, so I just try to make it the same all the time."
Part of Randolph's success can be attributed to the length of his kick. His season long is 43 yards, which is his only attempt from beyond 40 yards. Groh said Randolph arrived at Virginia from Naples, Fla., as an accurate kicker, and he has needed to work on elevating his kicks.
By his own admission, Randolph does not have the strongest leg. He said he has made kicks from beyond 50 yards in practice, but Groh has not shown a willingness to use Randolph from that distance.
"It's not necessarily how big they are, but how much whip they get in their legs and how much torque they have," Groh said during a Sunday teleconference. "But the most important thing at that position is definable accuracy. At what point can you rely on the kicker to be accurate? It's much more important than what's his range."
Injury news
The status of quarterback Jameel Sewell and defensive end Matt Conrath remain in question for Saturday's game against No. 11 Georgia Tech. Both hurt their ankles in Saturday's win over Maryland.
"If I knew, I probably wouldn't tell you," Groh said of Sewell's status.
Virginia releases its injury report after Thursday's practice. Sewell said after the Maryland game that he aggravated an ankle sprain, and sounded optimistic. Conrath was not available to reporters.
If Sewell cannot play, Marc Verica would start at quarterback. Zane Parr would start at defensive end in Conrath's place.
An honor for Collins
Defensive end Nate Collins was named ACC defensive lineman of the week after returning an interception for touchdown, leading the team with nine tackles and registering a sack against Maryland. . . .
The Oct. 31 game against Duke will be played at 3:30 p.m. and broadcast online at ESPN360.com. . . .
Reserved tickets for the Nov. 28 game between Virginia and Virginia Tech at Scott Stadium have sold out, a Virginia spokesman announced Monday.
