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Updated: August 18, 5:18 PM ET Yes, Virginia, the ACC title is a real possibility By Gregg Doyel Special to ESPN.com |
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Virginia Cavaliers
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Conference record: 6-2 Returning starters: Offense: 9, Defense: 8, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Wali Lundy* (826 yds) Passing: Matt Schaub* (2,976 yds) Receiving: Billy McMullen (894 yds) Tackles: Angelo Crowell (155) Sacks: Darryl Blackstock* (10) Interceptions: Shernard Newby (3) Outlook: The Cavaliers return the ACC Player of the Year, QB Matt Schaub, whose breakout season was utterly unexpected. So were the massive contributions from the ACC-high 14 true freshmen who played, and of course all of them are back, too, including TB Wali Lundy (826 rushing yards, 58 catches), LB Darryl Blackstock (the national freshman defender of the year according to some sites) and LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Add to that nucleus the two biggest names from last season's freshman class, huge LBs Ahmad Brooks and Kai Parham, neither of whom played a year ago, and Virginia looks like an ACC contender. Key game: The Cavaliers were the first ACC team to hand Florida State a loss in league play, back in 1995, but they haven't done it since. Look for that to change possibly on Oct. 18 when the Seminoles come to town for a midseason game that will shape the league title race and also a handful of bowl destinations. Keep an eye on: Brooks was the national defensive player of the year as a high school senior but attended a prep school in 2002, meaning this will be his college debut. Teammates say the 6-foot-4, 249-pound Brooks has the size, speed and savvy to be dominant -- right now. It's a good year if ...: The Cavaliers should improve on last season's surprising 9-5 record, although the secret has long been out that this is a quality team. Virginia now can expect everyone's best shot, although with the talent and coaching on hand, an opponent's best shot still might not be enough. Don't be surprised to see Virginia in a BCS game. Gregg Doyel covers the ACC for the Charlotte Observer.
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