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.
Preseason 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.
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." 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."
Peter Lalich controversy 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.
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. 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.
On Thursday, September 18, Lalich admitted that he had violated the terms of his probation. Later the same day, he was dismissed from the Cavalier football team. 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."
Schedule
Personnel
Coaching staff PositionNameSeasonHead coach: Al Groh7thAssistant head coach/Defensive coordinator coach: Bob Pruett1stOffensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach: Mike Groh7thAssistant head coach/defensive backs coach: Steve Bernstein2ndSpecial teams coordinator/linebackers coachBob Diaco2ndDefensive assistant coach/assistant defensive line coachLervern Belin2ndWide receivers coach: Wayne Lineburg1stRunning game coordinator/offensive line coachDave Borbely2ndAsst. Special teams coordinator/running backs coachAnthony Poindexter4thTight ends coach/recruiting coordinatorBob Price10thGraduate assistant offenseJim Jones1stHead strength coachMatt Balis1stDirector of football video operationsLuke Goldstein6th
Players
Recruiting
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Watch list
Game summaries
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.
Richmond
Connecticut
Duke
Maryland
East Carolina
North Carolina
Georgia Tech
Miami
Wake Forest
Clemson
Virginia Tech
Rankings
Statistics
Team Team Opp Scoring Points per game First downs Rushing Passing Penalty Total offense Avg per play Avg per game Fumbles-Lost Penalties-Yards Avg per game Team Opp Punts-Yards Avg per punt Time of possession/Game 3rd down conversions 4th down conversions Touchdowns scored Field goals-Attempts-Long PAT-Attempts Attendance Games/Avg per Game
Scores by quarter
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/GTotal Darrin Washington 12-12 17 1399 13.4 11 109 109.9 Opponents
Defense Name GP Tackles Sacks Pass defense Interceptions Fumbles BlkdKick 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
References