|
| Your guide to breaking news, recruiting updates and important offers from TheSabre.com! |
|
|
 SabreMail - Nov. 12th, 2004 |
Sabre Links
Home Page Football Recruiting
Recruiting Home Basketball Recruiting
Recruiting Home Sabre Edge
Home Page Sabre Products
|
|||||||||||
The weather may be getting colder, but things are really heating up in Virginia sports. The football season has been a rousing success so far, with the Cavaliers now at 7-1 and ranked No. 10, but the final three games of the regular season should be exceedingly interesting. First Virginia plays Miami at home tomorrow, followed by tough road games at Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. In some ways, since none of UVa's games has been close all season, people wonder how good this team really is. We'll soon find out. For soccer fans, this is also an exciting time. The women's soccer team captured its first ACC championship by knocking off one of the great dynasties in college sports, North Carolina, in a penalty-kick shootout. The men's team beat Duke in the first round of the ACC tourney and will face Wake Forest today in the semifinals. Both teams should be among the favorites in their respective NCAA tournaments. Basketball season also is just around the corner, with the men's team playing its final exhibition game tonight. More on all of that, plus the latest recruiting news and some great cold-weather gear from TheSabreShop, in this edition of SabreMail.
John Galinsky |
||||||||||||
| Recruiting News |
||||||||||||
This Week In Recruiting By Chris Horne Football recruiting...
Pitts enjoyed his official visit (he was the only official visitor on campus last weekend), but learned that he would have to attend Hargrave Military Academy first if he chose UVa. Pitts, who has earned a qualifying score on the SAT and has a qualifying GPA, may choose to go to college rather than prep school next year. If he does, Mississippi State and Southern Miss are some of the schools that have offered and would take him next year. Commitments who made the trip included OT Eugene Monroe, ILB Lamont Robinson, ILB Darryl Gresham, QB Vic Hall, DE Jeff Fitzgerald, DB Chris Cook, Ath Aaron Clark, Ath Jason Fuller, Ath Alex Field, OL Pat Slebonick and LB Antonio Appleby. This weekend will be another huge weekend for the Cavaliers. A good number of commitments are expected on grounds once again, but Eugene Monroe, Vic Hall and Lamont Robinson will not be able to make the trip because of games. CB Mike Brown , RB/LB Rashawn Jackson, WR Maurice Covington and WR/DB Brandon Woods are commitments expected to attend the Miami game who were not at the Maryland game. Darryl Gresham and many other commits who did attend the Maryland game will return for the Miami game as well. Among those uncommitted prospects expected to be at the game this weekend are Baker, CB Victor "Macho" Harris, WR Todd Nolen and RB Mikell Simpson. Simpson, a 6-1, 185-pound prospect out of Harrisburg HS (PA), will be making an official visit. The other three targets will be making unofficial visits. Nolen is the only one among the group who could make a decision very soon.
For more recruiting information and updates, please see Sabre Edge.
|
||||||||||||
| Support TheSabre.com's Sponsors |
||||||||||||
Today's SabreMail is stocked by Kroger Food and Drug.
You think you know a lot about UVa football? Then play the "Kroger Ultimate Sports Challenge" trivia game and prove it. Answer 10 questions each week and earn a score based on accuracy and speed. The high score winner each week receives a $25 gift card to any Kroger store. Every week you play, win or not, you will receive one entry for the grand prize: a $150 Kroger gift card, an annual subscription to Sabre Edge and an exclusive SabreShop gift basket worth $200! The grand prize drawing will be held Jan. 7, 2005. In the meantime, please show your support and look to Kroger®, our exclusive grocery store sponsor, for all your tailgating needs this football season. Visit their website for more information on their delicatessans and to find a location nearest you.
As always, thank you very much for actively supporting the sponsors of TheSabre.com. Their support directly contributes to the future growth and improvement of our unique online community.
|
||||||||||||
| News, Notes and Fan Discussion |
||||||||||||
Post of the Week This one comes from a fan exhorting everyone to get fired up tomorrow...
Subject: ** A PLEA FOR THOSE FANS ATTENDING THE MIAMI GAME **
I have been to every game this year with the exception of Akron (too far of a drive from NYC for that game) and Maryland (was in a friend's wedding in Florida), and so my observations are based on the UNC, Syracuse and Clemson games. That said...
2) On a crucial defensive play, it is important that the noise begin as soon as the play clock starts since there is always a chance we can rattle them in their huddle or as they come to the line; 3) At the VERY least, the noise must be elevated as they approach the line on a crucial defensive play so that we can limit (if not completely take away) their ability to communicate on the line, call audibles, etc; 4) If a person in the crowd decides to sit out a big play because he or she figures the guy or girl in front of them is yelling loud enough, or figures one more voice won't make a difference, there are probably hundreds of fans making the same judgement, and therefore it's just not as loud as it should be and needs to be; 5) We owe it to our hard-working team to be there for them -- does anyone think the incredible crowd at Doak Campbell didn't play some part in disrupting our team's rhythm, and do you not think we have the same ability to rattle a team in C'Ville? Another comment, interestingly, from the one big game I was UNABLE to attend -- Maryland. As we watched the game on the TV last weekend (wishing we were there), several of my fellow alumni and I noticed that Scott Stadium did NOT sound loud on the television. We've all heard games on the TV where it's obvious the crowd is deafening -- we've seen the television cameras literally shaking from the noise -- we've heard the commentators remark on how "deafening" it is in the stadium. WE CAN DO THIS, TOO! Please try to get yourselves up for the game much as the players get themselves up for the game. Think of sitting in the stadium not only as a fun experience and a privilege, but also as a job. I think we have a legitimate job as fans to be the "12th Man". Don't stand up because the young guy in front of you did and you can't see well. Stand up because you're pumped up and want to help get those around you as pumped as you are. Stand up so that you can get more air in those lungs, get your voice traveling further and make the stadium louder. Our team is good and disciplined team, but nonetheless, they're also an emotional team -- and as such, they sometimes need that little extra that comes from knowing that the opposing team can't hear themselves think, and knowing that the home crowd is behind them 100%. We owe that to them. This week is more important than most. It's the last home game, it's the first game against Miami -- a national powerhouse (the last two games notwithstanding!) -- and it's a chance for our team and our fans to make a statement to any Bowl officials who might be visiting. If we can win this came and send our boys off on the road knowing that we're behind them 110%, I truly think it can make a difference when we roll into Atlanta and Blacksburg. We are right on the cusp of becoming a legitimate big-time program, but any program like that needs legitimate big-time fans. The time has come for those of us in the stands to step up, as well! Let's all leave the game Saturday not only smiling, but with our ears ringing! GO 'HOOS! Running game, defense dominate Terps
As it turned out, there was no need to worry. Virginia thoroughly dominated Maryland in a 16-0 triumph, overcoming two early turnovers to run its record to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the ACC. The Cavs rushed for 295 yards as Alvin Pearman and Wali Lundy each surpassed the 100-yard mark, while the defense forced three turnovers and produced its second shutout of the season. Witnessing the rout was a Scott Stadium-record crowd of 63,072. That mark is likely to last, oh, maybe one more day. For a short recap of the Maryland game, please check out the link below.
Hurricanes come to town as tropical storm Scott Stadium figures to be jam-packed for tomorrow's showdown with Miami, arguably the biggest home game for the Cavaliers since they played Georgia Tech in 1990. For both teams, a lot is at stake. Virginia is tied for first place in the ACC and can stay in the driver's seat with a victory. That's especially important considering the final two regular-season games will be on the road against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. The Hurricanes (6-2, 3-2 ACC), perhaps the premier program in the nation over the past 20 years, have struggled of late, dropping their past two games against North Carolina and Clemson. But they have a lot of pride and a lot of speed, so beating them won't be easy. For more info on the Miami game, please check out the link below.
Support the team on the "Wahoo Walk" Before the Virginia Tech game last year, the Cavaliers started a new pregame ritual called the "Wahoo Walk," in which fans greet the team and cheer the players and coaches as they walk to Scott Stadium. It was a big hit that day. After Virginia beat the Hokies, players said the fans gave them a little extra juice because of the unexpectedly large turnout. The "Wahoo Walk" has occurred before each home game this season, but the turnout hasn't been quite as big. Let's change that tomorrow, OK? Not only is Miami a huge game, it's the last home game of the season and the last chance to give a proper sendoff to the seniors. So if you can, please support the team by lining Engineer's Way a little before 1:30. The Cavaliers will unload their buses on McCormick Road near Thornton Hall at 1:30 and walk to the stadium via Engineer's Way and Whitehead Road. Even better, Mike Ingalls plans to be there with his digital camera, so you might wind up on the home page of the site as Monday's feature photo. For a map of the Wahoo Walk route, please check out the link below.
Brooks named a Butkus finalist
Brooks led the Cavaliers in tackles last season and has elevated his game even more as a sophomore. Through eight games, he has 62 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions, tops on the team in each category. He picked off two passes in last Saturday's shutout of Maryland, including one leaping grab 20 yards downfield, and was named the ACC defensive lineman of the week. Around the nation, people are noticing. On Thursday, Brooks was named one of three finalists for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation's top linebacker. The other finalists are Derrick Johnson of Texas and Southern Cal's Matt Grootegoed. The winner will be announced Dec. 10th. Men's basketball to play final exhibition tonight The men's basketball team wasn't exactly tested in its first exhibition game last Friday. Playing Division III Lehman College, the Cavaliers won 121-29 (no, that's not a typo) by shooting 64.1 percent from the field, grabbing 35 more rebounds than the short visitors and forcing 28 turnovers. Will the Wahoos get more of a challenge in their final exhibition game tonight? Probably not. They face another Division III squad, Marymount University, at University Hall at 7:30. But if you want to get another look at freshman guard Sean Singletary and the rest of the Cavs before the season starts next week, this is your last chance. Plus the price is right: $5 for a ticket. For more information on UVa men's basketball, please see the link below.
Women's basketball drops season opener Coming off their first losing season in 26 years, the women's basketball team got off to a bad start in 2004-05. The Cavaliers lost their opener, 60-50, to Arizona State in Thursday's first round of the Women's Sports Foundation Classic, hosting by LSU. Virginia shot 34.5 percent from the field and fell behind by 17 before cutting it to four in the final minute. Senior center Brandi Teamer led the Cavs with 18 points and nine rebounds. LaTonya Blue and Jocelyn Logan-Friend each scored 10 points, but freshman point guard Sharnee Zoll had a rought debut with five turnovers, three assists and no points in 33 minutes. The Cavs play again tonight against Maine, which lost to LSU yesterday, in the consolation game of the Classic. For more information about UVa women's basketball, please see the link below.
Women's soccer wins ACC championship How about that women's soccer team! The Cavs earned the biggest victory in their history last Sunday, defeating North Carolina in a penalty-kick shootout to win the ACC championship. The Tar Heels, who were ranked No. 1 in the country, own one of the great dynasties in college sports. They had won 15 straight ACC titles and beaten Virginia 28 consecutive times going into the championship game in Cary, N.C. But the 'Hoos are having a great season of their own, and they played North Carolina evenly throughout the match. Lindsay Gusick gave UVa a 1-0 lead in the first half and UNC tied it up with a penalty kick in the second half. The Cavaliers outshot the Heels, 4-1, in the overtime sessions before the teams went to penalty kicks. Both converted four of their first five shots to force extra kicks. In the sixth round, Kristen Weiss scored for Virginia and goalie Christina de Vries saved Mary McDowell's kick to give the Wahoos their first conference crown. That's a great achievement, but Virginia wants more. The Cavs (16-2-2) are seeded third in the NCAA tournament and host James Madison today at 5 p.m. at Klockner Stadium. For more information about UVa women's soccer, please see the link below.
Men's soccer to face Wake in ACC semis The men's soccer team found itself in a bit of a slump going into the ACC tournament, but the Cavaliers broke out of it with a convincing 3-1 victory over Duke in the first round Wednesday in Cary, N.C. Virginia (15-4) dropped its final two games of the regular season against Virginia Tech and Maryland to drop to the No. 4 seed in the ACC tourney. After a scoreless first half against the fifth-seeded Blue Devils, UVa erupted for three goals by Mike Littlefield, Jeremy Barlow and Ian Holder. The Wahoos will face top-seeded Wake Forest today at 5:30. Two Cavs, senior defender Matt Oliver and junior midfielder Hunter Freeman, were named to the All-ACC first team. Freshman forward Nico Colaluca made the second team. For more information about UVa men's soccer, please see the link below.
|
||||||||||||
| TheSabreShop.com - The Place for Wahoo Gear! |
||||||||||||
Keep warm at the games, or anywhere you go! No need to be cold and uncomfortable this Winter. Show your UVa pride, keep warm, comfortable and shop from from the comfort of your desktop. TheSabreShop.com has assembled a quality collection of fleece lined and polar fleece items sure to keep all Wahoos looking good. Ahhhhh the comfort of fleece...
And don't forget to browse the great selection of items we've got in-stock and ready to ship!
|
||||||||||||
| What's New on TheSabre.com? |
||||||||||||
New Account Consolidation Programming TheSabre.com undertook a major programming project that went into effect last week. For anyone who had multiple accounts (for Edge subscriptions, message boards, SabreMail), we consolidated those accounts into one for each person. There were some glitches, as many of you found out, but most have been worked out. If anyone is still having problems, please email me at [email protected] and we'll get you set up. In the meantime, I'd like to thank all of you for your patience as we strive to make this a better website. The good news is that the site is now more user-friendly. While the transition has been a litle tough, we hope that it was well worth the process. Now you can go into your ACCOUNT INFO page and make whatever changes you like. You can turn on or off auto-billing for subscriptions. You can make changes to your customer information, including email address and password. You can turn on and off SabreMail or Sabre Edge email notifications. The only area we could not consolidate was the store information (TheSabreShop.com). If you shop in the store, you will want to make sure that your info is up to date. You can easily update your info from the HELP dropdown menu from the homepage of the store. Again, we apologize for any problems you might have had, but you should now have the ability to manage your accounts with ease. Thanks again, and always let us know what we can do to keep improving things around here. Sabre Edge articles and columns from the past week
Sabre Edge recruiting updates from the past week Our resident recruiting expert, Chris Horne, provides updates for Edge subscribers about UVa's commitments and recruiting targets in football and men's basketball. To sign up for an Edge subscription, please see the sign-up promotion below. If you're already on board as an Edge subscriber, click the links below to catch up on recruiting. Football
|
||||||||||||
| Sabre Edge |
||||||||||||
Get your Wahoo fix. Subscribe to Sabre Edge!
All of the great Sabre Edge content can be yours for the price of $5.99 per month. Try it for a month and cancel if you like. But we think you'll get hooked on the Edge and find out for yourself why the most knowledgeable Cavalier fans are Edge subscribers. If you're a true Wahoo, then the Sabre Edge is right for you. Check it out!
|
| SabreMail is a trademark of TheSabre.com - Copyright © 2001 - 2004 - All Rights Reserved |
As Virginia's seniors play their final home game Saturday at Scott Stadium, George Welsh will be watching with a well-deserved sense of satisfaction and pride. After all, many of the players he recruited four and five years ago - the ones knocked by the recruiting services and whose arrival at UVa was met with a collective yawn in 2000 and 2001 - are the ones most responsible for the team's success in 2004.
"I don't think people knew how good these kids were," Welsh said. "We did."
For each game, we list five things Virginia needs to do (the absolutes) and five things the Cavaliers would like to do (the desirables). Here are the absolutes and desirables for Saturday's game against Miami. For Virginia, the keys include another standout effort from Alvin Pearman, balancing the run with the pass, holding onto the ball, defending the deep pass and, by all means, containing Devin Hester.
Here we go. Huge game. Opponent: Fast team from Florida, national power, seemingly vulnerable. At stake for Virginia: national respect, first place in the ACC, inside track to the BCS. Make that here we go again. As everyone may recall, the Cavaliers were in this position just four weeks ago, facing Florida State with a 5-0 record and No. 6 ranking. And we all know how that went. So why do the Wahoos, now 7-1 and ranked No. 10, think Saturday's game against Miami will be any different?
In his Monday press conference, Virginia coach Al Groh talked about the upcoming game against Miami, the speed of the Hurricanes, the deep passes of Brock Berlin, the danger of Devin Hester, the balance of the ACC, the play of Alvin Pearman, Wali Lundy, Darryl Blackstock, Elton Brown and Ahmad Brooks, the home-field advantage, the impact of Evan Marcus, the "race to the finish line," and much more.
Maryland's defense was supposed to provide a stern test for Virginia's running game, but Elton Brown and the rest of the offensive line had all the right answers Saturday. Give those guys an A-plus. We also hand out A's to the Cavalier defense following its second shutout of the season. Only the special teams scored relatively low in yet another dominant performance at Scott Stadium by the home team. We also hand out MVP awards on offense, defense and special teams.
Ahmad Brooks has always excelled as a pass rusher and run stopper, but Saturday's game against Maryland was easily his finest performance in pass defense. Brooks made two interceptions in Virginia's 16-0 defensive domination of Maryland. What did Brooks and the Cavaliers do differently to stop the Terrapins? By design, Brooks rarely blitzed and instead focused on pass coverage. He ended up performing his responsibilties perfectly, demonstrating how much he has improved in that aspect of the game.
Remember when Virginia was a finesse team? Remember when the Cavs couldn't run the football or stop the run? Remember when they relied on trick plays and didn't dominate anybody physically, no matter how bad the opponent? You ought to remember - that was Virginia football from 2001-2003. Virginia football in 2004 isn't about finesse. It's about power. That's been the case all season, but Saturday's 16-0 butt-whipping of Maryland served as the surest and most impressive indication of that transformation.
