Let's liven up SabreMail a little bit, shall we?

Every Friday starting now, we'll have a contest here. The winner will get the glory of being highlighted in SabreMail as well as a free Sabre Edge subscription for a month. (Current Edge subscribers will get their subscriptions extended by a month.)

First contest: Most Original Tailgating Recipe

Is there any item you prepare for your tailgate that is both unique and delicious? No fried chicken or pigs in a blanket. I'm looking for something you scarf down that no one else has in the parking lot. Please don't make something up. Make sure it's something you've actually made and consumed at a tailgate. (Honor system, people.) Winner will be chosen based on originality and tastiness. (No, don't send samples, but I may come by your next tailgate and try it.)

Please send a description of the dish and its recipe to [email protected] with the header: SabreMail Tailgate. Thanks, and good luck!

Top Targets Begin Visits.

Chris Bell

Several of UVa's top targets will begin making official visits this weekend. Granby wide receiver Chris Bell, who is at the top of the list, will take his first official visit to the University of Florida. In addition to the Gators, Bell lists a top five of Virginia, Penn State, Nebraska and LSU.

This weekend is a big hurdle for the 'Hoos, as Florida is a major player in this race and could be Virginia's top competition. We hope to catch up with Chris upon his return, for his thoughts on the experience. Bell has not scheduled any other visits at this time.

Florida hosts another top UVa target in Jared Odrick, a 6-6, 290-pound DL out of Lebanon (PA). Odrick has set all five official visits and will head to Virginia Tech next weekend, Penn State on October 28th, Georgia on November 11th and Virginia on November 18th.

Official visits will be key for Odrick, who will take all five before committing. He likes Virginia's 3-4 defense and would be an outstanding addition for the 'Hoos. We hope to catch up with Jared after this weekend as well.

On a side note, Florida will also play host this weekend to Percy Harvin and Damon McDaniel. Landstown's dynamic duo have both eliminated Virginia from consideration, but it's quite a job by Urban Meyer to get Harvin, McDaniel and Bell down on the same weekend.

Earlier this week, Virginia added verbal commitment #16 in Darnell Carter. Carter, a 6-1½, 225-pound LB prospect out of Dwight Morrow HS (Englewood, N.J.), chose Virginia over offers from Illinois, Purdue and Connecticut. Carter is not only a 4-year starter for head coach Bill Davis, but he is a 4-year captain as well.

A good athlete, Carter also plays varsity basketball and was timed at 4.65 in the 40 during U-Conn's summer camp this year. On the gridiron, he plays outside linebacker in a 4-4 scheme and is a tight end on offense. Carter earned second-team all-league honors at tight end and was the defensive MVP for his team.

To check out his comments on his decision, Edge subscribers can read our Q&A with Darnell Carter.

Glenmore Country Club, nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Charlottesville, is one of the most beautiful places in the Commonwealth. Just ask Al Groh, who lives there. But you don't have to be a resident (or a football coach) to enjoy what Glenmore has to offer.

Become a corporate or non-resident member and enjoy golf on its 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by architect John LaFoy. Treat your employees or clients to a round they won't forget. Or host a fundraising tournament there.

While you're at it, how about holding your next board meeting in the Pinnacle Room at Glenmore? Enjoy lunch and an afternoon round of golf. And make sure to tell them you found out about Glenmore because of TheSabre.com - that's why they sponsor us.

Please check out Glenmore's website to learn more.

Can't say I agree with everything in this post, but at least it sparked an interesting discussion about the football program.

Subject: The good and bad of UVa football now.
Posted by: CavsontheRise on Wed Sep 14 2005 3:13:25 AM
Message: The bad:

1. A veneer of complacency. Al Groh sees the end of his career. He sees a huge pay increase. He sees a great situation for himself. (Not to imply that he doesn't want to win championships.) For the University: The seats are filled; the income is there for football. People are "optimistic".

2. The old mentality that we always will be mediocre or decent but never great. This could be stated in several different ways. But it is epitomized by what happened last year, by the collapse following the No. 1 ranking 15 years ago, and other examples. While I simply choose not to believe we cannot be champions, that thought is there.

3. No killer instinct. This follows closely No. 2 above. While there were times of offensive dominance with some George Welsh teams, one thinks of defense when terms such as dominance, aggression, hard-hitting, ruthless, etc. come to mind. We seem to usually lack strong, verbal leadership. Coincidentally, for better or worse, such brazen, harsh, outspoken leadership is thought, perhaps by some, not to be befitting of the University. For football, though, it is very useful.

4. The missing piece. In terms of talent, we usually seem to be missing one (at least) vital piece.

5. This one is open for something I've missed. And I am sure you can think of another.

The Good:

1. Being more specific for the now, we have good talent at running back. Hopefully, the line will get better and better (not to say they are not good).

2. We have well above average talent at linebacker.

3. We can play with the best teams in the country. Now here I could get criticized for two reasons. For appearing to settle for being competitive. Or, second, because you may think it is untrue. I believe it. We showed last year, with the exception of FSU that we are just about as good the as the so-called Big 3.

4. We actually have a home-field advantage. I happen to believe that Scott Stadium is a good football atmosphere.

5. This one is open for your additions.

In Summary

While I did not think about this very long, I have thought about it some over the recent seasons. I am more concerned than optimistic about this season. However, I strongly want to believe we are in the top tier of the conference now and that we should beat other teams consistently (as we did last year), with the notable challenges being the Fla. schools and, for now, VPI.

To read the responses to this post, please click the link below.

TheSabre.com undergoes a makeover

Did you notice that the Sabre looks a little more handsome these days? For that, you can thank Mike Ingalls and Deke Shrum, who worked hard on a site redesign that improved appearance and functionality. The biggest change is the homepage, which now has links across the top rather than down the left side of the page. It also has sharper graphics and should be much better in terms of user navigation. If you have any feedback on the redesign, please write Mike at [email protected].

Sabre Edge articles from the past week

Every month, Sabre Edge provides you with exclusive articles, columns, special features, interviews and recruiting news, including daily recruiting updates. There's even a special message board just for subscribers. And to top it off, you get 10 percent off all of your online purchases through TheSabreShop.com during your subscription.

All of the great Sabre Edge content can be yours for the price of $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. 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!