Always vigilant, Groh continues to fight negativity

CHARLOTTESVILLE

For the first time in his past four meetings with the media, Virginia coach Al Groh did not use the word "negativity" on Tuesday.

He was not able to pull that off Monday night in dealing with callers to his radio call-in show. The last caller "congratulated" Groh on returning U.Va. football to the days of Dick Bestwick, whose teams were 16-49-1 from 1976-1981.

"My question is this," continued the caller, identified as "Mick," from parts unknown. "What demonstrated performance has Mike Groh shown that proves he should be offensive coordinator?"

Mike Groh is the head coach's son.

"Actually, I think in this particular case, we've dealt with enough negativity on this call," Al Groh responded. "I think I'll move on."

The Cavaliers (1-3) have lost five consecutive games against Division I-A opposition dating to the 2007 season, contributing to speculation about Groh's future.

"It's unfortunate to see," U.Va. starting quarterback Marc Verica said. "I kind of wish people would have your back more (and) have your coach's back. That's not the right way to handle it.

"It's easy to point fingers; it's easy to assess blame. But what I do know is, it's hard to be accountable and to take ownership - and coach Groh has done that. This program has done a lot of great things under coach Groh and we can't let any negativity divide us."

Co-captain Clint Sintim voiced similar thoughts Saturday when he was asked following a 31-3 loss to Duke if he felt people would be jumping off the U.Va. bandwagon.

"The truth be told, it's never been any different since I've been here," Sintim said.

Slow starter

Mikell Simpson, who ended last season with a 170-yard rushing day against Texas Tech, has carried 48 times for 108 yards in U.Va.'s first four games.

Simpson, averaging 2.2 yards per attempt this season, had a stretch Saturday when he did not have positive yardage on six straight rushing attempts.

"It's been one of the weekly items we've discussed," Groh said. "If we had a clearer answer or solution, maybe I could tell you.

"Every team has a core of guys who need to step up and make plays. That's part of the responsibility that goes with being in that role and, right now, we're not getting enough of those plays."

Simpson's breakthrough game last year came against Maryland, the Cavaliers' opponent at 7 p.m. Saturday at Scott Stadium.

Simpson had 271 all-purpose yards - 152 receiving, 119 rushing - in an 18-17 win in College Park.

Groh said on his radio show that Keith Payne's ineffectiveness as a pass protector had kept him from touching the ball in the first three games. Payne, the Group AAA state Player of the Year for Oakton High School in 2005, had five carries for 36 yards at Duke.

Personnel

Rodney McLeod, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound cornerback from DeMatha in Hyattsville, Md., became the fourth true freshman to play for the Cavaliers this season. McLeod joins classmates Jimmy Howell, Austin Pasztor and Cameron Johnson.

McLeod was on the field for 22 plays, mostly in nickel and dime pass-coverage situations, and had a tackle for loss when Duke's Kevin Jones attempted to run out of punt formation. Pasztor (6-6, 310) played most of the final three quarters at left guard following an injury to Zak Stair.

By the numbers

Virginia is among the bottom seven in Division I-A in five offensive categories, including last in scoring offense. The Cavaliers are 118th out of 119 in total offense (yardage), 117th in rushing offense, 116th in passing efficiency and 113th in turnover margin.

On top of that, U.Va. is 98th in scoring defense - and that includes a 16-0 win against Division I-AA Richmond. The Cavaliers' three Division I-A opponents have averaged more than 42 points.