THE QUEST ENDS

what a ride! yes, the on field results this season were extremely frustrating and unexpected to me. but, I learned a tremendous amount about redemption, character, and people this season. i visited places I had never been before and met people I will likely only meet for one time. all in all, I realized how much I love the college football experience and most importantly, the University of Virginia.

for me, it was surreal seeing the senior leaders wearing the redemption bands in the final home game. it is a connection that nobody can take away. irrespective of the results of the season, there is something to be said about this year's UVa Football team. at a most impressionable age, theses young men endured. for that, as a fan, I will be forever grateful. better days are ahead for UVa football. i will be there too!

God Bless All .... Stay tuned for the adventure as begin to write about the journey.

JW

Losing Hurts ... but, the fight is still there ... better days are ahead!

As I went into the Clemson game, I still maintained my always optimistic outlook. After 10 games this season, I do not want to go down without a fight. Furthermore, I know the UVa team will not as well. That being said, the day and setting was perfect in Clemson's version of death valley.

Walking into the stadium, you could sense a great deal of Clemson pride as their own version of Orange flooded the area. For that, I respect them greatly. However, I did sense Clemson's excitement does cross the line of extreme arrogance and can eventually be the downfall of that program.

Going into the game, it appeared after an early fumble, we were doomed. But, the offense fought back with some outside the box play calling to go into the half with 21 points and only being down by 3. We even scored with no time left on the clock to end the half. For me, I was feeling deja vu from 2007. I was sure the second half would bring more. I was more than confident the defense could adjust and hold Clemson.

What happened was only 40 yards of offense for the Cavaliers and Clemson did enough to maintain their lead. Yes, another loss as the season draws near was certainly depressing and frustrating. But, I must admit ... I have nothing but respect for this team. Their heads are held high with pride and after all that has happened this season, they are still fighting.

With that spirit, I will take my chances against Va Tech. With that spirit, I know better days are ahead. You don't go through these moments without a turn back to where you came from. As a work colleague (who is a Clemson grad) ... UVa is a down a bit, but they will be back.

Yes we will ....

MEANWHILE, we need a spring board to get back .... what better than this upcoming Saturday!

Go Hoos!

Heartbreaking ....

Well, Saturday appeared to be setting up for the perfect script. The defense had done their part and the offense had one last chance to win the game. As we closed inside the red zone with no timeouts left, it appeared as though fate was finally on our side. Then on a 3rd down play, Jackson caught a pass and took it down to about the 12 yard line. With a 4th and 1, we had to get the first down with short time left on the clock. Sewell lines up in the shotgun and scrambles up the middle .... Yes, it appeared he got the first down and the team was lining up to spike the ball to stop the clock. Then, a readjustment sent the events on a downward spiral. The spot was short, the review upheld the spot (I am mean, no surprise there ... don't want the game to hinge on the reverse of a bullshit call, like the many before it on Saturday). You could see the frustration overcome Jameel Sewell ... and I must admit rightfully so.

I sinking feeling dropped rapidly through my body. This one truly hurt. The bowl chance was officially over and the last meaningful chance at a end of season run was halted. BC found a way to do it again to me. The season is proving to be a true test of wills for me. Yet, my love for UVa will not let me relent in my journey. It does not get any easier with Clemson next, but there is one thing for certain, the team still wants to win and I have no doubts they will do everything in the power to try and win.

The true champion finds a way to handle adversity and make the most out of it ... in the long term as well as the long term.

As far as the heartbreak ... its over, ON TO CLEMSON.


JW

BC - I just don't like them, so we MUST BEAT THEM!

Growing up, I have always had a dislike for Boston College. Maybe its the view that they are always purport to be the Notre Dame of the East. Nevertheless, I will admit, they have been successful on the football field. They always win, when you don't want them to and they always lose when you need their help.

Going forward, it is all relative. Tomorrow, the UVa Football program needs this victory. There is plenty of football left. Redemption is still on the radar screen. Time to let it roll.

Go Hoos!

I push on ... life will not allow me to quit!

As I completed the 10th week of football with an ass whipping by the Hurricanes, I find my Cavaliers stumpling to a 3-6 record. This was far from what I thought the team would be at this point in the season. In fact, I have caught a serious amount of grief for my pre-season talk. However, I would not take any of it back. I stand by my belief in the Cavaliers. Unfortunately, this season has morphed into the final referendum on the Al Groh tenure. Much of the season has been spent since the William and Mary loss talking about replacement opportunities. I tried my best not to partake, because I wanted to stay behind the team and the players.

As we enter the BC week, all signs point to a continued downward spiral for the Cavaliers. But does it? Oddly, this season has been grouped in a series of 3's. We started 0-3. We then went 3-0. Then back to 0-3. So with 3 games left does it mean we got 3-0. Well, only the good Lord knows. Can we? Absolutely! We will have to find our way again. Since even the Maryland Game, our offense has been sputtering. We would need to scored at the level we did at Southern Miss and Indiana. If we performed at that level the last 3 games, our defense would most definitely do their part and 3-0 to finish the season would be plausible.

My fear is the spirit of the team has been broken. I say to the team, life does not stop for us and the last 3 games could truly show your redemptive spirit. A lot has happened to UVa football over the past 3 years since the Gator Bowl. There will likely be major changes with the team on the horizon. However, meanwhile, the perfect medicine would be a strong finish. It would give the players and coaches a since of purpose. It would catapult the team confidently into next season irregardless of the coaching situation. It would allow one to walk away with dignity as it would personify the fighting spirit.

Lastly and most importantly, it would allow a school so desperately hurting and football heart broken, to conquor VA TECH. This would be a win that could start to heal the generational rifts and start the re-building of UVa Football.

IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE WOULD DO IT

Well, the Miami week is here! This was to be overly exciting for me. I was returning to South Florida for the first time since I left. UVa was going back to scene of their absolutely skutching of the Canes ... the magic of 2007 would be rekindled with Sewell and Simpson leading the offense. Yet, after 2 straight losses and a home loss to Duke, it makes this trip have an extra layer of complexity instead of anticipation. Nevertheless, I see no need to brood or bail. If the current trend holds, it definitely will make the Quest harder to find enthusiasm. Yet that is the mere view of outsiders. As far as the challenge, I will seek it face to face. I am confident my cavaliers can do the same. Its time to play the game and see how it shakes out.

GO HOOS!

Ouch! This is Frustrating

I vowed at the start of the season to ensure no matter what happens in the win/loss column, that I would enjoy this experience. To that end, I have and will continue to do so. But, on the other hand, as an alumni and season ticket holder, I am extremely frustrated. I very much believe in this team and their talent. However, watching them play, it seems like a bit of confusion has seeped into the team. This has been the norm over the past two years. I am absolutely tired of seeing our team squander chances to win meaningful conference games. Over the past 3 years (this one included) we were set to finish October with a chance to win the Coastal, and we have not. This must end! We must get back to winning. It can start with outside of the box thinking in our remaining games. Time to maximize the talent and build to next year, irregardless of how the coaching situation shakes out. Meanwhile, its on to Miami with that premise that in College Football and especially, the ACC .... anything can happen!!

Come on Hoos!!!

Always good when TECH loses!

Wow, who would have thought the Tarholes could pull it off in Blacksburg! Although, I cannot stand UNC, I did enjoy seeing the Hokies losing last night. Today, heading into the Duke game, the underlying message is quite simple:

"The season is still yours to finish strong ... it all starts with Duke."

Let's spring into November better than we ever have!

GO HOOS, see you in C-Ville!

THE SEASON ON THE LINE AGAINST DUKE

It is hard to believe this Saturday's game against Duke is such a monumental one for the course of UVa's season. But, in reality, the best team in the state of NC comes a visitin to C-Ville. The season is not necessarily defined by one game, but this game is huge. A win will bring us back to .500 and boost our confidence going into Miami. Let's be honest, confidence is everything in unpredictable ACC.

As with every game, I have no option but to believe!

GO HOOS!

OUCH! I hate losing!

but, in College Football each week brings forth another challenge. If you overly dwell on the worst of the previous week, you run the risk of jeapordizing the total season's efforts. The reality is; there is a lot of season left, there a definitely many challenges before the Cavaliers. BUT, there is no reason to fold up shop. Time is NOW!

Beat DUKE!

See you in Charlottesville

Enough said! Go Hoos!

IS IT GAMEDAY YET?

After spending a whirlwind trip in L.A. for work, I am back to the east coast and ready for the GA Tech game. This will be a huge test for the resurgent Cavaliers. In fact, it will likely be the determinative factor as to whether this team will be resurgent. Bottom line to me: I believe in this team. I believe in their ability to compete for the ACC title this season. I am ready for gameday! Is it time, yet?

We Fear NO TURTLES ... Bring on the Jackets!

What can I say? The weather in College Park sucked just as bad the Maryland Uniforms! The game started ostensibly to be a UVa blow out as Sewell and company started to drive down the field. Then, we went backwards settling for a field goal and then battling the elements to apparently a back and forth field goal game.

THEN, Burd catches a crucial 3rd down play on his back between two MD defenders. After a field goal .... high drama ensues with Big Nate Collins catching the ball on a deflection a scampering 32 yards for a touchdown. Within 19 seconds, UVa went from down 9-3 to up 12-9. Then the defense settled in and held again and again. It appeared all but over, when Rashawn Jackson rumbled 40 plus yards for a touchdown run, only to have it negated by a holding call. Jimmy Howell stepped in and got off a beautiful punt pinning MD back on the 9. The defense rose to the occassion, clamping down on MD's pass offense. THEN, Big Nate Collins showed his WILL to WIN once again with a sack of Chris Turner (almost causing a safety). After holding on 4th down, UVa got the ball back and scored on a Jackson run.

JUST LIKE THAT 20-9 and Dom Joseph's interception seals the Victory. Although, the 3rd straight win for the Cavaliers was a relatively ugly one, we found a way to win. It was attributed to a team whose leaders are developing and progressing as the season itself does. I believe this is a key point, because it will keep the October momentum going and stand firm in November.

We must turn our October successes into November successes. Especially, because I want the forever UVa cynic Heather Dinich (of ESPN) to eat her words.

There is a long way to go, but another important step was taken.

For the 3rd straight year ... it is abundantly clear, WE FEAR NO TURTLE.

The Quest goes back to Charlottesville as we cross the halfway point.

BRING ON THE JACKETS.

Last Day of the Week ... For Me!

As I prepare for work this morning, I can't help but feel the childish excitement in my stomach. The week's conclusion has arrived with one more full work day for me. This time tomorrow, the trek to D.C. starts and the preparation for the Maryland weekend is here. This grueling pace of weekend football games definitely keeps you on your toes. But, there is nothing comparable to this experience ... AND, I believe it will only get better as we get into to the heart of conference play!

However, most importantly, the focus right now is the Maryland Game as the next step along the way. I know the Maryland Game (in College Park) is going to be a battle. Nevertheless, I remain confident in Virginia's abilities in this game. Their time is now!

Go Hoos!

Is it Friday yet?

getting closer to a roadtrip!

i have already started packin ... yes, I have!

this will be my first game at College Park, I truly cannot stand MD's uniforms or their mascot!

Rest assured ... with my Eljo's gear on, I will be ready!

Many questions fill my mind with football week anxiousness ... I truly does not get any better!

Is it Friday yet?

JW

Hell Yeah! One more step in a New Season

47 - 7 ... dynamic offense and stout defense! I hope the performance and progression continues each week. If it does, the sky is the limit. I am confident in the talent and leadership on the team.

I hope Mikell Simpson bounces back quickly!

To those fair weather fans who have abandoned Scott Stadium. Always go down with the ship, because in the end it might not go down after all.

I am not crowning anyone Champion ... I just believe in a group of football players and I see the passion in this team as they play. They deserve to win as football players and I sincerely want them to win.

Onward to College Park to play the Terps.

There is plenty of reason to get ready for this one!

Game Day ... Homecoming!

Getting ready for the trek from Wilmington to Charlottesville on Game Day! All business for the day. This is another important step along the way. See you in Charlottesville!
JW

The Friday Before

I love the friday before gameday. It creates a feeling inside almost akin to a kid on Christmas Eve. All day long, I will brim with anticipation. It is hard as hell to concentrate at work, but that is part of the ball game. To be honest, I did my best to block out the anticipatory optimism the first few games this season in an effort to pace myself. At this point, forget about that! A college football season is one of the greatest rides in a man's social career, I cannot lose sight.

So here I am this morning with my V-Sabres coffee mug, watching Fox and Friends with C-Ville on my mind. It is homecoming and a big ten team is coming to town. Most importantly, it is another leg on the Quest. We need a win, I want a win! Time to go get it!

JW

P.S. -- Happy Birthday Mom!

Doubters only get their way .... only in the short run!

Much has been said about the coaching situation at UVa. The bloggers all through the UVa Football spectrum are continually opining about their desire for change within the head coaching job. Clearly, there is plenty of frustration for the relative college football medocrity in Charlottesville. However, when it is all said and done, irrespective of who is our coach, I cannot doubt and I will not doubt the University of Virginia. I believe the good will come to the persisent in the long run. There are players who give their all each week and they get my respect because they deserve it. I want them to win as I am sure the other fans do. I will keep my focus on the positive vibes (my no means a crack pipe here, just what I believe I need to do as a loyal fan). I will not doubt. The season is a long one, September is the past and forward looking is a necessity now.

AND,

The mere doubters only get their way in the short run.

JW

Indiana Week - The Turn?

I must admit, I like the syngery developing in C-Ville with the team. Yes, there is a long way to go this season. But, there are the makings of something fun to truly wash away the bitter taste of September. Ultimately, there is nothing better to me that Cavalier Football. To see the players excel at UNC on Saturday was the moment whereby victory is no longer out of reach. The 0-12 talk can go away. Furthermore, the leadership of Jameel Sewell and Vic Hall collectively willing themselves is something to be said. There is a growing affect transcending the team. Mikell looked like his old self. Cook is coming back into form. Moseley, Greer, and Collins were all over the field. Conrath starting to bat passes down. That undervalued talent is ready for a run. Will this be a turnaround?

As R. Dean Taylor sang, "Indiana Wants Me." Saturday, Let's send the Hoosiers back there with a loss!

JW

THE SEASON

Yes, it is August no more and the Tribe come a calling to C-Ville Saturday evening. There is an abundancy of nerves, optimism, 2008 hangover induced pessimism all lingering around the UVa faithful. Yet, I'm brimming with anticipation. As the past several years have indicated, all it takes is one year to turn things around. It can happen anywhere in the country ... so why not C-Ville? Time will tell ... Meanwhile, Let's get this party started. Grab your PBR's and follow the Quest.
JW

Its August!

Camp has started for the Cavaliers. Now, the intrigue swirls around how everyone looks at camp, how the depth cart is going to stack up....are there any surprises ahead. To me, the only surprises will be the doubters of the Cavaliers.

The talent in Charlottesville is truly undervalued! Its time for a breakout in 2009.

PreSeason

To Va Tech and UNC, I say "Spring Forward, Fall Backwards."

To the Cavaliers, time to "Shock the World."