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