While one team’s season (Georgia Tech) went down the drain today, Virginia’s became a complete success after they became bowl eligible by beating the Yellow Jackets. Virginia is going bowling. Their record is now 6-3. With games at Louisville, at Miami, and Virginia Tech it was no guarantee the Hoos would get that 6th win. Today was the game Virginia had to have.
Make no mistake the Hoos aren’t a finished product. They are a rebuilding program, but it’s a step by step process. Many felt Virginia was still a year or two away from making it to a bowl game. When they lost their last two games in blowout fashion to Boston College and Pittsburgh, you began to wonder did Virginia reach their ceiling this year?
Not with Bronco Mendenhall as head coach. Time and time again today, the announcers spokes of Virginia’s energy Saturday. That comes from Mendenhall. While previous Virginia teams would have folded on the season and this game (down 28-13 in the 2nd) and on the season – this one didn’t.
Kurt Benkert is a player with some serious moxie at Quarterback. He’s the identity of the Virginia team. He’s not a terribly talented quarterback, but he has guts and never quits out there. When Georgia Tech went up 38-35, he marched the Hoos down the field for the ultimate winning score. His receivers dropped pass after pass, but he never appeared to get discouraged. That’s what I see in Virginia.
I see a gutty team that’s done more than anyone expected. The Hoos could lose their final 4 games and the season would be a success, but I have a feeling this tough minded team has another win or two in them, and a 7 or 8 win season would be a remarkable total – maybe ACC Coach of the Year stuff for Bronco Mendenhall. The Hoos are playing with house money the rest of year, let’s see what else they can accomplish. They have already done plenty this year.
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