| Year: | 2008 |
| Team: | Virginia Cavaliers |
| Conference: | Atlantic Coast Conference |
| Division: | Coastal |
| Short Conf: | ACC |
| Record: | 5 - 7 |
| Conf Record: | 3 - 5 |
| Hc Year: | 8th |
| Oc Year: | 3rd |
| Dc Year: | 1st |
| Stadium: | Scott Stadium (Capacity: 61,500) |
The 2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was Virginia's 55th season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Cavaliers were led by head coach Al Groh. They played their home games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The 2008 preseason began in early January, with the loss of starting quarterback Jameel Sewell due to academic ineligibility as well as three other players who were not enrolled for the Spring 2008 semester; junior cornerback Chris Cook, freshman wide receiver Chris Dalton and freshman linebacker Darnell Carter.[1]
In February 2008, defensive back Mike Brown was arrested by UVa police and charged with one count each of grand larceny, possession of stolen property with intent to sell, altering serial numbers, and possession of marijuana. Al Groh said of the situation, "At this time we are currently gathering the facts. In view of the nature of the allegation, Mike Brown is not participating with the program at this time."[2] Also in February, defensive end Jeffery Fitzgerald left the school, and subsequently the team, after allegations of honor code violations; the university stating that, "Fitzgerald is no longer enrolled and will never play again for the 'Hoos."[3] [4]
On July 24, 2008, Peter Lalich, quarterback, was charged with unlawful purchase and possession of alcohol, a misdemeanor. Coach Groh would not comment on the charge, and stated that any disciplinary action would be dealt with internally, within the team. Lalich's case has been continued until July 21, 2009, at which point his charges will be dropped should he avoid further trouble.[5]
On September 5, 2008, it was reported that Lalich had admitted to court officials that he had used marijuana and alcohol while on supervised probation. The voluntary admission came during a regular probation interview with officials from the office of Offender Aid and Restoration/Virginia Alcohol Safety Program. He was scheduled for a hearing on September 26.[6] On September 10, 2008, the Virginia's sports information office announced that Lalich would not be starting in the September 13 game against the University of Connecticut.[7]
On Thursday, September 18, Lalich admitted that he had violated the terms of his probation.[8] Later the same day, he was dismissed from the Cavalier football team.[9] In a statement, UVA Athletic Director Craig Littlepage said, "We have supported Peter, but believe today a point has been reached where it’s best for all concerned that [Peter] no longer participate on the team. This is my decision, and it has support of head football coach Al Groh. We wish Peter the best in the future."[10]
| bgcolor=silver | Position | bgcolor=silver | Name | bgcolor=silver | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head coach | Al Groh | 7th | |||
| Assistant head coach/Defensive coordinator coach: | Bob Pruett | 1st | |||
| Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach: | Mike Groh | 7th | |||
| Assistant head coach/defensive backs coach: | Steve Bernstein | 2nd | |||
| Special teams coordinator/linebackers coach | Bob Diaco | 2nd | |||
| Defensive assistant coach/assistant defensive line coach | Lervern Belin | 2nd | |||
| Wide receivers coach: | Wayne Lineburg | 1st | |||
| Running game coordinator/offensive line coach | Dave Borbely | 2nd | |||
| Asst. Special teams coordinator/running backs coach | Anthony Poindexter | 4th | |||
| Tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator | Bob Price | 10th | |||
| Graduate assistant offense | Jim Jones | 1st | |||
| Graduate assistant defense | Vincent Brown | 1st | |||
| Head strength coach | Matt Balis | 1st | |||
| Director of football video operations | Luke Goldstein | 6th |
See also: American football positions and Glossary of American football.
See also: 2008 USC Trojans football team.
The No. 3 ranked Trojans scored three touchdowns in the first quarter to beat the Cavaliers to win the first game of the season. USC quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for 338 yards, CJ Gable ran for 73 yards, and Ronald Johnson had 78 yards in receiving. The second half was all USC, with UVA turning over the ball three times.
See also: 2008 Connecticut Huskies football team.
See also: 2008 Duke Blue Devils football team.
See also: 2008 Maryland Terrapins football team.
See also: 2008 North Carolina Tar Heels football team.
See also: 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team. [12]
See also: 2008 Miami Hurricanes football team.
See also: 2008 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team.
See also: 2008 Clemson Tigers football team.
See also: 2008 Virginia Tech Hokies football team.
See also: 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings.
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| Name | GP-GS | Att | Gain | Loss | Net | Avg | TD | Long | Avg/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Larry Richardson jr | 12-10 | 179 | 1307 | 12 | ||||||
| Total Raymond Edwards | 12 -12 | 211 | 1591 | 18 |
| Name | GP-GS | Effic | Att-Cmp-Int | Pct | Yds | TD | Lng | Avg/G | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | ||||||||||
| Opponents |
| Name | GP-GS | No. | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | Avg/G | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Darrin Washington | 12-12 | 17 | 1399 | 13.4 | 11 | 109 | 109.9 | |||
| Opponents |