Behind a scintillating performance by Albemarle County native R.J. Archer, William and Mary handed Virginia their first loss of the season and a fourth straight season opening loss in front of 54,587 mostly listless and uninspired fans. I’m not sure it gets anymore down in the ditch than losing to Thomas Jefferson’s alma mater in the friendly confines of Scott Stadium. Not since 1986 had Virginia lost to The Tribe.

Being a diehard Virginia fan is like having the family dog die at least once every single football season: you aren’t sure when it’s coming or where on the schedule it will be, but you know it’s coming. It’s like drinking water straight from the spigot in Mexico—stomach distress is just around the corner. Get your Imodium® A-D extra strength ready. See Groundhog Day every single season, but with different and painful ways to lose. 

As I left the game last weekend, a well-known alum’s wife was walking out of her suite at the same time. We exchanged pleasantries and then she said to me that she was done with the NFL Al Groh experience here in Charlottesville; she’d seen enough. She was off the bandwagon and was going to make her displeasure known to the guys that run the athletic department as soon as humanly possible. I fear that exact sentiment is brewing around “The Grounds” and all over The Commonwealth.

Virginia played three quarterbacks, none really distinguishing themselves as the go-to guy, and committed 7 turnovers in a very sloppy effort. In contrast, William and Mary’s R.J. Archer was 23/44 for 184 yards with a touchdown pass and 1 interception, making some fans wonder how Coach Groh could have not offered the kid a full scholarship. At many times during the contest Virginia looked confused both offensively and defensively.

Up next on the docket for Virginia is No.17 ranked Texas Christian University. The game is on ESPN U @ 3:30 pm Saturday September 12. Is it too early to say, “Is it basketball season yet?” My prediction for the game Saturday is TCU 45- Hoos 13. If you have a question about UVA sports, ask away. Who do you think the starting quarterback should be for the Hoos this season? Marc Verica is my answer. Is this Al Groh’s last season in Charlottesville? Yes, more than likely. Can the 3-4 defense work at Virginia? Not this year. I see another 5-7 season on the horizon.