When Virginia and Virginia Tech meet Saturday in Charlottesville, it will be for the ACC Coastal Division title and a spot in the conference championship game — the same stakes as when the teams met in 2007. Virginia hopes it works out better this time. The Cavaliers’ 33-21 loss was a bitter reminder that the Hokies were still the premiere recruiting force in the state. Virginia was done in by homegrown talents Sean Glennon (13-for-19, 260 yards), Tyrod Taylor (two rushing touchdowns), Branden Ore (147 yards rushing), Eddie Royal (147 yards receiving) and Barry Booker (4.5 tackles for a loss).
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The loss also was a turning point in the tenure of Al Groh. After falling to Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl, Groh went 8-16 in the next two seasons and was fired.
Virginia might not win Saturday, but don’t expect the tenure of Groh’s successor, Mike London, to unravel as quickly. London has already demonstrated his ability to beat Virginia Tech at the recruiting game — at least for one year with his stellar freshman class.
– Kevin Dunleavy
