At Virginia football media day last month, backup quarterback Kevin McCabe couldn’t help but feel like a forgotten man. He poked fun at the sports information staff, needling them to get him some press. After last weekend, it’s no longer a laughing matter.
“It’s picked up here a little bit in the past week here, I’d say. I was just joking, saying I wonder if anyone knew I was still on the roster,” said McCabe, a redshirt junior who came off the bench in the fourth quarter against Wyoming to complete eight of 13 passes, including a 25-yard touchdown in overtime.
Senior starter Christian Olsen had gone just 12 for 21 for 89 yards and an interception in the first three quarters of Virginia’s 13-12 overtime win against Wyoming, but on Sunday Cavaliers (1-1) coach Al Groh still bristled at the hint of Olsen being replaced as starter.
“It’s like everybody knows the answer, but everybody feels compelled to ask the question,” said Groh.
Similarly at Navy (2-0), head coach Paul Johnson bemoaned the notion that junior Brian Hampton would be replaced after an interception, a fumble and two batted pitches in the Midshipmen’s 21-20 win over Massachussetts.
“It’s not an open competition,” said Johnson. “Until I see somebody that beats him out or until [quarterbacks] coach [Ivin] Jasper sees someone who beats him out, he’s the quarterback.”
Hampton’s backup, sophomore Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, directed two touchdown drives and scored on a 19-yard run that proved to be the game-winner. He also had his own troubles — a couple of fumbles that Navy recovered and missed pitch of his own that did result in a turnover.
Perhaps sensing how Groh would react, McCabe knew the Wyoming game was his best chance to make his case. He felt the offense did move the ball and started to get into a rhythm and didn’t mask his excitement over the boost of confidence he’s received.
“I always knew I could do it. It was just getting out there in a game situation and proving to everybody else,” said McCabe. “It was crucial for them to believe in my ability and my leadership.”
Conversely in Annapolis, Kaheaku-Enhada is again prepared to contribute but not yet ready to permanently assume the helm.
“We definitely need just one guy and that guy’s definitely Brian,” said Kaheaku-Enhada. “He’s got all the tools, all the experience. He’s an outstanding quarterback and once he settles down, he’ll be fine.”
