CHARLOTTESVILLE -- For the first time in his last four meetings with the media, Virginia football coach Al Groh did not use the word "negativity" Tuesday.

Groh's mission has been to avoid the negative vibes that have from resulted three losses in the first four games.

While the media generally tries to be diplomatic, that hasn't always been the case with callers to Groh's radio call-in show.

The last caller to Groh's show Monday "congratulated" Groh on returning UVa football to the days of Dick Bestwick, who was 16-49-1 between 1976-1981.

"My question is this," continued the caller, identified as "Mick," from parts unknown. "What demonstrated performance has Mike Groh shown that proves he should be offensive coordinator?"

Mike Groh is the head coach's son.

"Actually, I think, in this particular case, we've dealt with enough negativity on this call," Al Groh responded to the caller. "I think I'll move on to the next one."

UVa has lost five consecutive games to Division I-A foes dating back to 2007, contributing to speculation over Groh's future as Cavaliers' coach.

"It's unfortunate to see," UVa No. 1 QB Marc Verica said. "I kind of wish people would have your back more [and] have your coach's back. That's not the right way to handle it.

"It's easy to point fingers; it's easy to assess blame. But what I do know is, it's hard to be accountable and to take ownership and Coach Groh has done that. This program has done a lot of great things under Coach Groh and we can't let any negativity divide us."

Co-captain Clint Sintim voiced similar thoughts Saturday, when he was asked following a 31-3 loss to Duke if he felt people would be jumping off the UVa bandwagon .

"The truth be told, it's never been any different since I've been here," Sintim said.

'Hoo said it

Groh on his Sept. 8 radio show when asked about a possible Division I-A playoff: "My hope and my ambition is to be an active coach here for a while."

The second part of his answer: "I don't expect [a playoff] to happen while I'm active."

Slow starter

Mikell Simpson, who ended the 2007 season with a 170-yard rushing day against Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl, has carried 48 times for 108 yards in 2008.

Simpson, who is averaging 2.2 yards per attempt, had a stretch Saturday when he did not have positive yardage on six straight rushing attempts.

"It's been one of the weekly items we've discussed," Groh said. "If we had a clearer answer or solution, maybe I could tell you.

"Every team has a core of guys who need to step up and make [big] plays. That's part of the responsibility that goes with being in that role and, right now, we're not getting enough of those plays."

Simpson's breakthrough game last year came against Maryland, which visits the Cavaliers at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Simpson had 271 all-purpose yards -- 152 receiving, 119 rushing -- in UVa's 18-17 win in College Park, Md.

n Groh said on his radio show that Keith Payne's ineffectiveness as a pass protector had kept him from touching the ball in the first three games. Payne, the Group AAA player of the year for Oakton High School in 2005, had five carries for 36 yards at Duke.

Personnel

Rodney McLeod, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound cornerback from Hyattsville, Md., became the fourth true freshman to play for the Cavaliers this season. McLeod joins classmates Jimmy Howell, Austin Pasztor and Cameron Johnson.

McLeod was on the field for 22 plays, mostly in nickel and dime pass-coverage situations, and had a tackle for loss when Duke's Kevin Jones attempted to run out of punt formation. Pasztor (6-6, 310) played most of the final three quarters at left offensive guard following an injury to Zak Stair.

By the numbers

Virginia finds itself among the bottom seven in Division I-A in five offensive categories, including dead last -- 119th -- in scoring offense. The Cavaliers are 118th in total offense, 117th in rushing offense, 116th in passing efficiency and 113th in turnover margin.

UVa is also 98th in scoring defense. The Cavs' three I-A opponents have scored more than 42 points per game.