CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Executive associate athletic director Jon Oliver was instrumental in Virginia's selection of new head basketball coach Tony Bennett, and there's little doubt that Oliver would be heavily involved in a football change.

Oliver did not avoid the issue last week in an appearance on "Best Seat in the House," a program on the Cavaliers' flagship station, WINA, in Charlottesville.

Either Oliver or athletic director Craig Littlepage has a segment on the show each week.

Virginia was eighth last year in the Directors' Cup competition for all-sports performance, matching its best finish, but the Cavaliers had losing seasons in both football and men's basketball.

The football team lost its last four games of the season, and an 0-2 start this year has left the Cavaliers with their longest losing streak since 1981-82.

"We've been very public about our goals for the department," Oliver told host Jay James, "and, we need to be clear that those goals aren't just for Olympic sports.

"We want to compete for championships on an annual basis. And, if we're not doing that, I think you can check Craig's track record to see how that gets handled."

Four-year men's basketball coach Dave Leitao was dismissed after the 2008-09 season. Nearly three quarters of UVa's programs have changed coaches in the past decade.

Littlepage's record also suggests that he is not inclined to make in-season changes.

"I'm not big on changing coaches in the middle of the season," Oliver said. "And, we're not even talking about the middle of the season. We're talking about the beginning of the season.

"You don't know yet what this team is capable of. If you clearly look at the changes on the staff and putting in a new offense, this clearly was a huge hiccup. But I think it's very premature to think of making changes in the middle of the season. I think, many times, you create more dysfunction by doing something like that."

Fan factor

Fans seldom have been as vocal as they were Saturday during a 30-14 loss to TCU. The Cavaliers go to Southern Mississippi, then will observe an open date before visiting North Carolina.

Virginia won't be at Scott Stadium again until Oct. 10. Home games usually present an opportunity for recruits to visit games, but even periodic booing can have an adverse effect on prospects.

"If there's somebody who is creating a less than positive impact and they really care about their team, then they would be wise not to create a less than positive impact," Groh said. "Wouldn't you think?

"I don't think players lose faith based on what fans think. I think players take their reaction based on results. You have two young receivers the other day [Javaris Brown and Tim Smith] whose confidence is probably elevated because they made plays."

Silver lining

Groh said that sophomore Matt Conrath, a 6-foot-7, 270-pound defensive end, was the staff's choice as team defensive player of the week. Conrath was credited with eight tackles, two of them for loss, and a sack.

"He played very well in the first game and exceeded that in the second game," said Groh, who mentioned nose tackle Nick Jenkins in the same breath.

"They are looking at careers in excess of 50 games, and they have only played 14. Performing as they do, there's significant room between where they are and where their ceiling is."

Personnel

Redshirt freshman quarterback Riko Smalls, who was moved to wide receiver at the beginning of preseason practice, took snaps at quarterback again last week after an injury to Game 1 starter Vic Hall.

Perry Jones, named Group AAA player of the year in 2008 for Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, played 10 plays on special teams in his college debut. Jones, a linebacker in high school, is listed as a defensive back.

"He's fun," Groh said. "Every time out there in practice, he's lively. He's energetic. He's a positive kid. He expects to do well. He's one of those light bulbs that lights things up everywhere he goes."

Odds 'n' ends

Virginia's research indicates that Jameel Sewell's 21 rushing attempts were the high for a Virginia quarterback since Bill Dudley had 22 against Lehigh in 1941. Dudley led the team in passing that year but some would have described him as a single-wing tailback.