Sunday, September 07, 2008
Lalich questions persist
Doug Doughty
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Virginia 16, Richmond 0
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- Cavs beat Richmond, 16-0
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Photo by Justin Cook | The Roanoke Times
Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor (5) runs down the field and away from Furman's Brandon Williams during the first half Saturday. Taylor was in on the majority of offensive plays for the Hokies.
Virginia Tech 24, Furman 7
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- Game highlights
- Hokies labor for win
- Ground assault revived
- Aaron McFarling: Decision sound; Taylor needed
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CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Virginia coach Al Groh came out swinging Saturday when asked about the possible distractions caused by Peter Lalich's appearance on a police blotter earlier this week.
Papers were filed in Charlottesville General District Court on Thursday, charging Lalich with violation of the probation to which he agreed after a July summons for underage alcohol possession.
The Charlottesville Daily Progress cited court documents in its Friday report that Lalich had told his probation officer that he had used marijuana and consumed alcohol during his probation. However, two other reporters were told the documents were unavailable after stopping by the courthouse.
"We're here to talk about football," said Groh following the Cavaliers' 16-0 victory over Richmond on Saturday. "It's unfortunate that some people have chosen to misrepresent the player without knowing all the facts. Those people should examine themselves."
When asked if he been distracted by late-week events, Lalich said he had not. He completed eight of his first 10 passes, often finding receivers in tight places, but was intercepted in each half and finished 21-of-39 for a career-high 204 yards.
"I'm just glad we won," Lalich said.
Groh said that Lalich was "probably a little inconsistent" but attributed some of that to penalties. UVa was penalized nine times for 103 yards, one of the rare occasions under Groh when it has been over 100.
On Virginia's second drive of the game, Lalich connected with Kevin Ogletree on an apparent 25-yard completion to Richmond's 35, but offensive tackle Will Barker was called for holding.
Barker was called for two holding penalties, Chase Minniefield and Mike Parker each were called for an interference penalty, and the Cavaliers were called for three other holding penalties -- two on kick returns.
Newest retirees
The 1989 team that provided Virginia with a share of the ACC championship, its first, was recognized at halftime. Also, five members of that team had their jerseys retired -- wide receiver Herman Moore, running back Terry Kirby, defensive end Chris Slade, offensive guard Mark Dixon and linebacker Ray Savage.
All of those players will be recognized in a Legends Walk behind the scoreboard. So will offensive tackle Ray Roberts, who will have his jersey retired at the next Virginia game he can attend in person.
Odds and ends
Vic Hall's 60-yard interception return for a touchdown was the longest by the Cavaliers since a game-turning 95-yard interception return by Antwan Harris against North Carolina in 1996. ... Kevin Ogletree, who missed the 2007 season after reconstructive knee surgery, had eight receptions for 103 yards.
Virginia next week
The Cavaliers (1-1) visit Connecticut (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Huskies, 17-16 losers at Scott Stadium last year, defeated host Temple 12-9 in overtime Saturday.
