Cavs/Heels, Part 114

Its probably too late to discuss turnarounds or bowl chances.  Too many tough games left on the schedule, and not enough signs of life.  As the Daily Press notes, Virginia is in the midst of its longest losing streak since 1982 (seven and counting dating back to last season).  But as we noted earlier in the week, Virginia's annual matchup with its state-school neighbor to the south has often produced surprising Cavalier victories.

Reports abound of a productive bye week, here and here.  Hootie, noting Groh's 6-2 mark against UNC, thinks this might be the week the Cavs may be able to break through with a W. North Carolina has struggled offensively, especially in last week's 24-7 loss at Georgia Tech.  Although its a bit much to call them hapless.  Last time I checked, hapless looked a lot more like 0-3 than 3-1, even if those wins are against the Citadel, UConn, and ECU.  And after watching TCU's Jerry Hughes live in the Cavalier backfield three weeks ago, Virginia can't be looking forward to seeing Robert Quinn, he of 5.5 TFL, three sacks, and an uplifting comeback story.  Mr. Quinn is probably licking his chops to get after the team that has surrendered the most sacks in the nation this season. 

Speaking of struggling offenses, the Post notes its Sewell's show with Hall's status still uncertain.  Doug Doughty notes that they'd just like to keep Sewell upright.  At least perhaps his receiving corps are coming around.  After two games in which they were largely invisible, the Cavs' receiving corps showed improvement against S. Miss.  The Cavs are hoping rookies Tim Smith and Javaris Brown continue to develop in order to supplement the production of "vets" Kris Burd and Jared Green.  The Post also notes that Smith is working his way into the KO return rotation.

Finally, its not surprising to see guys like Hootie picking the Cavs to win, but it is a little surprising to see ESPN saying the same thing.  Its not out of the realm of possibility, but something tells me Carolina is looking to make a statement at home coming off last week's loss at Ga. Tech.  So don't hold your breath, and remind yourself its only two weeks until basketball practice starts.