CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Al Groh knew the question was coming, the one about the likely end of his career as Virginia's football coach. As it did, he began unfolding his answer.
"Here's what I got for you," Groh said before he began reading a poem, "The Guy in the Glass," about how the most important person an individual has to please is himself.
"When I visited the guy in the glass, I saw that he's a guy of commitment, of integrity, of dependability and accountability," he said. "He's loyal, his spirit is indomitable and he's caring and loving. I'm sure I will always call the guy in the glass a friend."
With that, Groh rose from the table where he has presided over news conferences at Scott Stadium for nine years, hugged his sobbing daughter and wife and left, a 42-13 loss to No. 14 Virginia Tech probably the final chapter in his career at his alma mater.
Virginia (3-9, 2-6 ACC) had its worst season since it went 2-9 in 1982.
The game unraveled on a Virginia turnover that set up a 10-yard Hokies drive.
No. 14 Virginia Tech 42, Virginia 13
Virginia Tech | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 | -- | 42 |
Virginia | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | -- | 13 |
UVa--Sewell 15 run (Jarrett kick), 9:27. VT--R.Williams 5 run (Waldron kick), 4:58. UVa--FG Randolph 33, :16.
VT--R.Williams 20 run (Waldron kick), 9:43. UVa--FG Randolph 41, :39.
VT--R.Williams 4 run (Waldron kick), 5:51.
VT--R.Williams 2 run (Waldron kick), 12:50. VT--Boykin recovered fumble in end zone (Waldron kick), 10:21. VT--D.Wilson 10 run (Waldron kick), 2:43.
| VT | UVa |
First downs | 20 | 15 |
Rushes-Yards | 45-298 | 37-175 |
Passing | 185 | 120 |
Comp-Att-Int | 8-15-1 | 12-22-0 |
Return yards | 24 | 0 |
Punts | 2-46.5 | 6-36.5 |
Fumbles-Lost | 1-0 | 2-2 |
Penalties-Yards | 5-40 | 5-66 |
Time of possession | 29:23 | 30:37 |
RUSHING--Virginia Tech, R.Williams 24-183, D.Wilson 5-54, T.Taylor 6-34, Oglesby 6-26, Davis 1-7, Team 3-(minus 6). Virginia, Sewell 17-104, Hall 7-39, Simpson 5-16, Jackson 8-16.
PASSING--Virginia Tech, T.Taylor 8-15-1-185. Virginia, Sewell 12-22-0-120.
RECEIVING--Virginia Tech, Coale 6-135, Roberts 1-38, Boone 1-12. Virginia, Burd 3-30, T.Smith 3-28, Jackson 1-29, Simpson 1-9, Inman 1-8, Torchia 1-8, Hall 1-7, Phillips 1-1.
Att.--58,555.
