Better Execution, Not Motivation, Needed For Hoos

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The Hoos need to execute better in all phases of the game if they want to improve their record. ~ Mike Ingalls

When the Virginia football program holds its annual Media Day next Friday, the theme seems predictable. Many of the media’s questions figure to focus on coach Mike London’s job security, the Cavaliers’ last place prediction in the Coastal Division, and the overall state of the program. That’s generally what unfolded at the ACC Kickoff in Greensboro last week too.

The answers probably can be guessed like clockwork too. It’s motivation. Bulletin board material. It’s something to keep in the back of the team’s collective mind. Underdog roles are meant to be embraced.

In other words? Hogwash.

While such answers are expected, unavoidable, and often true, they are also nothing but red herrings for this team this year. All of those same carrots dangled in front of the program last August too when training camp opened. The team owned a 4-8 record in 2012, the media picked the Hoos last in the Coastal Division, and faint chatter already had started about London’s position at Virginia. The motivation talk existed then too and promptly spurred the team to a 2-10 record.

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