Editor’s Note: Beginning today, John Galinsky will preview Virginia’s 2003 football opponents for us, covering one opponent every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next four weeks.
Week 1: Duke
Time: Saturday, August 30 (7 p.m.)
Site: Scott Stadium.
2002 record: 2-10, 0-8 ACC.
2002 result: Virginia 27, Duke 22.
Coach: Carl Franks (5-40, 4 years).
The Blue Devils
A year from now, Miami and Virginia Tech may miss Big East patsies like
Rutgers and Temple. Then again, there’s always Duke. The Blue Devils have
lost 25 straight ACC games and 33 of 35 overall, making them the whipping
boys of the conference. Still, they showed marked improvement last year,
winning twice (against East Carolina and Navy) and losing four ACC games by five points or fewer.
Now Franks welcomes back one of the most experienced rosters in the country. Fifty-one lettermen and 20 starters return, including all 11 on offense. Seniors Alex Wade and Chris Douglas may form the league’s best one-two punch at running back. Wade made the All-ACC second team, while Douglas has 4,310 career all-purpose yards. The receiving corps and offensive line are decent. If junior quarterback Adam Smith plays well, Duke could really be dangerous. The defense made huge strides last year under new coordinator Ted Roof. The Devils were first in the ACC in rushing defense a year after finishing 113th nationally in that category. The entire secondary is back along with linebacker Ryan Fowler, who has led the team in tackles the past three seasons, but an overall lack of size and speed makes this unit less than imposing.
All-ACC Candidates
Offense: TB Chris Douglas, FB Alex Wade, WR Khary Sharpe, T Drew Strojny
Defense: LB Ryan Fowler, T Matt Zielinski, P Trey McDonald
Notable
Despite his dreadful record, Franks received a three-year contract extension through 2006. He should benefit from a new football-support facility and assurances from the admissions office that recruits will get a few more breaks. … Franks has doubled as offensive coordinator but will give up that title to Jim Pry, whose previous job was passing-game coordinator. … Virginia has won seven of the past eight against Duke to even the series at 27-27. … Even at their worst, the Devils have given UVa fits in recent years, beating them in overtime in 1999 and losing 27-22 last year.
