But getting those wins won't be easy because the schedule gets more difficult. UVa's remaining opponents have a cumulative record of 28-10; its first six are a combined 18-18.
"I'd say in all likelihood the second half is going to be tougher than the first half," coach Al Groh said.
Next up is Clemson (3-2) on Saturday, followed by North Carolina (2-3), with both games at Scott Stadium. Future opponents include No. 4 Virginia Tech (5-0), No. 14 N.C. State (6-0) and No. 15 Penn State (4-1).
The Tigers own the ACC's stingiest defense, having allowed 281 yards per game (158 fewer than Virginia). They also should be well-rested. Following an off-week, they lost to Florida State last Thursday, which gave them two extra days to prepare for the Cavaliers.
"Sometimes you can be at a competitive disadvantage in late-season games because your team is more tired than the other team," Groh said. "Now we're playing a game where the other team has had a substantial period of time to rest. …
"They're a fast team to start with and with rest they ought to be able to play pretty fast. One of the biggest challenges in the game for us is to somehow try to match or minimize their speed. I'm sure we can't do that if we're tired."
Short break. Groh, whose team has played for three straight Saturdays, gave his players Monday off for the first time this season. He wanted to give them a reward for their four-game winning streak and also allow them to rest for a day.
"I think it's important for us to be able to relax, step back and take our minds off things," said quarterback Matt Schaub, one of the few players who showed up in the locker room for interviews Monday.
UVa students did not have class Monday, so the older players were able to take a day off from athletics and academics. Not the freshmen. Groh scheduled two study halls for them Monday, twice as many as usual.
Still efficient. Schaub slipped one spot to No. 4 nationally in passing efficiency after an up-and-down performance against Duke. He completed 27 of 45 passes for 315 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
But he was at his best at the end, throwing for 181 yards in the fourth quarter and leading two touchdown drives in the 27-22 victory. That has been typical of the Cavaliers, who have outscored their opponent in the final period each of the past nine games.
"I think the best thing we do is not give up and not lose the fight in us," Schaub said. "That never-say-die attitude has gotten us four wins in a row."
Tackle machine. Senior linebacker Angelo Crowell, who made a season-high 15 tackles against the Blue Devils, said he was motivated by the presence of his brother Germane in the stands at Wallace Wade Stadium. Germane is a star receiver for the Detroit Lions, who had a bye week.
"I just try to put on a show whenever he's there," Crowell said. "Let him know his little brother's doing pretty good out there."
Crowell now has 69 tackles, tops on the team and fourth in the ACC.
Getting defensive. Crowell wasn't the only Cavalier defender who had a busy day against the Blue Devils. Defensive end Chris Canty and safety Jerton Evans each made 12 tackles, nose tackle Andrew Hoffman had 10 and linebacker Darryl Blackstock finished with nine tackles, a sack, four quarterback pressures and a fumble recovery.
Evans, who also broke up a pass, was named ACC defensive back of the week for his efforts.
Late nights. Groh watched Clemson lose to Florida State, 48-31, on ESPN last Thursday night. Asked what he learned from that game, he said, "If I intend to stay up and watch those Thursday night games, I better stop getting up as early in the morning as I do."
Groh also stayed up past midnight last Saturday night and watched Tennessee's 41-38 victory over Arkansas in six overtimes. That made him realize something else: "I don't know if I have enough strategy for six overtimes."
Early risers. A few weeks ago, Groh said he preferred late-afternoon and evening game times. But television often dictates otherwise, which is why the Cavaliers will have a noon kickoff for the third straight time next week.
UVa's game against North Carolina on Oct. 19 will begin at noon and will be televised by the ACC/Jefferson Pilot Sports Network.
