Wahoo Wire

Photo Courtesy Jaryd Waegerle, Wahoo Wire

Virginia’s rebuilding year started with promise, but has recently hit a serious rough patch. A demoralizing loss last Saturday to North Carolina exposed a plethora of weaknesses that need to be addressed immediately. Blown coverages, missed tackles, and lack of a pass rush led to quick drives, and quick points for the Tar Heels. On the offensive side of the ball, three different quarterbacks combined for five interceptions.

Since opening the season 2-1, the Wahoos have dropped three straight games and are currently without a win in the ACC.  The ‘Hoos desperately need a victory and will look to turn things around against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Scott Stadium on Saturday.

Eastern Michigan currently sits at 1-6 (1-3 MAC), and is coming off of a 2009 campaign where they did not have a single win. Despite Eastern Michigan’s weak record, Virginia Head Coach Mike London sees the importance of Saturday’s game. “I look at this as an opportunity to play well and win a game. We need to win a game.” Getting back to basics will be the key for Coach London and his staff as they prepare for the matchup with the Eagles.

Marc Verica will be the starting quarterback on Saturday, despite being pulled against North Carolina, a decision that received an audible chorus of cheers from Wahoo fans.  He will need to have a good, consistent performance against the Eagles, something that could help him keep his job for the time being.

The silver lining this year for the ‘Hoos has been the running game. Keith Payne has found his way into the end zone eight times in six games, and Perry Jones has averaged 5.6 yards-per-carry.  They will look to light up an Eagle defense that allows 143.3 rushing yards per game.

The Wahoos need to win in convincing fashion on Saturday in order to keep the fan base still interested in the season. However, to show progress this season, the ‘Hoos are going to have to do more than beat up on weaker opponents and FCS teams. In any event, at this point in the season, the Wahoos should be happy to collect wins from whatever the source.