Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510090121
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
To be accurate, Welsh said he wanted the streak to end and the Cavaliers to win, neither of which happened at North Carolina's Kenan Stadium.
UVa players botched at least two interception opportunities before safety Paul London snagged a Mike Thomas pass with 13:34 remaining in the game.
London's interception set up the field goal that gave the Cavaliers their only lead of the game before Carolina marched 77 yards for the go-ahead touchdown and a 22-17 victory.
It has been Welsh's contention that the Cavaliers have been concentrating too much on interceptions, a notion that one UVa defensive back has labeled ``totally absurd.''
Virginia has given up an ACC-high 236.6 yards per game through the air, but defensive coordinator Rick Lantz said Saturday that he wants the Cavaliers to force turnovers.
``We've talked about this before: Intercept every one you have a legitimate chance at,'' Lantz said.
HALFBACK OPTION
North Carolina tailback Leon Johnson had the second and third completions of his college career, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Wall that put the Tar Heels ahead 13-0.
``One of those was a technique error and the other was missed communication,'' Lantz said. ``That's upsetting. We threw it [in practice] exactly the way they threw it today.''
Johnson, who played quarterback in high school and did not move to tailback until Natrone Means turned pro after his junior year, attempted just one pass in his first two seasons at Carolina.
WASTED DAY
Nobody was more frustrated Saturday than Virginia tailback Tiki Barber, who seemingly couldn't make a move without a teammate being called for a penalty.
Barber had an apparent 27-yard punt return nullified in the second quarter and later had first-down yardage on consecutive third-quarter plays - a pass and a run - that were called back.
The highlight for Barber was a 4-yard touchdown run that gave him eight straight games with at least one rushing touchdown - most by a UVa player since John Duda ran for touchdowns in nine straight games between 1944-46.
HURT AGAIN
UVa tight end Bobby Neely, who had not played since the opening game, caught three passes for 40 yards before injuring his shoulder before halftime. Neely, returning from a sprained ankle, played only briefly in the second half.
NEXT OPPONENT
The Cavaliers (5-2 overall, 4-1 ACC) entertain Duke (2-4, 1-2) at 1:30 p.m. at Scott Stadium. The Blue Devils, 37-21 losers at home Saturday to Georgia Tech, are looking for their first victory in Charlottesville since 1981.
by CNB