THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 1994 TAG: 9409110194
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ANNAPOLIS, MD. LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
Quarterback Mike Groh grasped the chance he had been awaiting Saturday night and directed Virginia to a 47-10 victory over Navy in his first college start.
Groh, replacing injured Symmion Willis, passed for three touchdowns and ran for another as Virginia evened its record at 1-1.
The Cavaliers did not disclose until shortly kickoff that Willis had pulled a hamstring muscle in practice on Tuesday and would not play.
Groh said he learned for sure on Friday that he would start, but he already was anticipating some playing time based on his performance in last week's 41-17 loss to Florida State.
He took over from Willis and led Virginia to its only two touchdowns.
``Even before Willis was injured, I was planning on getting playing time and playing well,'' said Groh, a red-shirt junior.
``I knew I was capable of playing Division I football. I just needed a chance, and now I think a lot of people saw that I can play.''
Groh completed 26 of 36 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for one touchdown.
His completions were the most by a Virginia quarterback since Scott Secules completed 26 against North Carolina in 1987, and the second most in school history.
The Cavaliers' defense set up three short touchdown drives with interceptions by Jamie Sharper and Sam McKiver, and a blocked punt by Percy Ellsworth.
Wide receiver Tyrone Davis had three touchdown catches, red-shirt freshman Tiki Barber returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown, and place-kicker Raphael Garcia contributed a pair of field goals.
Navy, which suffered its second straight blowout, celebrated less significant accomplishments.
One was ending an 11-quarter scoreless streak against Virginia on a 36-yard field goal by Ryan Bucchianeri in the second priod.
The Middies' only touchdown came in the final 15 seconds against the Virginia reserves.
Virginia coach George Welsh seemed both satisfied and relieved by the convincing victory.
``I would have been happy if we'd gotten out of here with a 17-14 victory,'' Welsh contended.
``This was not the same Navy team that lost so badly to San Diego State last week.''
Welsh mostly was concerned with injuries to his players. In addition to Willis, linebacker Randy Neal was out because of a badly sprained knee.
Neal did not make the trip. Willis was in uniform and said he could have played in case of an emergency.
``I could have played, but I didn't want to risk it, with a big ACC game (against Clemson) coming up next week,'' said Willis, a two-year starter at quarterback.
Willis said he thought Groh played well, and that he was cheering for him on the sidelines.
``The big thing was winning this game,'' Willis said.
Welsh said Willis would return to his starting role against Clemson if he is physically able.
``No one loses his job because of an injury,'' Welsh said.
``But I was very happy to see Groh play so well. I feel good about him in case we do need to play him more.''
The Cavaliers suffered another injury, with freshman receiver Germane Crowell separating a shoulder.
Crowell, who caught two touchdown passes last week, probably will be lost for the season.
Groh's favorite receiver against Navy was 6-foot-5 wide receiver Tyrone Davis, who towered over the smaller Middies.
Davis had nine catches for 119 yards and also had a 17-yard carry on a reverse. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jamie Sharper, left, and the Virginia defense kept Omar Nelson under
wraps, holding the Navy running back to just 43 yards.
by CNB