Short on Cavalier attitude

There was something magical about Virginia's football team last season, scoring one close victory after another, sneaking into the top 20 like pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

But magic can be elusive. Just ask the Cavaliers' coach.

"This isn't Shangri-La," Al Groh said. "Things happen in life."

The star defensive end turns pro. The starting quarterback goes on academic suspension. A young linebacker runs afoul of the law.

The Virginia team that faces third-ranked USC in the season opener Saturday must replace 14 starters and find an identity. In other words, the Cavaliers need to conjure some new tricks.

Could they have picked a tougher start?

Asked that question at a recent media day, Groh offered two words in response: "Clearly not."

His team's transformation began with the exit of All-American defensive end Chris Long, a first-round NFL draft pick who had anchored a highly ranked defense in 2007.

"Obviously, it's not going to be easy replacing him," linebacker Clint Sintim said. "Or even possible to replace him."

Other key seniors and veterans departed with Long, including two tight ends who combined for 76 catches, the interior offensive line, the punter and the kicker.

But those losses were predictable. The off-season brought unforeseen setbacks.

Several players ran into classroom problems, including quarterback Jameel Sewell, who was suspended for a year. So the Cavaliers found themselves with a quarterback competition, choosing between three backups.

Even worse, the leading candidate is among a handful of Virginia players who have run afoul of the law. Last month, sophomore Peter Lalich was arrested for underage possession of alcohol.

His case was continued until next summer and will be dropped if he stays out of trouble. Linebacker J'Courtney Williams was not as fortunate, leaving the team after being charged with credit card theft.

More recently, allegations have surfaced that the new defensive coordinator and Groh's good friend, Bob Pruett, violated NCAA rules during a previous stint as Marshall's head coach.

Pruett has denied any wrongdoing and Groh dismisses the tumult surrounding his team as "only significant to people who want to stir it up."

Besides, the Cavaliers have enough to deal with on the field.