This week we sniffed hind quarters (damn that was redneck) with Rob Mahini from TheSabre.com.  You can check out our answers here (forthcoming).

1.) You guys are .500 too, albeit under different circumstances. Whereas Clemson was supposed to be great, you guys were braced for a down year. How satisfied are you with your team considering most people’s expectations, and do you think there is any serious possibility that your administration will fire a coach who was named ACC Coach of the Year the previous year?

I guess when you lose a game to Duke, expectations change. We were braced for a down year, but a losing-to-Duke year? And then Groh followed that up with a winning streak in the middle of the season that nobody expected. Then he lead the team to a two-game losing streak. It’s been a roller coaster ride and I think a lot of fans are just tired of the ride. However, oddly enough, we’re still in contention for the Coastal title, so that’s been a nice distraction.

Groh is in no danger of getting fired. AD Craig Littlepage recently said that Groh is definitely returning, so there’s no doubt on that front. In fact, I’ve been saying for years that Groh is protected from losing his job because of the huge buyout provision in his contract, the change-averse nature of the administration, the endless stream of justifications for his mediocre seasons, and the occasional Coach of the Year curve ball. The man has nine lives. Sound familiar?

2) The Lalich situation got a little ridiculous. Were folks happy to see him go after being such a dummy or were most people upset about his leaving?

At first, the fans were pretty angry.  They thought that Lalich didn’t get enough of a second chance and that the administration forced Groh’s hand. Then, we learned that Lalich appeared to have burned through a number of second chances. I don’t want to get into rumor mongering, but let’s just say there were some Facebook pictures that didn’t exactly jibe with the terms of his probation. At this point, I think fans understand that the best thing was for him to start anew elsewhere, but they’re disappointed that the star-to-be turned into such a basket case.

3) Where will your big plays come from on offense? What one player can change the game?

Cedric Peerman (RB) has shown the best ability to game change for us. In a number of games during that winning streak, he’s ripped off long demoralizing runs that made the difference. I’ll say that Kevin Ogletree (WR) is a close second — he is Virginia’s true wide receiver threat in a long time, and QB Marc Verica has a knack of bombing touchdown passes to the ‘Tree.

4) What’s the strongest unit (DL, LB, DB) on the defensive side of the ball for Virgina? Who should we keep our eyes on?

It better be linebacker, since we run the 3-4. Clint Sintim has been a beast this year, and his crew has down a good job making up for some of the deficiencies in the front 3. The DB’s are much better than the past, because some of the younger guys like Ras I-Dowling and a much better Vic Hall are actually covering guys downfield. But it’s still a bit suspect in the pass coverage game.

5) What’s your take on the outcome this Saturday? Be brutally honest with us.

It’s a tough call, but I think Virginia prevails. The Hoos are tough at home and have a lot to play for right now. No offense, but I think Clemson is in a bit of disarray given the coaching search and the whole blowing-the-season thing, so I’d be surprised if they can pull of a road win at this point in the season. If UVa gets solid play from Peerman and Verica, and the defense bends but doesn’t break, I think Virginia gets bowl eligible on Saturday. And then we’re set for a bottom tier ACC bid: the Eagle Bowl!