I am picking a new college football team

(This is all a parody – I could never give up on UVA, but there are times that I want to throw every thing I own that is orange and blue into a fire)

I am done with Virginia. They consistently let me down. Al Groh came in talking a big game, but has provided 2-3 great moments during his 7 year tenure.

Here’s a quick history lesson. Before George Welsh arrived in 1982 the Cavs had two winning seasons in the previous 29. Two. Welsh turned a miserable program into a perennial 7-4 team who made appearances in mid tier bowl games. Years like 1994, 1995 and 1998 with 9 wins and top 20 finishes were a breath of fresh air for older fans who had seen several years in which the Wahoos won fewer that 3 games. Let’s face it, given the history at UVA, 8 wins is a great season.

That some how all changed in 2001 when Al Groh was hired and began talking about ACC titles, checkers and chess and other absurdities. Almost immediately, the fan base forgot their history. All of a sudden, fans complained during 7-8 win seasons and scoffed at late December bowl games in Charlotte. It also did not help that during this time rival Virginia Tech consistently won 10 games a season, joined the ACC and even won the conference championship twice. This year UVA will be lucky to win 5 games, let alone compete for an ACC title or even go to a bowl. Al Groh talks the talk but does not walk the walk.

So here is my solution. I am done with Virginia football and I am looking for a new team.

The criteria
Can not be in the ACC.
No National Championships in the past 10 years (aka no bandwagon)

Here is my list

Considered, but eliminated because of distance.

10. Georgia
9. Tennessee
8. Louisville
7. Kentucky
6. Alabama

These made me create a new rule – Must be within 6 hours driving distance.

Close, but not quite

5. Penn State

Pro – Awesome fans. Great traditions. Multiple games on TV.

Con – Too cold. Bandwagon factor is a little high.


4. Navy

Pro – Not too far away. A team on the rise.

Con – I have always sided with Army in the Army/Navy rivalry.

3. Pitt

Pro – I like other Pittsburgh teams. I have been to a few of their games.

Con – If I was going to Pittsburgh, I’d rather it be for a Steelers game.

2. West Virginia

Pro – Well within driving distance. A good Big East team. I can still hate Virginia Tech. My buddy Matt works there and can probably get me free tix.

Con – Not much here. It’s a great program, but just loses out to my number 1.



1. South Carolina

Great college football atmosphere. Loyal fans. Sunny, Southern weather. My brother lives in Columbia, so no hotel needed. SEC football without the bandwagon stigma.