Jameel Sewell is counting down the days.

Last week was one of the bittersweet experiences of Marc Verica’s young life.

Scattershooting around the ACC, while noting that the Maryland vs. Virginia rivalry has developed into one of the league’s best over the past couple of seasons…

Scattershooting around the ACC, while noting that the Maryland vs. Virginia rivalry has developed into one of the league’s best over the past couple of seasons…

With turmoil swirling around Groh after the Cavaliers’ 1-3 start, fans are looking for reasons as to why the program is struggling in the coach’s eighth year on the job.

Thrust into the starting role a couple of weeks ago after regular starter Peter Lalich was booted from the program, Verica was roughed up by Duke’s aggressive defense in a 31-3 loss at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Scattershooting around the ACC, while wishing the best of luck to Pete Lalich, who has transferred to Oregon State ...

A year ago, Marc Verica was buried on Virginia’s quarterback depth chart. He was fourth behind then-starter Jameel Sewell, true freshman backup Peter Lalich and senior Scott Deke.

After all of the hullabaloo, it really didn’t matter who suited up at quarterback for Virginia on Saturday night against Connecticut. Johnny Unitas could have been taking the snaps and the Cavaliers would have still been under whelming.

In addition to making his road debut, Verica also earned his first starting assignment.

The situation must feel eerily similar for Virginia quarterback Marc Verica.

Through a university-issued press release Wednesday evening, Groh announced that embattled starting quarterback Pete Lalich would not travel to Saturday’s game at Connecticut and would be replaced by sophomore Marc Verica.

“I have not smoked or done any drugs while on my probation,” Lalich proclaimed.

Starting University of Virginia football quarterback Pete Lalich admitted to court officials that he used marijuana and alcohol while on supervised probation for an underage drinking charge, according to Charlottesville General District Court documents.

“If you are scared to take a hit you are not going to play well,” said Lalich after the Cavaliers’ 52-7 loss to USC on Saturday. “If you don’t like that kind of stuff, you are not going to be a good quarterback.”