UVa road trip could be beneficial

NEW ORLEANS — As odd as it may sound, many of Virginia’s players may feel at home today.

The past two weeks, the Cavaliers (0-2) have completed lackluster losses to a chorus of boos.

That will likely continue today as Virginia plays its first road game, taking on Southern Miss (2-0) at cozy, hostile M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss.

“Being on the road could definitely help,” Virginia cornerback Chris Cook said. “If we can go down there and get a win, we can win anywhere.”

Running back Mikell Simpson, who has managed just 64 yards rushing on 13 carries, agreed with his teammate.

“Actually, I love away games,” he said. “If we could play every game away that would be fine for me. I just like going into another place and everybody’s against you and you have nothing to do but fight back.”

Virginia, which has lost 10 of its past 16 games, put up little resistance in its past six quarters outside of two late touchdown passes from senior Jameel Sewell to a pair of freshmen.

Those setbacks, including the most recent, a 30-14 thumping by Texas Christian, came in the cool air of Central Virginia.

It is expected to be anything but that way today, with temperatures sizzling and high humidity potentially creating potential cramps.

Virginia coach Al Groh hinted earlier in the week that he would substitute players on a frequent basis with that in mind.

It has been the talent, however, that the Golden Eagles, a 16-point favorite today, have showcased during a seven-game winning streak that dates back to last season that has gotten Virginia’s attention this week.

“We know that Southern Mississippi has had an excellent team over the years, and it is probably not the type of grass they have — more so the players they have,” Groh explained. “We’re very impressed with the players we’ve seen on video.”

Southern Miss enters with a balanced attack on offense, ranking No. 20 in the country in total offense after back-to-back home games against Alcorn State and Central Florida.

The timing of the contest could benefit Virginia, which will enjoy its bye week following the contest. The Golden Eagles do, in fact, have their marquee non-conference game next week on the road at No. 20 Kansas.

Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora predicted, however, that his team would not look past his foe from the ACC.

“Defensively, Virginia is really good,” he said. “I’m telling you there’s never been a bigger, finer looking group of athletes to step foot on our football field than we’ll see across the line [today].”