QBs throw weight around

With 32 defensive players drafted out of the ACC in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft over the past four years, it was clear that the league’s defensive minds were control.
That all changed on Saturday.
The 11 teams that played this week combined for 443 points, averaging just over 40 points per team.
Virginia coach Al Groh knows why: quarterbacks played well.
He should know, he owns one of them.
Virginia signal caller Jameel Sewell torched Indiana’s pass defense for 308 yards as he completed 66.7 percent of his 30
attempts.
Sewell, a senior, was one of five quarterbacks in the ACC to pass for over 300 yards during the weekend.
“Usually, that high scoring is a function of quarterback play,” Groh explained Monday during his weekly press conference at John Paul Jones Arena. “I thought [Wake Forest’s] Riley Skinner was outstanding, [Thaddeus] Lewis at Duke, to go 40 for 50, must have had some great throws.
“So it was certainly a function of that.”
Lewis finished with 459 yards through the air and registered five TD passes. Christian Ponder, Florida State’s quarterback, did the same in a losing effort to Georgia Tech.
The production was expected from some of the league’s best arm-slinging options, but not necessarily from Sewell.
The southpaw from Richmond has completed just 57.8 percent of his passes during his career (431 of 746) with 22 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
The play has improved of late, forcing the question in regards to how much better Sewell can be the remainder of the season.
“Let me get my crystal ball up here,” Groh joked. “We certainly don’t want to put a cap on that, but that would be hard for me to speculate.
“If I could do that, I would buy stocks low and sell high.”
After beating Indiana 47-7, Sewell praised his wide receivers and said his confidence in his targets continues to grow.
“I am definitely trying to give my wide receivers more opportunities to get the ball,” Sewell said. “I am trying to get the ball out and avoid the sacks. They showed me that they are going to go get it.
“As long as they can go out there and keep doing it, I’m going to keep getting it out there to them.”
An admitted “fan” of Sewell, Groh knows returning to the postseason could hinge on the quarterback’s play over the final seven games.
“We’ve always felt that he had tremendous ability to have a highly versatile game, which he has demonstrated on many occasions,” he said. “I would certainly never be the person that would put any limitations on how high his game can rise.”
Proof is in the practice
It is unknown how much, if any, Virginia running back Mikell Simpson will participate today when the Cavaliers (2-3, 1-0 ACC) return to practice to prepare for Saturday’s road affair at Maryland (2-4, 1-1).
After a carry in the lopsided victory over IU, Simpson had to be carted off the field and was taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center. He was treated, released and watched practice in street clothes on Sunday.
What is clear, however, is that Simpson needs to return to practice before being given the green light to play.
“Pretty much would be the case,” Groh admitted. “You would want him to familiarize himself mostly in the area of pass protection.”
“The runs are going to be pretty much the same, particularly because Maryland does bring a variety of different looking schemes which will be challenging, not only to the offensive line, but particularly to the backs. Backs often have a lot more dual pick-up or moving linebackers, and they’ve got to sort it out, so that will be the particular issue there.”
Simpson is currently tied for fourth in the ACC in touchdowns, averaging six points per game.
Extra points
For the second straight week, Virginia will play as the favorite. The Cavaliers are favored by four points over Maryland. … Virginia’s contest at home on Oct. 24 against Georgia Tech will kick off at noon. The contest will be televised by Raycom. … The Cavaliers could enjoy yet another banner day on offense. Maryland enters the game ranked No. 114 in scoring defense (36 ppg) and 102nd in total defense, allowing 406 yards per contest. ... Sophomore defensive end Zane Parr was among the players that Groh cited for improved play of late.