It
was a surreal environment in Scott Stadium on Saturday evening. The game was no
longer in doubt as a close battle early transformed into a little bit of
chippiness and a lot of frustration. By that point, a near 50/50 split in the
stands had become dominated by Hokies - same as the game on the field. As the
clock ticked off its final seconds, my eyes were on UVa's soon-to-be-ex coach Al
Groh.
Sure it was enjoyable watching the Hokies beat the rival Hoos for the tenth
time in eleven years, but I have to admit that I felt some sympathy for a man
that knew he was about to be fired from the one place he loved the most. Despite
the years of arrogance that irritated so many and the post-game moment of poetic
self-absorption that puzzled all, this was still about a coach coaching his last
game at his alma mater. It's a harsh business and the reality of that business
was telling as the scoreboard read 42-13 and Al Groh quickly hustled off the
field and out of Scott Stadium for the last time.