Chick-fil-A Bowl notes: Virginia players say Mike London has set team on right path

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Spend a few moments around members of the Virginia football team and one thing becomes apparent quickly: They really like coach Mike London.

The gushing doesn't seem contrived, either.?

"He's a father figure," said running back Kevin Parks.

"He's passionate. He tells you how he feels," said lineman Luke Bowanko. "He cares about us 100 percent."

London, a native Virginian and former head coach at Richmond, quickly won over players and has the Cavaliers in their first bowl appearance since 2007.?

We'll have more about his story in tomorrow's paper.

* What comes to mind when you think of the University of Virginia?

Great academics? Thomas Jefferson? Great football?

Well, perhaps two of three.

But players say this year's success has increased enthusiasm in Charlottesville. And they think the Chick-fil-A Bowl is just Step 1 in a revitalized football program.

"Some people see Virginia as a school that just plays football but is known for its academics," Bowanko said. "Our recent lack of success plays into that. But I think this year has really revamped our reputation and people are taking to us a lot differently than they have in past years. Hopefully we're on the upswing in terms of reputation. But that's something you earn, you just don't get it, and we understand that."

Cornerback Demetrious Nicholson said the sense was that the Cavaliers might be ahead of schedule with its 8-win season in 2011, making it more important to build on the accomplishments in 2012.

"This was a big step," he said. "We set the standards for ourselves, so next year we've got to get better."

* The SEC is on the verge of winning its sixth consecutive national championship, and although conference rivalries may be pass? in the wake of this year's radical?realignment, a win would still allow Virginia to flex its ACC pride.

"I think it'd be a big deal for the ACC as well as our team, knowing that we can beat great teams like Auburn," Nicholson said.

* While Auburn is at the Georgia Dome, Virginia is practicing today at Georgia Tech's indoor practice facility.?

After practice, players from both teams will make a joint visit to the Martin Luther King Center.

Dinner will follow at Sal Grosso's Brazilian Buffet.

Source: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/chick-fil-a_notes_from_virgini.html

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