While no team has been able to compete with Florida State during its eight-year run of ACC excellence, George Welsh's Virginia football team has come closest to measuring up. And Welsh, the winningest coach in league history, may have in fact done his best job in guiding the Cavaliers to a 7-4 finish this season.

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	T O P   N E W S

After staggering to a 3-3 start, with unexpected losses to Clemson and lowly Duke, Virginia closed the season by winning four of its last five games, including its final three. The closing run gave the Cavaliers seven victories for the 13th consecutive season, and secured a Micronpc.com Bowl berth opposite Illinois. In terms of consistent success, only three other teams -- FSU, Nebraska and Michigan -- have equaled that run of seven-win seasons for a baker's dozen campaigns.

The improbable closing finish began with the most improbable victory, a 45-38 triumph over Georgia Tech behind a second-team quarterback making his first college start. The loss spoiled Tech's hopes for BCS at-large berth, but gave Virginia new life in its bowl pursuit.

The season ended with quarterback Dan Ellis, who could emerge as the league's top passer heading into next season, driving the Cavs the length of the field at Maryland in a 34-30 victory. Ellis hit freshman Billy McMullen for the game-winning score with 26 seconds to play.

With his team's defense riddled by injury and preseason suspensions, Welsh leaned on his one constant -- running back Thomas Jones -- who did not disappoint. Jones' 1,798 yards broke the ACC single-season rushing mark, which had stood for two decades.

The Cavaliers, who haven't been healthy as a team since the season began, figure to be at their physical best to face the Fighting Illini. Middle linebacker Yubrenal Isabelle (mononucleosis), receiver Demetrius Dotson (knee), defensive ends Travis Griffith and Boo Battle (ankles) should all return for the bowl game following extended absences.

It might just be enough to help Welsh erase the one major blemish on his record. Over the course of a 28-season coaching career, he has never won a football game in the state of Florida, having suffered losses to Boston College and Miami at Joe Robbie Stadium (site of the Micronpc.com Bowl).

The Personnel File

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: All-America running back Thomas Jones was the most productive running back in league history, churning out an ACC-record four 200-yard rushing games. Ranked second nationally in all-purpose yardage, he also became the first player in league history to run for 200 yards and collect 100 yards in receptions in the same game (vs. Buffalo). Above his on-field accomplishments, Jones graduated in just three years and never missed so much as a day of practice in his career. That's leadership.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Junior linebacker Yubrenal Isabelle. Playing in the middle for the first time in his career, Isabelle emerged as the Cavaliers top tackler, despite missing three games following the death of his mother and his bout with mono. He provided the one constant on a defense that was well below UVa standards.

COACH UPDATE: George Welsh (128-79-3 in 18 seasons at Virginia; 183-125-4 in 27 seasons overall). A slow start by the Cavs may have had Welsh pondering retirement, but a promising finish behind a wealth of talented youngsters could provide the impetus to push forward. There's no doubt he's welcome in Charlottesville as long as he wants to keep going.

STRENGTHS: Behind the ACC's biggest offensive line, Jones had a field day. Center John St. Clair and guard Noel LaMontagne head what may be one of the best run-blocking units the league has ever seen. That group also allowed first-year quarterback Dan Ellis earn his stripes without running for his life.

CONCERNS: With three freshmen seeing significant time in the secondary, the Cavs have been vulnerable to the pass throughout the year. Their lack of experience was further exploited when the front four was wiped out by injury by midseason.

Noteworthy

ELLIS EXCELS: After recovering from a concussion sustained just before the half with the Cavaliers leading Florida State, quarterback Dan Ellis came back with a sizzling finish to his first season as a starter. Over his final two games he completed 37 of 53 attempts for 639 yards and 10 TDs, boosting his QB rating from 123.18 to 145.04, good enough to finish eighth nationally.

FROSH CATCH ON: Though facing baptism by fire, the freshmen defensive back trio of Jerton Evans, Shernard Newby and Chris Williams collected eight of the team's 15 interceptions on the season. ... Freshman wide receiver Billy McMullen also tied for the team lead in receptions with 28 for 483 yards and six touchdowns.