Andrew Shurtleff, Associated Press Virginia coach Al Groh stops during the Cavaliers' media day in Charlottesville, Va., earlier this month to autograph a ball for a fan. Click photo for larger image. The Opener Matchup: Pitt vs. Virginia in the season opener for both teams. When: 7 p.m. Saturday. Where: Heinz Field. TV: ESPNU. Related coverage Pitt Football Notebook: New start time set for Sept. 16 game Pitt football Q & A with Paul Zeise

Virginia coach Al Groh, like Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, spent a lot of years coaching in the NFL, so he knows how tough the transition from coaching in the pros to coaching in college can be.

Groh took over at Virginia in 2001 and led the Cavaliers to a 5-7 record. In his second year, things started to fall into place as the Cavaliers went 9-5 and beat West Virginia in the Continental Tire Bowl. Since then, the Cavaliers have been to a bowl game every season.

Groh, whose Cavaliers will play Pitt at Heinz Field next Saturday night in the opener for both teams, sees similarities between his career and Wannstedt's. So, he expects the Panthers to be a much better team than they were last year.

He also said the biggest transition for him was not football-related but personnel-related and, once he made some adjustments, he saw a quick and dramatic improvement in the team.

"I found things to be more the same than they were different," Groh said yesterday in a teleconference. "You spend much less time with the players, so that was the most significant difference.

"I think, as Dave has found out, you like to teach the players, and it is to your advantage to do that, but you have to be careful not to overload them given the time restraints."

Groh was an assistant coach for the New York Giants from 1989-1991, the same period Wannstedt was defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. The two also spent time in the same division in 1999 and 2000, when Groh was with the New York Jets and Wannstedt with the Miami Dolphins. Then, Groh was head coach of the Jets in 2000, while Wannstedt was in his first season as the Dolphins' head coach. Groh's Jets won both times those teams met.

As a result of such familiarity, there won't be many surprises next Saturday.

Groh said he is sure the Panthers will be well coached, well prepared and ready to put up a fight.

"I have a great deal of respect for Dave," Groh said. "He is very professional in his approach, is well organized and understands the game very well. I have always admired his defenses, and they have always been outstanding, whether in Dallas, Chicago or Miami.

"They are always tough to deal with. I expect they will be hard to run against and will bring a lot of pressure on the quarterback."

Although Groh is starting his sixth season with the Cavaliers, this is a transition year for him.

The Cavaliers, 7-5 last season with a Music City Bowl win against Minnesota, lost all three coordinators to head-coaching jobs and have had several players suspended from or kicked off the team.

The Cavaliers also must replace 10 starters as well as their kicker and punter.

It does not mean they are starting over, but it does mean they are going to have as many inexperienced players on the field as the Panthers will. That's especially true along the offensive and defensive lines, but Groh always has been able to reload with talented players.

This year should be no exception. And while there are three new coordinators, two have worked for Groh before and know his offensive and defensive schemes.

Two local players are competing for considerable playing time with the Cavaliers.

Kevin McCabe, a Pine-Richland High School graduate, was named the backup quarterback yesterday and could get a few snaps against the Panthers.

Groh also said defensive tackle Allen Billyk of New Castle is locked in a battle for a starting job.

"This has been the best preseason for Kevin. He has been a lot calmer and more comfortable with what he is doing and that has greatly aided his development," Groh said.

"Allen is one of those players who brings dependability to the operation of our defense. He is very solid and dependable in the middle and gives our two inside linebackers a comfort level with how they can operate."