ATLANTA, Ga.—
This final game of the year, the first bowl game in four seasons for UVA, means so much for the Cavalier seniors, who've brought this program back to success in their last year.It's especially meaningful for one player, a captain and former walk-on, that has battled back from injury all for Saturday night.
Halfway through the 2011 season, senior receiver Matt Snyder was having his best year as a Cavalier. But during a regular October practice, in the middle of a routine drill, Snyder broke his foot - knocking him out for the last six games of the regular season.
"It really was a roller-coaster of emotions. I mean going from having your season, taking your career taken from you to having one more opportunity," Snyder said.
At the time of the injury, it could have been the end of Matt Snyder's college career.
But Virginia won four of its final six games to qualify for postseason play and give Snyder one final game.
"I was already trying to work hard just to try to get back. That gave me a realistic goal and when you have a goal in front of you it makes it a lot easier to rehab and work hard," Snyder said.
Virginia QB Michael Rocco said: "I didn't know how long it was going to be, how long the injury would take to heal. But I knew Matt Snyder was going to work his tail off to get back and to play with us because that's just the guy he is."
It's unclear how much Snyder will actually play in the game. But no matter what, he's had the finish to his senior season that he always wanted.
"Might just call a play, throw a hitch route, let him catch it. I don't know how fast he'll go, or if he'll break any tackles," Virginia coach Mike London said.
Said Snyder: "This is as much fun as I've had at practice as I can remember. It's just great to be back on the field competing, playing with my teammates and having fun."
Matt's younger brother Jake is a sophomore starter at defensive end for the Cavaliers. He's also expressed how much it will mean to play one final game with his brother.
