Popularity Is A Powerful Factor

Two colleges, both in the same conference. One has a consistently strong football team, while the other has achieved sporadic success(especially in recent history). And what happens when they each experience academic troubles?

Well, FSU's cheating scandal got a ton of press, while Virginia's loss of some of their top players hasn't seem to garner that much attention. Granted, FSU's problems occured right before their bowl game, but Virginia is looking at entering this season without their starting quarterback(Jameel Sewell), starting cornderback(Chris Cook) or starting defensive end(Jeffrey Fitzgerald).

Fitzgerald is the latest player to leave the university due to academic problems, though it's unclear exactly what happened.

Sports information director Jim Daves confirmed Monday the sophomore from Richmond, who is been expected to take over as the team’s top pass-rusher with the departure of Chris Long to the NFL, is no longer a student but declined to comment further, citing privacy issues.

Up to this point, I haven't heard or read anyone question the level of teaching, tutoring and testing that the athletes get at UVA. I guess sometimes it's nice to not be the best because it shields you from a bit scrutiny every once in a while.