Virginia has its own questions at quarterback

USC isn’t the only team with questions at quarterback.

While the Trojans sort through various possibilities – Will Mark Sanchez’s knee recover in time for the opener? Who might replace him? – their opponent has similar concerns.

Virginia expected to have established starter Jameel Sewell, who led the team to a 9-4 record and a New Year’s Day bowl appearance last season. But Sewell was placed on academic suspension in January and did not enroll for the spring semester.

Two weeks into training camp, the Cavaliers are remaining mum on his replacement.

Sophomore Peter Lalich served as Sewell’s backup last season and played in eight games, but he ran into trouble over the summer, charged with underage drinking.

Scott Deke appeared in only one game in 2007 and did not attempt a pass.

Sophomore Marc Verica has yet to see game action.

Lalich is considered the favorite in this three-man race, but Coach Al Groh told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he doesn’t want to make “an inappropriately quick decision.”

It seems like Groh has a taste for mystery. In 2001, his first season at Virginia, he made no official announcement before sending Matt Schaub onto the field against Wisconsin in the opener.

That didn’t turn out well. Schaub, who now starts for the Houston Texans, threw two interceptions in the first quarter that were converted into 10 points. Wisconsin won, 26-17.

 david.wharton@latimes.com