2010 Rivals ACC Preview – #90 Virginia
From RIVALS.
COACH: Mike London (first season; 24-5, third season overall)
LAST SEASON: 3-9, 2-6 (6th in ACC Coastal)
FINAL 2009 RIVALS.COM RANKING: 82nd
KEEP AN EYE ON: Virginia generally played quality defense during former coach Al Groh’s tenure, so it will be interesting to see whether the Cavaliers can continue performing well on that side of the ball as they switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme. In an era when many coaches are moving toward the 3-4, Virginia is moving away from that alignment under new coach London.
STRENGTHS: CB Ras-I Dowling is a legitimate All-America candidate and pro prospect who headlines a good secondary. Dowling and fellow CB Chase Minnifield helped Virginia rank 23rd in the nation in pass efficiency defense last season. Matt Conrath and Nick Jenkins give the Cavaliers a couple of solid defensive tackles. The Cavaliers return three starters on the offensive line. LB Steve Greer is a rising star who led the Cavaliers with 92 tackles as a redshirt freshman last season. K Robert Randolph went 17-of-19 on field-goal attempts last season.
WEAKNESSES: The quarterback position is a major concern. Marc Verica threw twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes in 2008, then completed less than half his pass attempts as a backup last season. And he’s the only quarterback on the roster who has thrown a pass in a college game. Virginia also lacks experience at wide receiver and running back, though redshirt freshman RB Dominique Wallace provides plenty of promise. The defensive ends are nothing special. Other than Greer, the linebackers are questionable. The punt-coverage unit and return teams need an upgrade.
BUZZ: London’s fast start on the recruiting trail suggests he eventually should make Virginia competitive again, but the improvement isn’t likely to come this season. Virginia could struggle to throw the ball all season. The defense may need a few games to adjust to its scheme change, though facing two FCS opponents in the first three games could help in that regard. Virginia could exceed last season’s victory total, but a winning season seems unlikely.
– STEVE MEGARGEE
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