UCLA 34, Virginia 16
Despite zero turnovers this time, Virginia's loss to UCLA Saturday was not as impressive a showing as when the Cavs lost to the Bruins last year.
The defense gave up just seven points (three defensive TDs were the rest of the points) and 358 yards last year but 34 this year and 503 yards. David Dean was the only Cavalier to record a sack. In 2014, Brett Hundley was sacked five times. You could tell the defense was really missing some pass rushing that Henry Coley Eli, Harold, and Max Valles provided. UCLA true freshman QB Josh Rosen was unleashed and had plenty of time to loft throws downfield. He completed 28 of 35 passes for 351 yards and three TDs.
The offense was similar to last year (336 yards Saturday compared to 386 last year), but punched the ball in the end zone one less time. And therein lies the problem. Virginia had three field goals Saturday. This offense tends to shut down in the red zone. It has been a major problem lately. If Virginia is going to get some wins against this tough schedule, that is going to have to change. The 'Hoos must score more touchdowns.
Matt Johns looked decent under center but was no game changer. He completed 21 of 35 passes for 238 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. The running game was pretty disappointing, gaining just 98 yards. Taquan Mizzell only averaged 2.8 yards per carry for 45 yards. I was hoping to see Daniel Hamm get the ball some but he was out with a wrist injury. Maryland transfer Albert Reid averaged 2.6 ypc for 31 yards. Mizzell did work pretty well in space and had eight catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. That was our best offense all day. Get it to Mizzell in the flat with hopefully some room to run. Tight end Evan Butts up the seam (two catches for 42 yards) was also nice and should be explored more. Canaan Severin had five catches for 75 yards. Hopefully more WRs get worked in in the coming weeks.
Things don't get any easier this Saturday. No. 9 Notre Dame comes to town for Virginia's home opener. The Fighting Irish were very impressive in dismantling Texas, 38-3, in their first contest. I would count it as improvement if Virginia can stay within three touchdowns.
Despite zero turnovers this time, Virginia's loss to UCLA Saturday was not as impressive a showing as when the Cavs lost to the Bruins last year.
The defense gave up just seven points (three defensive TDs were the rest of the points) and 358 yards last year but 34 this year and 503 yards. David Dean was the only Cavalier to record a sack. In 2014, Brett Hundley was sacked five times. You could tell the defense was really missing some pass rushing that Henry Coley Eli, Harold, and Max Valles provided. UCLA true freshman QB Josh Rosen was unleashed and had plenty of time to loft throws downfield. He completed 28 of 35 passes for 351 yards and three TDs.
The offense was similar to last year (336 yards Saturday compared to 386 last year), but punched the ball in the end zone one less time. And therein lies the problem. Virginia had three field goals Saturday. This offense tends to shut down in the red zone. It has been a major problem lately. If Virginia is going to get some wins against this tough schedule, that is going to have to change. The 'Hoos must score more touchdowns.
Matt Johns looked decent under center but was no game changer. He completed 21 of 35 passes for 238 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. The running game was pretty disappointing, gaining just 98 yards. Taquan Mizzell only averaged 2.8 yards per carry for 45 yards. I was hoping to see Daniel Hamm get the ball some but he was out with a wrist injury. Maryland transfer Albert Reid averaged 2.6 ypc for 31 yards. Mizzell did work pretty well in space and had eight catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. That was our best offense all day. Get it to Mizzell in the flat with hopefully some room to run. Tight end Evan Butts up the seam (two catches for 42 yards) was also nice and should be explored more. Canaan Severin had five catches for 75 yards. Hopefully more WRs get worked in in the coming weeks.
Things don't get any easier this Saturday. No. 9 Notre Dame comes to town for Virginia's home opener. The Fighting Irish were very impressive in dismantling Texas, 38-3, in their first contest. I would count it as improvement if Virginia can stay within three touchdowns.
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