Virginia
Last year: 6-7 (3-5 ACC), lost to Navy, 49-7, in Military Bowl
Best win: at Boise State, 42-23 Worst loss: bowl defeat
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall (third year, 8-17, 107-60 career)
Starters returning: 17 (6 offense, 8 defense, 3 specialists)
Offensive players to watch: QB Bryce Perkins. There's some hype building for Perkins, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback who has two years of eligibility remaining. He's the kind of signal-caller the coaching staff hopes to build the offense around. He replaces Kurt Benkert, who had a big arm but was not the dual threat the coaches ideally want under center. Benkert was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent and is currently their third-string QB.
Perkins enrolled at Virginia in January after a year at Arizona Western Community College, a junior college. There, he led the Matadors to the 2017 NJCAA championship game, where they lost to East Mississippi, 31-28. Overall, he completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 1,311 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He rushed for 353 yards (5.1 ypc) and four scores. It is interesting to me he was quite accurate yet had one more pick than TD. The yardage figure also indicates to me the team must have run the ball a lot. Perkins' running skills are said to be ahead of
his passing skills, which are still developing. But his accuracy numbers are good, even going back to high school in Arizona, where he was a career 72.4 percent passer, setting the Arizona prep record for completion percentage for a single season in 2014 at 74.6 percent. For his prep career, he passed for 5,332 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions and rushed for 1,609 yards and 26 more TDs. Perkins committed to Arizona State and redshirted in 2015. He missed the entire 2016 season with a neck injury and then transferred to Arizona Western.
Perkins certainly has an athletic family. His brother, Paul, is a running back for the Giants who played for UCLA and against Virginia twice. Bryce's father, Bruce, was a fullback at Arizona State and briefly played in the NFL. Bryce's uncle, Don, was a running back for the Cowboys and was the leading rusher in the Ice Bowl. He's been inducted into Dallas' Ring of Honor and finished his career with more than 6,000 rushing yards and 42 TDs.
Expect the Cavaliers to use Perkins in run-pass option situations and rollouts a lot. The veteran offensive linemen are slated to be on the right side, which is somewhat opposite of what you would expect for a right-handed QB, since you want his blind side protected, but that likely indicates that designed runs and passes will be run to the right. The offense will be more of a true spread attack, and the tempo is supposed to be faster than it was with Benkert. When Mendenhall and his staff were at BYU, they ran this offense, sometimes to great effect with quarterbacks such as Taysom Hill.
Perkins' potential is certainly exciting, and if the offensive line can hold up, he could help guide Virginia to a second consecutive bowl berth, something that hasn't happened in Charlottesville since 2004-05. For me, it all has to do with his ability to pass, probably under pressure. I don't doubt his running abilities, and the offensive staff should be able to put him in a position to succeed. Some of offensive coordinator Robert Anae's decisions the past two seasons have been questionable, but this style of play is in his wheelhouse, so I'm expecting improvement from him, too. Perkins is said to be one of the fastest players on the team. If his passing develops, Virginia could have something special on its hands. If he struggles in that area, the team will struggle as well.
HB Olamide Zaccheaus. Zaccheaus, a shifty senior, is UVa's best offensive player. Last season, he broke the school's single-season record for catches with 85, adding 895 yards and five touchdowns. On the ground, he received 27 carries and turned them into 182 yards (6.7 ypc) and a touchdown. He is a huge weapon for the offense and should have ample opportunities to thrive in this system. He excels in space, such as when he caught a short pass against UNC last year and turned it into an 81-yard TD scamper down the sideline. Zaccheaus will get the ball in a variety of ways and is basically, at this point, probably a better version of Taquan Mizzell. Let's hope he stays healthy (he had hamstring issues in 2016), because he will be a major factor for the offense in 2018.
Defensive players to watch: LB Jordan Mack. Mack, a junior, is taking over the spot vacated by Micah Kiser, who graduated and is now with the Rams. Mack was the third-leading tackler on last season's team behind Kiser and Quin Blanding, recording 114 tackles, seven for losses, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Georgia native has received significant playing time since his true freshman season and definitely knows what Mendenhall is looking for out of that spot in the 3-4 scheme. He's likely to lead the team in stops.
S Juan Thornhill. The secondary is probably the deepest group on the team, with plenty of capable
players jockeying for playing time. Thornhill was a third-team all-ACC pick at cornerback last season -- tallying 63 tackles, 4.5 for losses, four picks, and 12 breakups -- but the coaches decided his speed, range, and playmaking abilities were too good to pass up at the safety position Blanding left vacated. Thornhill is probably not quite the tackler Blanding is, but is probably better in coverage. He also gained 10 pounds and is up to 210 to prepare for his new role.
Special teams players to watch: KR Joe Reed. A junior, Reed led the ACC in kickoff return average at 29.7 yards last season (better than 3 yards more than second place) and scored two touchdowns, one of which was about the only positive play UVa had against Navy in the bowl game.
K A.J. Mejia. A sophomore, Mejia made 8 of 12 field goal attempts last season with a long of 38. He's increased his accuracy and range in the offseason, Mendenhall said, but the coach also mentioned that Hunter Pearson could be brought in on longer tries.
Schedule: vs. Richmond, at Indiana, vs. Ohio, vs. Louisville, at N.C. State, vs. Miami, at Duke, vs. North Carolina, vs. Pittsburgh, vs. Liberty, at Georgia Tech, at Virginia Tech.
Outlook: There's palpable excitement around the football program. New athletics director Carla Williams came over from Georgia, a school known for its football prowess. She's publicly stated her support for Mendenhall and has put her money (well, the school's) where her mouth is so far, increasing the budget for the program by $1 million, which has already been put to use in recruiting and in the strength and conditioning staff. A new facility dedicated to football is in the works that will be located across the street from John Paul Jones Arena. The McCue Center, built in 1991, is very outdated when going up against the palaces of some other schools that feature quirks such as mini-golf, slides, and video game stations. Virginia doesn't need to include all the extras in their facilities that a Clemson or Oregon might have, but a more modern building is a necessity. When you haven't had on-field success in recent years, you don't want more disadvantages. But that's where UVa is right now. Luckily, Williams understands how important football is to the overall health of the athletic department. She is going to give Mendenhall every chance to succeed before she brings in her own guy.
I would say I have more long-term faith in the football program than optimism for this season. That's what the past decade of misery will do to you as a fan. Yes, six wins and the first bowl berth since 2011 were nice last season, but Virginia finished by losing six of their last seven games and didn't score an offensive touchdown in their last nine quarters of action after taking a 28-14 lead at Miami early in the third quarter. A good season ended with negative momentum.
The left side of the starting offensive line is young. Redshirt freshman Ryan Nelson is the left tackle, and sophomore Chris Glaser (one 2017 start) is the guard. The center is sophomore Dillon Reinkensmeyer (started 11 games last year), the right guard is senior Jake Fieler (started every 2017 game), and the right tackle is senior Marcus Applefield, a graduate transfer from Rutgers. All weigh at least 300 pounds. Every backup offensive lineman listed is a sophomore or freshman. Mendenhall has continued to stress that UVa needs to build depth along the line, and that is an emphasis in recruiting, and it is getting better.
The main man Perkins will be handing off to is senior Jordan Ellis, a tough runner who is known as the team's workout warrior. But he's not particularly fast. He piled up 836 yards and six touchdowns last season, but gained only 3.9 ypc. Ellis added 22 catches and one receiving TD. His best game came against UNC, when he grinded out 136 yards on 27 carries. PK Kier, Lamont Atkins, Chris Sharp, and Jamari Peacock are all backs looking to get more time this season in the backfield or on special teams.
Virginia lost Doni Dowling and Andre Levrone off the receiving corps, but in addition to the known commodity in Zaccheaus, there's promising talent. Reed, the fantastic kick returner, is also a weapon in the passing game. He recorded 23 catches for 244 yards and a pair of scores in 2017 and added 112 rushing yards (5.3 ypc) and a TD. He's expected to fill the deep threat role that Levrone provided last season, along with De'Vante Cross, a junior who originally came into the program as a quarterback, but is back at WR after helping out the secondary last season. Hasise Dubois, a junior, tallied 16 catches and a touchdown. Terrell Jana and Ben Hogg could help at receiver as well, and Tavares Kelly is a true freshman who has reportedly impressed in camp with his speed and will probably be a backup to Zaccheaus. Evan Butts returns as the starter at tight end. The coaches indicated he'd get more work after his talent became evident, and they were right. After just seven catches in 2016, last year Butts had 32 receptions and a pair of touchdowns.
Perkins' backups are sophomore Lindell Stone, who got some throws in last season against Boston College, and true freshman Brennan Armstrong, who is more of dual threat like Perkins. Stone is a pocket passer. I'd expect Stone to play in garbage time, but Armstrong is someone the staff would probably want to go with if Perkins were out with an injury. A new NCAA rule to keep in mind this season: A player can play up to four games and still receive a redshirt. In the past, a redshirt was taken off as soon as a player entered a game, as it was when Stone came in last year. But that won't be the case this season. That means someone like Armstrong could get meaningful action but then still have a fifth year at the end of his career should he want it or should the staff choose to manage the roster in that way.
The defense lost Kiser, Blanding, and Andrew Brown, all solid or great players, but returns eight starters. The defensive line is thin, though. Junior Richard Burney, a converted tight end, is at left end after getting his first taste of action there against Navy last year, and he was often out of position. But an offseason of work has the staff excited about his potential. The other end spot right now goes to Eli Hanback, a junior who played tackle last season and collected 58 tackles, 5.5 for losses, and 1.5 sacks. Injuries have taken a toll on the line in camp, with Mandy Alonso having lost time with a foot issue. He emerged as a good option at end at the conclusion of last season. Expect to see him plenty. For now at starting tackle, UVa is going with true freshman Jordan Redmond, who, at 6 feet and 320 pounds, has been generating plenty of buzz. Hanback is his backup and may move back there as starter once the Cavaliers have more healthy bodies available at end. Dylan Thompson (Ohio State) and Cassius Peat (Michigan State and then Arizona State) are transfers that Mendenhall hopes provide depth.
Despite the loss of Kiser, a tackling machine, Virginia is looking very solid at linebacker. At one outside spot is senior Chris Peace, who I could have very well put in the players to watch section. Peace led the 'Hoos in 2017 with 7.5 sacks, adding 68 tackles, 10.5 for losses, two breakups, and two
forced fumbles. Lanky 6-foot-7 sophomore Charles Snowden is at the other outside spot after starting to turn heads last season, finishing with two tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks, one of those being the victory-sealing takedown against UNC. Beside Mack in the middle is Malcolm Cook, who is in his sixth year. Last season, coming off getting his heart condition under control, Cook flashed his potential with 46 tackles, four for losses, and two sacks.
As previously mentioned, the secondary is strong, likely the squad's strongest unit. Tim Harris, also in his sixth year, is starting at one cornerback spot. He's played three games the past two seasons before season-ending injuries knocked him out. Sophomore Darius Bratton is his backup and has risen up the depth chart quickly. Given Harris' penchant for getting injured, Bratton could see himself thrust into an important role. Opposite Harris is Bryce Hall, a junior who has played a lot his first two seasons. He ended last year with 47 tackles, three for losses, a sack, one pick, nine breakups, and a forced fumble. The other safety spot next to Thornhill has seen an interesting competition develop in the offseason. Sophomore Joey Blount, not 2017 ACC defensive rookie of the year Brenton Nelson, is slated as the starter. Reportedly, this means the staff is very high on Blount. Nelson, actually listed as the backup to Thornhill, will see the field plenty given the need for extra defensive backs on the field in passing situations, and Mendenhall has even said the competition between them is fluid, so it seems like this is a great situation for Virginia to be in, where there is an overload of very good players. Nelson finished last season with 64 tackles, two for losses, and four picks. Blount, also a sophomore and the son of former UVa safety Tony Blount, had 34 tackles and a breakup. Junior Chris Moore is listed as Blount's backup, and he was solid last season with 41 tackles, two for losses, an interception, and a pair of breakups. Thornhill has experience at cornerback, obviously, so this is a very deep and versatile secondary that I hope plays to its potential.
Virginia's pass defense ranked 14th last season in terms of yards allowed per game (38th on a per attempt basis), and this should be another strong year in that category. The rush defense was weaker, ranking 75th in yards given up per attempt. The thinness of the line is a concern, but hopefully the linebackers and secondary are enough to make up the difference and keep UVa solid defensively, which was a fair assessment for last season's performance. The Wahoos ranked 36th in terms of yards allowed per game, 66th in points allowed per game, and 50th in sacks.
Each year seems like a mystery as to what to expect from Virginia. There are reasons to be hopeful, and reasons to be skeptical. Reverse the two halves of last season, and fans would be feeling better. The media again picked the Cavaliers to finish last in the Coastal, so their minds haven't changed yet. It will take at least another year or two of not finishing in the cellar to earn respect. The offense is changing, hopefully for the better, but the first two seasons have seen some very good (see Georgia
Tech and Boise State wins last season), and some bad (Navy, Virginia Tech losses). Anae's playcalling can be befuddling at times. But there's talent available, and if Perkins can be as good as advertised, Virginia can definitely go bowling. However, he has yet to play a Division I game and has sustained a neck injury in the past, so don't hop aboard the bandwagon yet. The defense lost major contributors from last season, but the production returning should make the unit at least decent again, and it could possibly be special.
Mendenhall seems like a solid guy that knows what he's doing, usually. Some of his methods are awkward or weird, but he seems like a guy that cares about his players, and he espouses some of the same principles as Tony Bennett. Recruiting has seen an uptick from his first year. If he can put together another six-win year, the program will have legitimate momentum. But for now, I'm just hoping for at least four wins and competitiveness. The schedule isn't overly daunting, and there are wins to be had in the early, middle, and late portions of the season. Mendenhall has at least this year and 2019, in my estimation, to get things going in the right direction before Williams uses her connections to find someone else. But I'm pulling for Mendenhall to get it done and bring excitement back to Scott Stadium.
Win-loss prediction: 4-8 or 5-7
Last year: 6-7 (3-5 ACC), lost to Navy, 49-7, in Military Bowl
Best win: at Boise State, 42-23 Worst loss: bowl defeat
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall (third year, 8-17, 107-60 career)
Starters returning: 17 (6 offense, 8 defense, 3 specialists)
Offensive players to watch: QB Bryce Perkins. There's some hype building for Perkins, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback who has two years of eligibility remaining. He's the kind of signal-caller the coaching staff hopes to build the offense around. He replaces Kurt Benkert, who had a big arm but was not the dual threat the coaches ideally want under center. Benkert was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent and is currently their third-string QB.
his passing skills, which are still developing. But his accuracy numbers are good, even going back to high school in Arizona, where he was a career 72.4 percent passer, setting the Arizona prep record for completion percentage for a single season in 2014 at 74.6 percent. For his prep career, he passed for 5,332 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions and rushed for 1,609 yards and 26 more TDs. Perkins committed to Arizona State and redshirted in 2015. He missed the entire 2016 season with a neck injury and then transferred to Arizona Western.
Perkins certainly has an athletic family. His brother, Paul, is a running back for the Giants who played for UCLA and against Virginia twice. Bryce's father, Bruce, was a fullback at Arizona State and briefly played in the NFL. Bryce's uncle, Don, was a running back for the Cowboys and was the leading rusher in the Ice Bowl. He's been inducted into Dallas' Ring of Honor and finished his career with more than 6,000 rushing yards and 42 TDs.
Expect the Cavaliers to use Perkins in run-pass option situations and rollouts a lot. The veteran offensive linemen are slated to be on the right side, which is somewhat opposite of what you would expect for a right-handed QB, since you want his blind side protected, but that likely indicates that designed runs and passes will be run to the right. The offense will be more of a true spread attack, and the tempo is supposed to be faster than it was with Benkert. When Mendenhall and his staff were at BYU, they ran this offense, sometimes to great effect with quarterbacks such as Taysom Hill.
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| Bryce Perkins has impressed teammates and coaches. He brings a versatile skill set to the offense. |
Perkins' potential is certainly exciting, and if the offensive line can hold up, he could help guide Virginia to a second consecutive bowl berth, something that hasn't happened in Charlottesville since 2004-05. For me, it all has to do with his ability to pass, probably under pressure. I don't doubt his running abilities, and the offensive staff should be able to put him in a position to succeed. Some of offensive coordinator Robert Anae's decisions the past two seasons have been questionable, but this style of play is in his wheelhouse, so I'm expecting improvement from him, too. Perkins is said to be one of the fastest players on the team. If his passing develops, Virginia could have something special on its hands. If he struggles in that area, the team will struggle as well.
HB Olamide Zaccheaus. Zaccheaus, a shifty senior, is UVa's best offensive player. Last season, he broke the school's single-season record for catches with 85, adding 895 yards and five touchdowns. On the ground, he received 27 carries and turned them into 182 yards (6.7 ypc) and a touchdown. He is a huge weapon for the offense and should have ample opportunities to thrive in this system. He excels in space, such as when he caught a short pass against UNC last year and turned it into an 81-yard TD scamper down the sideline. Zaccheaus will get the ball in a variety of ways and is basically, at this point, probably a better version of Taquan Mizzell. Let's hope he stays healthy (he had hamstring issues in 2016), because he will be a major factor for the offense in 2018.
Defensive players to watch: LB Jordan Mack. Mack, a junior, is taking over the spot vacated by Micah Kiser, who graduated and is now with the Rams. Mack was the third-leading tackler on last season's team behind Kiser and Quin Blanding, recording 114 tackles, seven for losses, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Georgia native has received significant playing time since his true freshman season and definitely knows what Mendenhall is looking for out of that spot in the 3-4 scheme. He's likely to lead the team in stops.
S Juan Thornhill. The secondary is probably the deepest group on the team, with plenty of capable
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| Juan Thornhill has been moved to safety for his senior season. |
Special teams players to watch: KR Joe Reed. A junior, Reed led the ACC in kickoff return average at 29.7 yards last season (better than 3 yards more than second place) and scored two touchdowns, one of which was about the only positive play UVa had against Navy in the bowl game.
K A.J. Mejia. A sophomore, Mejia made 8 of 12 field goal attempts last season with a long of 38. He's increased his accuracy and range in the offseason, Mendenhall said, but the coach also mentioned that Hunter Pearson could be brought in on longer tries.
Schedule: vs. Richmond, at Indiana, vs. Ohio, vs. Louisville, at N.C. State, vs. Miami, at Duke, vs. North Carolina, vs. Pittsburgh, vs. Liberty, at Georgia Tech, at Virginia Tech.
Outlook: There's palpable excitement around the football program. New athletics director Carla Williams came over from Georgia, a school known for its football prowess. She's publicly stated her support for Mendenhall and has put her money (well, the school's) where her mouth is so far, increasing the budget for the program by $1 million, which has already been put to use in recruiting and in the strength and conditioning staff. A new facility dedicated to football is in the works that will be located across the street from John Paul Jones Arena. The McCue Center, built in 1991, is very outdated when going up against the palaces of some other schools that feature quirks such as mini-golf, slides, and video game stations. Virginia doesn't need to include all the extras in their facilities that a Clemson or Oregon might have, but a more modern building is a necessity. When you haven't had on-field success in recent years, you don't want more disadvantages. But that's where UVa is right now. Luckily, Williams understands how important football is to the overall health of the athletic department. She is going to give Mendenhall every chance to succeed before she brings in her own guy.
I would say I have more long-term faith in the football program than optimism for this season. That's what the past decade of misery will do to you as a fan. Yes, six wins and the first bowl berth since 2011 were nice last season, but Virginia finished by losing six of their last seven games and didn't score an offensive touchdown in their last nine quarters of action after taking a 28-14 lead at Miami early in the third quarter. A good season ended with negative momentum.
The left side of the starting offensive line is young. Redshirt freshman Ryan Nelson is the left tackle, and sophomore Chris Glaser (one 2017 start) is the guard. The center is sophomore Dillon Reinkensmeyer (started 11 games last year), the right guard is senior Jake Fieler (started every 2017 game), and the right tackle is senior Marcus Applefield, a graduate transfer from Rutgers. All weigh at least 300 pounds. Every backup offensive lineman listed is a sophomore or freshman. Mendenhall has continued to stress that UVa needs to build depth along the line, and that is an emphasis in recruiting, and it is getting better.
The main man Perkins will be handing off to is senior Jordan Ellis, a tough runner who is known as the team's workout warrior. But he's not particularly fast. He piled up 836 yards and six touchdowns last season, but gained only 3.9 ypc. Ellis added 22 catches and one receiving TD. His best game came against UNC, when he grinded out 136 yards on 27 carries. PK Kier, Lamont Atkins, Chris Sharp, and Jamari Peacock are all backs looking to get more time this season in the backfield or on special teams.
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| Jordan Ellis is UVa's workhorse in the backfield. Hopefully he can see an increase in his yards per carry average from 2017 (3.9). |
Virginia lost Doni Dowling and Andre Levrone off the receiving corps, but in addition to the known commodity in Zaccheaus, there's promising talent. Reed, the fantastic kick returner, is also a weapon in the passing game. He recorded 23 catches for 244 yards and a pair of scores in 2017 and added 112 rushing yards (5.3 ypc) and a TD. He's expected to fill the deep threat role that Levrone provided last season, along with De'Vante Cross, a junior who originally came into the program as a quarterback, but is back at WR after helping out the secondary last season. Hasise Dubois, a junior, tallied 16 catches and a touchdown. Terrell Jana and Ben Hogg could help at receiver as well, and Tavares Kelly is a true freshman who has reportedly impressed in camp with his speed and will probably be a backup to Zaccheaus. Evan Butts returns as the starter at tight end. The coaches indicated he'd get more work after his talent became evident, and they were right. After just seven catches in 2016, last year Butts had 32 receptions and a pair of touchdowns.
Perkins' backups are sophomore Lindell Stone, who got some throws in last season against Boston College, and true freshman Brennan Armstrong, who is more of dual threat like Perkins. Stone is a pocket passer. I'd expect Stone to play in garbage time, but Armstrong is someone the staff would probably want to go with if Perkins were out with an injury. A new NCAA rule to keep in mind this season: A player can play up to four games and still receive a redshirt. In the past, a redshirt was taken off as soon as a player entered a game, as it was when Stone came in last year. But that won't be the case this season. That means someone like Armstrong could get meaningful action but then still have a fifth year at the end of his career should he want it or should the staff choose to manage the roster in that way.
The defense lost Kiser, Blanding, and Andrew Brown, all solid or great players, but returns eight starters. The defensive line is thin, though. Junior Richard Burney, a converted tight end, is at left end after getting his first taste of action there against Navy last year, and he was often out of position. But an offseason of work has the staff excited about his potential. The other end spot right now goes to Eli Hanback, a junior who played tackle last season and collected 58 tackles, 5.5 for losses, and 1.5 sacks. Injuries have taken a toll on the line in camp, with Mandy Alonso having lost time with a foot issue. He emerged as a good option at end at the conclusion of last season. Expect to see him plenty. For now at starting tackle, UVa is going with true freshman Jordan Redmond, who, at 6 feet and 320 pounds, has been generating plenty of buzz. Hanback is his backup and may move back there as starter once the Cavaliers have more healthy bodies available at end. Dylan Thompson (Ohio State) and Cassius Peat (Michigan State and then Arizona State) are transfers that Mendenhall hopes provide depth.
Despite the loss of Kiser, a tackling machine, Virginia is looking very solid at linebacker. At one outside spot is senior Chris Peace, who I could have very well put in the players to watch section. Peace led the 'Hoos in 2017 with 7.5 sacks, adding 68 tackles, 10.5 for losses, two breakups, and two
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| LB Chris Peace led the 'Hoos in sacks last year. |
As previously mentioned, the secondary is strong, likely the squad's strongest unit. Tim Harris, also in his sixth year, is starting at one cornerback spot. He's played three games the past two seasons before season-ending injuries knocked him out. Sophomore Darius Bratton is his backup and has risen up the depth chart quickly. Given Harris' penchant for getting injured, Bratton could see himself thrust into an important role. Opposite Harris is Bryce Hall, a junior who has played a lot his first two seasons. He ended last year with 47 tackles, three for losses, a sack, one pick, nine breakups, and a forced fumble. The other safety spot next to Thornhill has seen an interesting competition develop in the offseason. Sophomore Joey Blount, not 2017 ACC defensive rookie of the year Brenton Nelson, is slated as the starter. Reportedly, this means the staff is very high on Blount. Nelson, actually listed as the backup to Thornhill, will see the field plenty given the need for extra defensive backs on the field in passing situations, and Mendenhall has even said the competition between them is fluid, so it seems like this is a great situation for Virginia to be in, where there is an overload of very good players. Nelson finished last season with 64 tackles, two for losses, and four picks. Blount, also a sophomore and the son of former UVa safety Tony Blount, had 34 tackles and a breakup. Junior Chris Moore is listed as Blount's backup, and he was solid last season with 41 tackles, two for losses, an interception, and a pair of breakups. Thornhill has experience at cornerback, obviously, so this is a very deep and versatile secondary that I hope plays to its potential.
Virginia's pass defense ranked 14th last season in terms of yards allowed per game (38th on a per attempt basis), and this should be another strong year in that category. The rush defense was weaker, ranking 75th in yards given up per attempt. The thinness of the line is a concern, but hopefully the linebackers and secondary are enough to make up the difference and keep UVa solid defensively, which was a fair assessment for last season's performance. The Wahoos ranked 36th in terms of yards allowed per game, 66th in points allowed per game, and 50th in sacks.
Each year seems like a mystery as to what to expect from Virginia. There are reasons to be hopeful, and reasons to be skeptical. Reverse the two halves of last season, and fans would be feeling better. The media again picked the Cavaliers to finish last in the Coastal, so their minds haven't changed yet. It will take at least another year or two of not finishing in the cellar to earn respect. The offense is changing, hopefully for the better, but the first two seasons have seen some very good (see Georgia
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| It looks like Bronco Mendenhall will be given ample time and resources to turn around UVa by new AD Carla Williams. He probably doesn't have to have a ton of success to stick around after this season. |
Mendenhall seems like a solid guy that knows what he's doing, usually. Some of his methods are awkward or weird, but he seems like a guy that cares about his players, and he espouses some of the same principles as Tony Bennett. Recruiting has seen an uptick from his first year. If he can put together another six-win year, the program will have legitimate momentum. But for now, I'm just hoping for at least four wins and competitiveness. The schedule isn't overly daunting, and there are wins to be had in the early, middle, and late portions of the season. Mendenhall has at least this year and 2019, in my estimation, to get things going in the right direction before Williams uses her connections to find someone else. But I'm pulling for Mendenhall to get it done and bring excitement back to Scott Stadium.
Win-loss prediction: 4-8 or 5-7
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