Virginia Cavaliers
2010 record: 4-8 overall, 1-7 conference
2010 Bowl Game: N/A
2010 ATS: 6-6
2010 O/U: 7-5
Returning starters: 15 total (8 on offense, 7 on defense)
Over the month of August, our team of writers will be previewing the top teams heading into an exciting 2011 campaign. The college football handicappers at Maddux Sports are also preparing and have season-long packages readily available for clients. Let’s take a look at how the second-year under head coach Mike London is shaping up in Charlottesville.
Offense
The first order of business is finding a quarterback to replace the departed Marc Verica, who finished his career with 4,992 passing yards. Despite ranking 25th nationally in passing offense last year, the coaching staff was not pleased with its propensity to turn the ball over in tossing 14 interceptions.
Both potential replacements in Ross Metheny and Mike Rocco head into camp in a virtual tie to start under center for the season opener against William & Mary. Rocco would seem to have a slight advantage in the competition by appearing in six games as a true freshman in 2010.
Only 44 percent of the team’s rushing game returns for the upcoming campaign, led by the 646 yards gained by junior running back Perry Jones. Due to his smallish stature, it’s imperative that redshirt freshman Kevin Parks carries some of the load.
Concerns abound about the health of senior wide receiver Kris Burd, who missed the spring session after foot surgery. He finished fifth in the ACC with 58 catches last year and will be the team’s No. 1 option in critical moments this year.
Conference insiders expect a better record from the Cavaliers this year simply due to the return of four starters on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Morgan Moses was one of just eight true freshman to start at the position nationally in 2010.
Defense
The switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive scheme was simply disastrous last year, as the unit ranked next to last in the ACC by allowing 203.7 yards per game on the ground. Defensive coordinator Jim Reid blamed the problems on youth and missed assignments that will not be tolerated with seven returning starters this season.
It’s likely that opposing offenses will focus on running the ball once against versus the Cavaliers, as they will want to stay away from senior cornerback Chase Minnifield and a secondary that has plenty of experience.
Minnifield was a first team All-ACC selection last year and his 10 career interceptions has him tied for first among all players nationally.
Special Teams
The kicking game is in good hands with three seniors returning, while Chris Hinkebein and Robert Randolph are expected to share the placekicking duties.
Randolph finished hitting 10-of-14 field goal attempts last year and has hit 81 percent of his tries since arriving on campus. Hinkebein is a kickoff specialist that is used for longer attempts, bringing in a career high of 52 yards.
Senior punter Jimmy Howell punted 49 times for an average of 42.2 yards an attempt. He showed some leg by booting 10 kicks over 50 yards last year, while also demonstrating some touch with 13 punts positioned inside the 20-yard-line.
Against the Spread
After starting the year with three consecutive spread victories, Virginia failed to keep the momentum, especially at the end of the year in going 1-3 ATS against conference competition to close out the season.
Bet On
Bettors will anxiously wait to see if the team’s problems against stopping the run have been solved. If that’s the case, Virginia has covered three straight home meetings against NC State, setting up a wagering opportunity on October 22.
Fade Away
Virginia Tech always possesses one of the top rushing units nationally and that has presented major problems in this rivalry. The Cavaliers have lost 11 of the last 12 meetings and have failed to cover the last three meetings inside Scott Stadium.
