After witnessing the 34-9 loss to the eleventh-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday, I realized that Virginia football must change specific aspects of their game in order to become successful in an increasingly more challenging ACC. With a coaching staff that forever seems to be under fire in Charlottesville, and a defense that forever seems to stay on the field, the offense and special teams of the Cavaliers must step up in order to compete and win against the elevated competition the Wahoos must face each week.
First off, "defense wins championships," but field goals don't. The Virginia offense must extend the time off possession longer each game to give our nationally-ranked defense a chance to catch their breath. Especially with a run-focused triple option offense such as Georgia Tech's, the offense must convert on nearly every third down opportunity in order to keep the ball and control the tempo of the game. During the game, Virginia was just 2 of 11 on converting 3rd down opportunities, and kept the football for only 17 minutes and 17 seconds. Also, the U.Va. offense was unable to punch the ball in the end zone when the team desperately needed six points. Similar to the Maryland game last week, Virginia cannot obtain a 1st and goal and just settle for a field goal. It's unacceptable. Lining up in shotgun formation and running draws is not fooling anyone, not even William & Mary and especially not Georgia Tech. Penalties and poor play calling in the red zone leads to more field goals, which will lead to more losing against strong opponents.
Secondly, Virginia's special teams must improve if the team ever wants to win six games this season and become bowl eligible. Special teams are such a crucial aspect of the game of football, and a potential mistake can be disastrous. Although U.Va. had many successful special teams plays on Saturday, allowing kickoffs to go out of bounds and fumbling punts are two of the easiest mistakes to avoid. When Virginia kicked the ball out of bounds on a kickoff, an automatic penalty gave Georgia Tech great stating field position at its 40 yard line. Good teams will capitalize on the opportunity and put points on the board. Also, we cannot afford to continue to muff punts and essential gift-wrapped points to the other team. Virginia seems to have a knack of allowing our defense to display their talent, instead of letting them have the rest they deserve.
If Virginia football can improve the offense and special teams, it could consistently become a powerhouse in the ACC. It not that our team lacks talent, but rather that we oftentimes disadvantage ourselves and put our opponents in prime position to win. Without costly, avoidable mistakes, Virginia could beat ranked teams such as Miami and Virginia Tech. That would ultimately increase excitement and attendance next year in Scott Stadium.
Edward Smith\nCLAS I
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