As the Virginia football team readies to face a well-rested Boston College squad, it will seek to shake its recent three-game losing streak.
Although a team's record is not always a testament to its ability, the Cavaliers' 3-6 record is arguably a clear representation of a team that has only scored 43 points compared to 114 by its opponents during its last three games. The Cavaliers rank 119th out of 120 schools in the FBS in terms of total offense, averaging only 263.2 yards per game.
Coming off a bye week, Boston College (6-3) has had two weeks to prepare for Virginia after knocking off Central Michigan, 31-10. Although the Cavaliers can take some solace in the fact that Boston College has yet to win on the road this season, the Cavaliers are only 1-4 at home.
With the help of sophomore running back Montel Harris, who ran for 136 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns against the Chippewas, the Eagles have moved the ball with some consistency this season. Against N.C. State on Oct. 17, Boston College even used Harris in a wildcat formation, a scheme which allowed the sophomore to run for a school-record 264 yards and five touchdowns.
25-year old Eagle quarterback Dave Shinskie, who recently joined the team after a stint in minor league baseball, also has proven to be an offensive force, completing 97-of-178 passes this season and notching a passer rating of 131.
"He seems to make those decisions with a poise and a calmness," Virginia coach Al Groh said.
If Virginia wishes to handle the Eagles' attack, it will need to rely on the likes of freshman Steve Greer - who posted 14 tackles against Miami and now leads the team with 70 on the season - and senior linebacker Nate Collins, who follows closely with 60 tackles and five sacks.
In Virginia's most recent lopsided loss against the Hurricanes, Virginia gained only 149 yards. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, netted 515 yards - nearly three-and-a-half times as many as the Cavaliers.
Some of this paltry production could be attributed to the absence of senior quarterback Jameel Sewell. Junior Marc Verica never appeared in sync and failed to get the offense in gear, finishing 11-for-29 for 75 yards and an interception. The Cavaliers nevertheless managed to post 17 points - none of which came in the second half - but even these could be more so attributed to strong special teams play, not offensive prowess.
One bright spot for Virginia's offense, though, is its impressive ground game. Senior Rashawn Jackon, who NFL draft expert Mel Kiper has listed as the nation's top prospect at fullback, has 64 carries for 359 yards this season, averaging 5.6 yards per game.
The team's effectiveness in the red zone also has been notable thus far. When the Cavaliers get deep into opponents' territory, they tend to come away with points. The offense has converted 23-of-24 red-zone opportunities, tied for fourth in the nation. That being said, however, the team only managed one trip inside the 20-yard line against the Hurricanes.
"Obviously it was a big element," Groh said. "It's something that's been very challenging for our team this year."
Overall, the Cavaliers will need to step up on both sides of the ball to put a dent in Boston College's all-time 3-0 record in games between the two teams. In terms of ACC standings, much is on the line. The Eagles currently trail Clemson by one game in the conference's Atlantic Division, and a loss against the Cavaliers could damage their conference title game hopes.
"It falls squarely on the shoulders of all the senior leaders on the team," senior linebacker Aaron Clark said. "That's supposed to be the corps of your team. This is down to the nitty gritty - these are the good teams and the great teams that are perennial powerhouses. So you have to go out there with a different kind of attitude."
The matchup will be only the second between the two teams since the Eagles joined the ACC in 2005, and will mark Boston College's first trip to Charlottesville. Following Saturday's contest, Virginia will play its final away game at Clemson before returning to Scott Stadium to face in-state rival No. 20 Virginia Tech.
Read More
No. 4 Virginia softball knocked out of ACC Tournament by No. 5 Clemson
By Eleanor Lynch | 9 hours agoThe Cavaliers could not get things going on either side of the ball in their loss to the Tigers.
No. 5 seed women’s lacrosse wins big against LIU to open NCAA Tournament
By Peter Kratz | 18 hours agoThe Cavaliers outscored the Sharks 10-1 in the second quarter on their way to a crucial win.
How Morgan Schwab has helped continue the prestige of Virginia women’s lacrosse
By Peter Kratz | 2 days agoAs the Cavaliers approach the NCAA enactment , they will be relying on Schwab to make a run at a national title.
