The Cavaliers’ out-of-conference slate proved tough as advertised, and losses to top-10 programs UCLA and Notre Dame as well as the preseason-ranked Broncos (3-1) leave a tough road to bowl eligibility for Virginia (1-3).
Friday night, the Cavaliers will go up against a team ranked inside the preseason AP Top 25 for the third time this season, taking on Boise State (2-1) for the first time in program history.
Now three games into the season, the Cavaliers (1-2) remain without solutions in the team’s defensive deficiencies. The defense needs to stiffen up for the team to put W’s in the column.
After facing two consecutive top-15 opponents in UCLA and Notre Dame, Saturday’s contest against William & Mary was supposed to be easy.
Fourth-year Engineering student Mike Bunting was one of nearly 60,000 fans at Scott Stadium Saturday, when the Virginia football team suffered a last-minute defeat against FBS powerhouse Notre Dame.
“[William & Mary] will be well‑coached, excited about this opportunity,” Virginia coach Mike London said. “They won't be intimidated coming up and playing in Charlottesville.”
Upon the graduation of former Cavalier running back Kevin Parks and the dawn of the 2015 Virginia football season, junior running back Taquan Mizzell was named the starter for the Cavaliers.
No. 9 Notre Dame dashed the Cavaliers hopes with a go-ahead touchdown with 12 seconds remaining in yet another moral victory game for Virginia.
The Cavaliers had a chance to shock the world Saturday, squaring off against ninth-ranked Notre Dame squad – a team that completely dismantled Texas to the tune of 38-3 a week ago.
Virginia football opens the gates of Scott Stadium for its 85th season of football at the venue when the Cavaliers (0-1) welcome No. 9 Notre Dame Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
One of the most frustrating things as a Virginia football fan in recent years has been quarterback inconsistency. The turnover at the position, even within games, has been mind-boggling.
It would be a mistake to continue to rely on the NFL, whose bottom line is affected by the number of talented players that it can attract, to properly raise awareness or set standards when it comes to player safety.
Although there were a variety of places where the Cavaliers struggled in their season opener, there were also several positive takeaways.
There was a reason UCLA was a 19.5 point favorite against Virginia Saturday. From junior linebacker Myles Jack to junior running back Paul Perkins, the Bruins boast some of the Pac-12’s, and arguably the nation’s, top players.
No. 13 UCLA rolled past Virginia, 34-16, Saturday afternoon in Pasadena, California. Freshman quarterback Josh Rosen shined in his collegiate debut for the Bruins (1-0). Rosen completed 28 of his 35 passing attempts for 351 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Virginia’s struggles at the quarterback position have been more than well documented over coach Mike London’s soon to be six-year tenure.
Virginia football kicks off its 126th season against No. 13 UCLA Saturday.
As painful as it may be to let go of London, UCLA reminds us why the choice is worth making.
With the defense facing a possible regression and a daunting schedule ahead of them, the Cavaliers’ offense must show progress if the program is to avoid another losing season.
Former Virginia coach Al Groh took a page from his decade-plus of NFL experience when he gave his 3-4 Cavalier defense the “Orange Crush” moniker — a throwback reference to the dominating Denver Bronco defense of the late 1970s.
