2008 Virginia College Football Predictions

After a second-place finish in the ACC Coastal Division in 2007, I expect a drop off from the Cavs. Virginia won three games by one point, two more by two points, and another by five last season. With an unproven offensive line, no more all-star pass rush, and a tough schedule, these close games will likely go to the other way. Read on to get the full scoop on the Cavs in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Virginia Cavaliers predictions and season preview. Virginia is listed at 50-1 odds to win the ACC at BodogLife.com sportsbook.
 

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Offense

The word on the street is that the Cavs may have to go airborne to remain competitive in the ACC Coastal this season. With the Cavs having lost the interior of the their offensive line and two-year starting QB Jameel Sewel to academics, it may not be easy to mount a consistent running attack even though top running backs Cedric Peerman and Mikell Simpson return. Fortunately, the Cavs do return left tackle Eugene Monroe, who is touted as the best lineman in the conference, to protect the blind side of Peter Lalich. Lalich was considered one of the nation's top recruits two years ago and now he will get his chance to shine. I expect the offense to look similar to when Matt Schaub was under center. Kevin Ogletree is back at wide receiver after sitting out last season with a knee injury. He led the Cavs in receptions in 2006 as a freshman. He could reemerge as the go-to guy this fall. Four other guys are capable options for Lalich as well. Another luxury is that Peerman and Simpson have both shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Defense

Head coach Al Groh was able to get the legendary Bob Pruett out of retirement to coach the defense. Pruett will have his hands full however as the shelves aren't exactly stocked. Losing bookend defensive ends Chris Long (NFL Draft) and Jeffrey Fitzgerald (left school over academic issue) figures to erase any threat of a pass rush. The strength of the defense will be in its linebacker corps where a trio of three-year starters return: Clint Sintim, Jon Copper, and Antonio Appleby. Keeping the Cavs in games falls squarely on the shoulders of these three. Safety Byron Glaspy and corner Vic Hall are the only returners in the secondary, but this should be a deep and capable unit.

Special Teams

The Cavs will also feature inexperienced players at both kicking spots. Redshirt frosh Hinkebein is expected to the kicking and true freshman Jimmy Howell will handle the punting. Howell was a starting QB in high school and could give Virginia some trick play options in key situations.

Prediction – 5th ACC Coastal

It's going to be hard to run the ball as effectively as the Cavs did in 2007 with most of its offensive line gone. This along with the loss of a two-year starting QB figures to be enough to take the Cavs from 9-4 in 2007 to below .500 in 2008 still ahead of Duke, but behind Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina and Virginia Tech. The Virginia Cavaliers are listed at 100-1 odds to win the national title at BodogLife.com, plus see which team oddsmakers have favored to hoist the national championship trophy.

Use Jimmy Boyd's college football predictions to help you produce a host of winning futures picks this season. Then play his NCAA football picks from week one through the national championship game for the most winners in the industry. Don't trust the fluff that second-rate handicapper will throw at you. Only trust the winning results that Jimmy Boyd will provide week after week.

July 7th, 2008