2009 Virginia NCAA Football Predictions
You just didn’t know what team was going to show up for the Cavaliers last season. There was the squad that got clubbed 31-3 by Duke and there was also the squad that stung East Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech in consecutive weeks. Ultimately, Virginia finished 5-7 and out of the bowl picture. Find out where I have them finishing in 2009 in this college football predictions preview. Virginia is listed at +10,000 to win the 2009 BCS championship.
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Offense – The Virginia offense was horrendous in 2008, averaging only 16.1 points per game to rank 114th in the country in that department. In other words, only five teams in the nation averaged fewer points per game than the Cavs. Not scoring points is a good way to get fired and head coach Al Groh might have seen himself canned had he not brought in former Bowling Green coach Gregg Brandon to implement his no-huddle spread attack. While this scheme has proven its ability to score points in bunches across the country, the question remains if Virginia has the talent to make it work this season. The spread offense cannot be successful without the right player at quarterback. Right now, the Cavs have three players capable of earning the starting nod. Last year’s starter, Marc Verica figures to be the odd man out after throwing twice as many interceptions as touchdowns in 2008. Jameel Sewell returns after missing 2008 for academic reasons and has 22 starts under his belt. The fans, who are excited about this new spread attack, want to see cornerback Vic Hall get the call. He was a star Virginia high school QB, and while he didn’t fit Groh’s pro-style offense, he certainly looks the part of a spread signal caller. A now healthy Mikell Simpson is ready to roll at the running back spot following a heavy dose of the injury bug is 2008. He rushed for 570 yards in 2007. Jared Green and Javaris Brown appear to be the most talented wide receiver prospects to start in the new scheme. The offensive line returns four starters but must replace All-American tackle Eugene Monroe.
Defense - The Virginia defense ranked 38th in the country in 2008 by allowing just 21.7 points per game. That unit returns just four starters, but I’m not expecting a major decline. The secondary should be particularly strong after ranking 26th in the nation against the pass last season. Ras-I Dowling and Chris Cook give the Cavs a rare pair of tall and talented cornerbacks to compete against the league’s best receivers. The linebacker unit has taken a hit, but the backers are Groh’s leading area of expertise and I expect him to field another strong corps. Denzel Burrell, Darren Childs, Steven Greer, and Aaron Clark look like the starters. Up front, Freshman All-American defensive end Matt Conrath looks like the Cavs next great edge rusher.
Prediction: 5th ACC Coastal – A change had to be made offensively. The new spread attack should help the Cavs move the football, but their aren’t many established playmakers to ensure that this offense is going to be a success overnight. When you consider that Groh has only managed a winning mark in ACC play in three of his eight seasons, you don’t tend to be too optimistic about Virginia’s chances. Virginia is listed at +1500 to win the ACC Coastal Division.
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