2012-13 Football Previews (ACC) – Virginia Cavaliers
With control of one of the smaller fish in the conference pond, head coach Mike London is doing an excellent job in Charlottesville. London’s guidance pushed the Cavs to an 8-5 record last year, perhaps squeezing out some close games they shouldn’t have. There are also some pieces back in 2012 to make up a strong offense and a competent defense.
Virginia surely intends to be a presence in the Coastal division this year, but we will see if London and his staff can make up for a noticeable lack of depth with further magic. With sexier programs like Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and North Carolina in the region, seeing the Cavaliers scrap their way to eight victories last year was definitely a breath of fresh air.
ACC 2012-13 Football Previews: Virginia Cavaliers
Coach: Mike London
2011 Record: 8-5
Virginia Gambling Odds from Sportsbook.com to win BCS: 50-1
ACC Odds 18-1
To me, the most intriguing person wearing the navy and orange of Virginia is RB Perry Jones. He is a little beast that resembles the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Maurice Jones-Drew, and gives Virginia its best chance at a 1,000-yard rusher – not only that, but a chance at just UVA’s second 1,000-yard back in 12 seasons (it’s been quite a dry spell since Thomas Jones and Tiki Barber, of NFL fame). Perry Jones, known as “Superman” by his teammates, is a versatile back that excels at catching passes, blocking and running with authority. Jones racked up 960 yards rushing and five rush TDs, to go along with 48 receptions for 506 yards and three more majors. He is also incredibly strong for his size, going at just 5″8, 185-lbs.
What will help Jones is a strong offensive line, anchored by a couple of studs. Offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Oday Aboushi should use their size and athleticism to dominate ACC competition in ’12. Moses, in particular, will probably be the most highly-touted O-line prospect from the NFL to come out of Virginia since D’Brickashaw Ferguson. They should open holes for Jones and protect returning starting QB Michael Rocco. In other offensive news, Rocco should find success chucking the pigskin to junior WR Tim Smith and senior TE Colter Phillips. Smith is last year’s second-leading receiver, though Jones registered more catches. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Defensively, the charge will be led by veteran LB Steve Greer. The senior is the unchallenged leader of the “D”, leading the team with 103 tackles a year ago. Senior OLB LaRoy Reynolds also returns in 2012, to make for an imposing LB unit for the Cavaliers. Other than the tireless work of these two ‘backers, the Virginia defense was not very dynamic last year (not creating many turnovers) and there is considerably less experience on the defensive line and in the secondary. This is a cause for concern. The special teams unit also breaks in new faces, with junior K Drew Jarrett – who ditched the team in 2011 – and sophomore P Alec Vozenilek likely to get the opening week start.
2012-13 Virginia Football Prediction: 7-6
The Cavaliers should have an effective running game to go along with a couple pass-catchers and an intimidating offensive line – but so do enough other teams in the ACC. The rather unimpressive defense (beyond Greer and Reynolds) should make one skeptical that Virginia can improve this season. London should certainly be commended for the work he’s done; it is starting to pay off with some impressive prospects choosing to sign in Charlottesville (look out especially for LB Kwontie Moore in upcoming years). Still, it is hard for Virginia to match horse-for-horse with a team like Tech, or Clemson.
Virginia should get off to a hot start and could end up bagging three or four wins quickly, but I expect the campaign to taper off a little after the midway point. Yet, I still see this team making it back to the postseason.
2012 Virginia Schedule
9/1/12 3:00 PM ET RICH
9/8/12 12:00 PM ET PENST
9/15/12 3:30 PM ET @GATCH
9/22/12 TBD @TCU
9/29/12 TBD LTECH
10/6/12 TBD @DUKE
10/13/12 TBD MD
10/20/12 TBD WFRST
11/3/12 TBD @NCST
11/10/12 TBD MIAMI
11/15/12 7:30 PM ET NCAR
11/24/12 TBD @VATCH
