Virginia Cavaliers
Atlantic Coast Conference
No one, not even head coach Mike London, could have dreamt of a season like this for the Virginia Cavaliers. Two seasons ago, he took over a program that had really reached a low point under former head coach Al Groh. The former Richmond coach implemented a system that has his players believing and executing at a level no one expected coming into 2011. They haven’t reached eight wins since 2007. They’ve done it without any superstars on offense and only one stud on defense. This is still a team that is building talent and a solid system. Imagine what Virginia can do in the coming years if this trajectory continues.
2011 Record: 8-4, 5-3
Last Bowl Appearance: 2007 Gator Bowl vs. Texas Tech (L 28-31)
Big Wins: 10/15 Georgia Tech (24-21), 11/19 (Florida State)
Bad Losses: 9/24 Southern Mississippi (24-30), 10/22 North Carolina State (14-28)
Coach: Mike London (12-12 at Virginia, 36-17 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Virginia, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Bill Lazor
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Reid
Strengths:
The main strength of this team is more intangible than most teams with good records. That they have bought into what Mike London is selling has paid huge dividends so far. The offense went into this season without knowing who the starting quarterback was going to be. Michael Rocco proved to be the guy to get it done. He has passed for 2,359 yards and 11 touchdowns. Perry Jones and Kevin Parks have been a solid 1-2 punch at the running back position. Both are great in the screen game as well to help get Rocco out of a jam. Perhaps more impressively, the defense has really cranked it up a notch this season. No one could have predicted that the Cavs would rank near the top of the conference in total defense. It is no surprise however, that Virginia has the second best pass efficiency defense in the ACC behind superstar corner Chase Minnifield who has NFL aspirations. Nothing about Virginia strikes you as being an aspect of a dominant team. They have found ways to win and that is the difference between a bowl eligible season and sitting at home too early.
Weaknesses:
The main weakness on this team is that they need a couple more star players on the offensive side of the ball. As mentioned before, Michael Rocco has been good for the Cavs this year. He is still very green and is not necessarily a guy you should build your team around. He will need some more time before they decide if he will be the man going forward for them. His numbers don’t ‘wow’ anybody. They could also use an elite receiver. Their leading receiver is senior Kris Burd who has 810 yards and one touchdown. They need a lot more production out of the passing game if they truly want to be perennial contenders in the Coastal Division. With Virginia Tech and North Carolina in that division, they will need to be able to score a lot of points to win ball games. Defensively, as well as they’ve played, quarterback pressure has been a bit of a problem as they are ninth in the conference in sack total.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Perry Jones, RB, 883 yards
Passing: Michael Rocco, QB, 2,359 yards
Receiving: Kris Burd, WR, 810 yards
Tackles: Steve Greer, LB, 103
Sacks: Cam Johnson, DE, 4.0
Interceptions: Rodney McLeod, S, 4
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 165.33 (53, 4)
Passing Offense: 231.50 (62, 8)
Total Offense: 396.83 (51, 4)
Scoring Offense: 23.17 (88, 9)
Rushing Defense: 128.33 (35, 4)
Pass Defense: 214.83 (50, 6)
Total Defense: 343.17 (31, 3)
Scoring Defense: 22.25 (35, 4)
Turnover Margin: -.42 (91, 11)
Sacks: 1.58 (86, 9)
Sacks Allowed: 1.25 (26, 3)
