Around ACC Spring Football: Virginia

Editor’s note: This is the tenth of an 11-part series looking around ACC football this spring

Spring games aren’t exactly a foreshadowing of the season, but they can highlight some issues.

For Virginia, it’s the offense.

In the 40-minute Virginia spring game, the Blue team scored 17 – Orange had 7.

Injuries hit the receivers corps hard before the game, which contributed to the lack of scoring, but the Cavaliers find themselves in the midst of a QB competition and trying to find answers elsewhere on the offense as well.

Defense is looking up though for London and co. after a couple interceptions (one being a pick-six).

And while we’re on positives, both kickers are back including a former Lou Groza Award candidate.

More on the Cavaliers...

Virginia

Returning Starters by Position

Offense (8)

QB: N/A

RB/FB: 2 (18 career starts)

WR/TE: 2 (40 career starts)

O-line: 4 (64 career starts)

Defense (9)

D-line: 3 (84 career starts)

LB: 2 (22 career starts)

DB: 4 (63 career starts)

Kicker/Punter (2)

PK: 1 (35 career starts)

P: 1 (24 career starts)

Outgoing Starters: 5

2010 Record: 4-8 (1-7 ACC)

Offensive Leader: WR Kris Burd – The senior receiver finished in the top 5 in receptions and top 10 in yards in the ACC.

Defensive Leader: DT Matt Conrath – In 2010, Conrath transitioned from a DE in a 3-4 under Al Groh to a 4-3 under new coach Mike London with mixed results – only 36 tackles, but the senior has 18.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in his career.

Key Issues This Spring: 1) The Virginia QB is… - Undecided. In the Virginia spring game, Michael Rocco looked the best with a 17/32 passing day for 152 yards in stints on both sides in the game. It’s all sophomores and freshman competing for the Wahoos’ QB job.

2) Year two in new D – With as many starters back as any team in the ACC, London’s defense will try to improve upon their 78th total defense ranking from 2011 in their second season with a four lineman – three linebacker look.

3) RB production – Lacking any kind of ground game (77th in rushing offense), Virginia had to throw it around the yard last year. Without a senior QB at the helm this season, the Cavaliers’ offense will rely on tailbacks like Perry Jones (646 rushing yards, 1 touchdown) to carry the load.

More Around ACC Spring Football

Boston College

Florida State

Maryland

NC State

Wake Forest

Duke

Georgia Tech

Miami

UNC