Virginia Cavaliers: ACC Coastal preview
Virginia's offense averaged 423 yards and 30 points per game in 2020 after getting hot late in the year. Their OL led the ACC in the fewest TFLs allowed and all five starters are back.
They are thin at RB and have an inaccurate QB who led the team in rushing. The defense allowed an average of 443 yards and 30 points/game, and the secondary is the highlight position.
2021-2022 ACC Coastal preview: Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia's strength: QB Keytaon Thompson is 6'4'' and a physical receiver who could be a situational talent. Lead WR Billy Kemp is 6'7'' and mans the slot. Lavel Davis averages 26 yards/catch and Oklahoma State transfer TE Jelani Woods will add more talent.
Virginia's weakness: QB Brennan Armstrong is not flashy or even consistent. His accuracy is dull, which hurts his game. The offense has playmakers but he needs to be able to distribute the ball well.
Virginia Cavaliers Key Players: Offense
WR: Billy Kemp - Kemp is a mid-range target who can help open up the field. He's 5'9'', 170 pounds and can run, return and start at the slot. He has consistent hands but isn't a burner.
TE: Jelani Woods - Woods replaces former Central Michigan transfer Tony Poljan. He's a huge blocker (6'7'', 275 pounds) and can be a mismatch receiver.
Virginia Cavaliers Key Players: Defense
S: Joey Blount - Blount is an All-ACC talent with 192 career tackles over three years. He's a veteran of the secondary and a natural leader. The defense is porous, but the secondary can help contain the big plays.
LB: Nick Jackson - Jackson led the team in tackles on his way to All-ACC honors. He'll look to fill the role of Zane Zandler at MLB.
2021-2022 Virginia Cavaliers ACC schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs William & Mary
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Illinois
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, at UNC
Week 4: Friday, September 24, vs Wake Forest
Week 5: Thursday, September 30, at Miami
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, at Louisville
Week 7: Saturday, October 16, vs Duke
Week 8: Saturday, October 23, vs Georgia Tech
Week 9: Saturday, October 30, at BYU
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs Notre Dame
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at Pittsburgh
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs Virginia Tech
2021-2022 Virginia Cavaliers ACC prediction (7-5, 4-4 ACC)
It'll be a pretty average year for Virginia. They'll win the games they are supposed to and lose the ones where they are the underdog. Their real playmakers will develop this year and look to improve next year.
