ACC Football - 2021 Virginia Cavaliers Preview
Our Virginia Cavaliers preview 2021 sees this team as being closely aligned in terms of depth and experience with Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh. Last season, they were ninth in the ACC with a 4-5 record. Overall, Virginia finished 5-5. In 2020, on offense, this team was average. On defense, the Cavaliers were sound versus the rush, holding opponents to 138.5 YPG on the ground (4th ACC, 37th Nationally). They allowed 29.6 PPG (9th ACC, 66th Nationally), which was just 1.1 PPG less than they scored. When it came to the pass, this Cav defense proved to be porous, giving up 304.4 YPG (15th ACC, 123rd Nationally).
Virginia Offense
Junior Brennan Armstrong returns for his junior season after leading this team in passing and rushing. Armstrong passed for 2,117 yards and rushed for 552 more while scoring 23 combined TDs. Leading pass catcher Billy Kemp IV is back after making 67 receptions for 644 yards. The Cavaliers suffered a major loss this spring when Lavel Davis Jr., who had a breakout season last year as a rookie, tore his ACL. This team will need sophomore Dontayvion Wicks and senior Ra’Shaun Henry to step up.
Senior RB Wayne Taulapapa averaged 4.5 YPA while making 88 carries and gaining 395 yards. He scored five times. Indiana transfer Ronnie Walker Jr. brings additional running chops to the unit. The offensive line sees four starters return. This is the best part of the offense and should be an asset. If the offensive line meets or exceeds expectations, Virginia will have a wealth of scoring opportunities.
Virginia Cavaliers Preview 2021 - Defense
Although the Cavaliers see numerous key players return to the defense, they are thin on the line and at linebacker. Upfront, both defensive ends, Mandy Alonso and Adeeb Atariwa, bring plenty of experience. OLB Noah Taylor, who topped the club in tackles last season with 105, is an up-and-coming star, while ILB Nick Jackson brings fine defensive chops to the game. Sophomore D’Sean Perry is a candidate to become this team’s outside pass rusher.
The secondary returns three starters, all of whom are seniors. Nick Grant, De’Vante Cross, and Joey Blount will headline, while an experienced group of deep backs offer support. Of the seven possible contributors, Darrius Bratton, Anthony Johnson, and Antonio Clary appear to hold the most promise.
Specialists
Our Virginia Cavaliers preview 2021 notes that the best news for the Virginia return team is that Kemp is back to handle punts and kickoffs. He’s a premium runner who can break through opponent special team coverage. Placekicker Brian Delaney and punter Nash Griffin must be replaced. Justin Duenkel, who kicked off last season, looks to take over placekicking duties. Hunter Pearson is also in line for the job. Sophomore Brendan Farrell, who has not appeared in a game in two years, is the only punter on the roster.
Virginia Cavaliers Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Virginia Cavaliers preview 2021 notes that this season, unlike last, we expect this team to make a postseason appearance. Although we doubt that the Cavaliers will put up a winning ACC record, we do think they’ll break even overall. Down the stretch, the Cavaliers play BYU (October 30), Notre Dame (November 13), Pittsburgh (November 20), and Virginia Tech (November 27). Those final four regular-season games could define the Virginia Cavalier’s 2021 season.
ACC Football - Virginia Cavaliers 2021 - Predictions:
Fifth Place - ACC Coastal
Pinstripe Bowl vs. Maryland