Virginia Cavaliers Preview 2022: Offense
The offense changed up in a big, big, big way.
The attack that was relatively balanced and got to 300 passing yards jeer once against FBS teams in 2020 was one of the nation’s most exciting high-octane fun shows finishing third in the nation with the No. 2 passing attack that averaged close to 400 yards per game.
Now it’s up to new offensive coordinator Des Kitchings – who comes in after handling the running backs for the Atlanta Falcons – to try keeping the passing production going, all while balancing things out a wee bit more. Combined with a head coach in Tony Elliott who spent the last several years coaching up the Clemson O, and this should be dangerous. However …
The line needs a total overhaul. Center Olusengun Oluwatimi (Michigan), left tackle Bobby Haskins (USC), right tackle Ryan Swoboda (UCF), and left guard Logan Taylor (SMU) are all off living their best lives elsewhere. It’s not that there isn’t talent up front, but it’s going to take a while to come together after struggling in pass protection and not doing enough for the ground game.
The passing numbers aren’t going to be so astronomical, but the pieces are there to blow up again. Getting back star QB Brennan Armstrong – who threw for close to 4,500 yards with 31 touchdowns despite getting banged up for a few games – was massive.
The receiving corps of Dontayvion Wicks, Billy Kemp, Malachi Fields and do-it-all former quarterback Keytaon Thompson was dangerous enough, and soon it’ll get back big-time deep threat Lavel Davis from a knee injury.
A ground game will show up this year. Leading rusher Wayne Taulapapa is done, but he only gained 324 yards. Armstrong ran for nine scores, and Thompson can handle the ball, but backs have to emerge. There will be a rotation around junior Mike Hollins, the ran for 213 yards and two scores.
The offensive will be fine, but …
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Virginia Cavaliers Preview 2022: Defense
The defense has to hold up its end of the bargain.
New defensive coordinator John Rudzinski has to figure out something to do with the nation’s 121st-ranked defense that didn’t generate a lick of pressure into the backfield, was awful against the run, and struggled against just about everyone’s passing game. The D just has to hold serve after allowing 466 yards and 32 points per game.
There’s experience, but there has to be production. It starts on the line – the transfer portal is playing a huge role – where Miami University’s Kam Butler has to breathe life into the pass rush. Jahmeer Carter is a nice nose tackle and versatile 283-pound Aaron Faumui can play inside or out.
Disruptive linebacker Noah Taylor took off for North Carolina, but leading tackler Nick Jackson in back in the middle after coming up with 117 tackles, and Hunter Stewart is a decent veteran on the outside. The rotation here will be fine.
Losing safety Joey Blount stings, and more big plays have to come from all the spots, but safeties Coen King and Antonio Clary can tackles and the corner combination of Darrius Bratton and Anthony Johnson is experienced.
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