The Virginia Cavaliers suffered through a dismal 2010 campaign under new coach Mike London and look for continued growth in 2011. Virginia returns 15 starters to a team that went 1-7 in ACC play but must replace the departed Marc Verica who finished his career with over 4,900 yards passing.
A Closer Look At The Cavaliers
Coach: Mike London
Last Season: 4-8, 1-7 ACC Coastal
Returning Starters: 15 (eight offensive, seven defensive)
Key Players: CB Chase Minnifield, WR Kris Burd
The likely situation at quarterback is some kind of time share between Ross Metheny and Mike Rocco. Whomever ends up under center will be charged with getting the ball into wide receiver Kris Burd's hands as much as possible. Burd finished fifth in the ACC last season with 58 receptions and will be the undisputed No. 1 option for the Cavaliers offense this season. Junior running back Perry Jones returns after rushing for over 600 yards last season and looks to get help from redshirt freshman Kevin Parks.
The Cavaliers were a disaster on defense in 2010 as they made the switch to a 4-3 alignment. Virginia struggled mightily against the run, allowing over 203.7 yards per game last season. The Virginia secondary features the talented Chase Minnifield and loads of experience but it doesn't figure to matter much if the run defense doesn't improve substantially.