Skinny - As Duke and North Carolina have made way on the upswing, Virginia is falling victim to the downswing and cellar-dwelling as of late. The talent level is below-average and the playmakers aren't playmakers. Cedric Peerman was a decent option at tailback last season, but he's gone and Mikell Simpson will try to pick up the slack. The quarterback position is up for grabs. Marc Verica was a below average starter last season and probably won't start again this season. Jameel Sewell was the previous starter, but had academic issues last season and former cornerback Vic Hall fits the new spread system the best. Changing systems, in addition to a lack of talent, should provide for a very bad year for the Cavaliers. The non-conference schedule provides one easy win, but 3 games they could lose to TCU, Southern Miss, and Indiana. Getting to 4 wins will be a challenge for Virginia this year, as they must regroup to get better.
Strength - Secondary
This unit is by far the best on the team. Ras-I Dowling is the team's best player and only player to make the All-ACC team (1st team). Dowling had 3 picks last season in addition to 11 passes broken up. Vic Hall will a great option at the other corner if he doesn't win out at quarterback, but the other option Chris Cook was very solid before he sat out last season with academic issues like Sewell. Corey Mosley returns after his freshman season starting at safety and doing well for a freshman. Mike Parker, Brandon Woods, or Rodney McLeod should take over the other spot, but the unit should be fine with whoever starts as this position has the most depth as any on the team.
Weakness - Wide Receivers
The number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 guys in receptions last season are gone, albeit not all were receivers. Whoever the new quarterback is, is going to need some options to throw to. Jared Green is the obvious starter getting the most action last year as a freshman, but who else is going to be in the lineup is still up for grabs. Don't be surprised if a true freshman like Tim Smith gets a look as most of the receivers in the program are younger anyway. An inept offense last season could be even worse this season.
Key Game - 10/17/09 @Maryland
If Virginia can steal one at Maryland, it will relieve the pain of the season. Virginia could be 1-4 going into this game or 2-3 (but I don't see much better) and only 1 game after that will see Virginia with a reasonable chance. Virginia proved last season they could beat better teams, but the cornerstone of their team Eugene Monroe is gone and the offensive playmakers are nearly as much. The out of conference schedule wouldn't be too bad for a normal team, as it has a BCS school and 2 reputable mid-major schools but all three of those schools will provide a big challenge to a team of the caliber of the Cavaliers.
Key Player - Vic Hall
Hall will play. Hall was one of Virginia's best defenders at cornerback, but his athletic talent needs to be maximized, which is why he is being given a shot at quarterback. He starred at the position in high school, but so many years removed from consistently playing the position could be questionable. Hall did start the spring game at quarterback and seems to be getting a good look in the newly installed spread system at Virginia. Hall only has one season of eligibilty left, so even if Hall exceeds all expectations, its not a long term fix and Virginia will have to regroup again next season.
Impact Freshman - Tim Smith
Predicted ACC finish - 6th (Coastal)
Top 5 Players
1. CB Ras-I Dowling
2. CB/QB Vic Hall
3. OL Will Barker
4. FS Corey Mosley
5. DE Matt Conrath
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