The Cavs are coming off of a successful 8-5 season, which included a second-place finish in the Coastal Division of the ACC. Head coach Mike London has done a great job getting this program back on track, leading them to their first bowl game since 2007.e.
Because of back-to-back blowout losses to end the season last year, this team has some negative momentum heading into 2012. However, they have 12 starters and 42 lettermen returning, which should get back on track in 2012. You can follow the odds and get expert picks on the Cavs this season with Football Free Picks.
Offense
Virginia had no problem moving the ball last year, averaging 400 yards per game, but turnovers did them in as they averaged just 23.2 points/game. The Cavaliers should benefit with another year of experience, and with seven starters returning, this should be an improved team offensively.
Junior QB Michael Rocco returns after a surprisingly productive sophomore campaign. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor deserves some of the credit for Roccos’s production last year, and likely continued improvement in 2012.
The Cavs are set at running back with their top four rushers returning in 2012. The backfield will be led as by the dynamic duo of Perry Jones and Kevin Parks, but sophomore Clifton Richarson could see some significant carries as well.
Receiver Kris Burd is probably the biggest loss for the Cavs from last season. They have only returning starter in this unit and the Cavaliers are expected start sophomores Darius Jennings and Dominique Terrell.
The offensive line loses two starters as well, including second-team All-American LG Austin Pasztor. This unit does return three starters and 58 career starts, including second-team All-ACC LT Oday Aboushi and third-team All-ACC RT Morgan Moses. Junior RG Luke Bowanko is their other returning starter.
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Defense
The Cavs were pretty solid on defense last year, giving up just 23.8 points and 352 yards per game. Unfortunately, they return just five starters and lose five of their top eight tacklers.
The defensive line suffers the biggest blows as DT Matt Conrath, DE Cam Johnson and DT Nick Jenkins all depart. Starters Jake Snyder and senior DE Bill Schautz both return, and senior NT Will Hill returns as well. While they may have lost some great players, this defensive line still has enough experience to be good once again.
The linebacker corps will be the most experienced unit on defense with four of their top six coming back. Senior MLB Steve Greer is an absolute beast, and senior WLB LaRoy Reynolds is pretty good as well. These two will likely be 1-2 in tackles once again in 2012.
The secondary will have to replace three solid players in CB Chase Minnifield, SS Rodney McLeod and FS Corey Mosley. They do have returning sophomore Demetrious Nicholson, arguably the team’s best defensive back last year. They may be forced to start four sophomores, which will likely lead to more mistakes in pass coverage this season.
ACC Coastal Division Prediction – 4th Place
Slowly but surely, London has the Cavaliers competing at a high level in the ACC. They have key players coming back from last season, so Virginia can very well be in the thick of things in the Coastal Division. They avoid both Florida State and Clemson from the Atlantic. They will face tough road games against Georgia Tech, NC State and Virginia Tech. By the end of the season, they may show a 4-4 record in conference play and a middle-of-the-pack finish in the Coastal Division.
Jack Jones is a professional handicapper who writes and makes picks for Betfirms.com. Head there now to read more about the Cavs’ upcoming season.