Viewing Last Year's UVA Game More Objectively

With every day that passes without any major news events regarding COVID 19, we become one day closer to trying to take back the Commonwealth Cup. We are currently 18 days away. The news about Raheem Blackshear today made me even more excited. I finally worked up the courage to watch the game back on Black Friday in its entirety (I'm also bored in a virtual class and am trying to pass time).

So, here are some casual observations. This won't be a deep film dive or really say anything in-depth about how the game is going to go. It's more or less going to be viewing things in perspective a little over nine months later and how that might bode for September 18th.

First and foremost, the offense wasn't as conservative in the first half as I remember it. The offense did go after their DBs a little bit. The issue was that every once in awhile, a play that UVA definitely saw on film would result in a loss and get VT behind the chains, effectively killing a drive. The first half probably would have looked a lot better had Tre Turner not fumbled early in the second quarter.

Second, with the exception of four long runs in the first half (two that resulted in TDs), I don't view anything that Bryce Perkins did in that game as something Brennan Armstrong won't be able to do. Most notably in the second half, the secondary really struggled without Caleb Farley. Poor Armani Chatman got matched up with Hasees Dubois entirely too many times. Armstrong will be able to make these same plays, so there can't be lapses in the secondary. UVA losing Dubois and Joe Reed will hopefully help there.

Third, their offensive line really sucked. Even if they're a little better this year--as long as the defense doesn't give up a million big plays again-- it is going to be tough for them to score points.

Fourth, just like our DBs, theirs struggled too. If they are anything like last year, getting Blackshear, Turner, and Tayion Robinson in space in the second level shouldn't be too difficult. I would not try to get them into space around the line of scrimmage, though. Noah Taylor and Charles Snowden at linebacker look like two Tremaine Edmunds running around on the field. Their defensive line is also pretty solid. Getting the ball to the second level without having to deal with anyone in their front seven will be ideal most of the time.

Fifth, we should have blocked at least one of their field goals. The field goal block team was very underwhelming last season. Often times it looks like not a lot of effort was given to push the line back and get their hands up. That must change.

Sixth, hopefully Tayvion Robinson can make the punter miss this year on a big punt return. Twice in the first half he made several guys miss only to get tripped up or slowed down by the punter. Kudos to UVA's punter, though.

Does anyone have anything to add? My class is wrapping up, and I've got another one right after it.

Go Hokies!