2021 Virginia Cavaliers: Is Making a Bowl Game Enough?

Virginia is one of those programs that are just, for lack of a better word, boring. They have expectations but rarely do they surprise anyone and have an outstanding season. They had their typical 5-5 season last year and there is potential to be more of the same in 2021. They have potential at QB and the offensive line is decent. The defense was hobbled by injuries last year and they have to improve considerably in the secondary which game up far too many big plays. They are well-coached and if they can win games they are supposed to win they have a chance to move up in the standings.

Offense: The Cavaliers return versatile QB Brennan Armstrong and that is a good guy to build around. He can run the ball and is a capable passer. The offensive line is experienced and intact from last year and have over 100 starts between them. There is depth at running back led by returning starter Wayne Taulapapa. The receiving corps suffered a huge blow in the spring when Level Davis Jr. tore his ACL. But there are capable replacements so the offense can compete in the ACC

Defense: The defensive front was difficult to run against and 4 of them return which is a good foundation to build on. There are 2 starters back at linebacker that have played substantial minutes. It’s the secondary that is a major problem for Virginia. Injuries wiped out the whole bunch and they gave up an enormous amount of big plays. Will they improve enough to give Virginia a chance.

Non-Conference Schedule:

9/4 William and Mary

9/18 Illinois

10/30 at BYU

11/13 at Notre Dame

The non-con schedule has two games that are must wins in William and Mary and Illinois and two games at BYU and Notre Dame that Virginia will be hard pressed to win. 2-2 looks like the best they can do.

Conference Schedule:

9/18 at North Carolina

9/24 Wake Forest

9/30 at Miami

10/9 at Louisville

10/16 Duke

10/23 Georgia Tech

11/20 at Pittsburgh

11/27. Virginia Tech

The home conference schedule has must wins against Wake Forest, Duke, and Georgia Tech. The other game is against rival Virginia Tech to end the season. The road games include two 50/50 games at Louisville and Pittsburgh and two games at North Carolina and Miami where they will be decided underdogs. They miss both Clemson and NC State which is a plus.

Summary: It looks like another typical season for Virginia. Win some and lose some. Offensively, they look ok, but defensively the secondary has a ways to go.

Predicted Finish: 4th in the Coastal Division

Overall Record: 6-6