Virginia Cavaliers 2010 College Football Predictions – BCS Odds 2011: The University of Virginia Cavaliers football team is starting all over in 2010. The Cavs are picked by media pundits to finish last in the ACC Coastal Division and last overall in the ACC. Following the teams dismal 3-9 performance in 2009, the University fired head coach Al Groh and replaced him with former Richmond head coach Mike London, considered to be a rising star in college coaching.
London has also brought in a new coaching staff including coordinators Jim Reid (defense) and Bill Lazor (offense). London picked up both Reid and Lazor from the NFL ranks. Reid spent the past two years with the Miami Dolphins while Lazor spent the past seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
London has recruited well since arriving in Charlottesville but that will not translate into more wins in 2010. The new coaching staff will have to play the cards they've been dealt and it's not a good hand. The strengths are few, mostly on defense, the area of former coach Groh's expertise.
The Cavs are solid in defending the pass and return shut-down corners Ras -I dowling and Chase Minnifield who helped lead the 23rd best unit in defensive pass efficiency. Matt Conrath and Nick Jenkins give the Cavs strength at defensive tackle.
The quarterback position is an area of concern. Marc Verica started August drills atop the depth chart. For Verica to be effective he will need to avoid interceptions, an area that haunted him in 2008. The strength of the Cavs offense is in the backfield led by power runner Dominique Wallace. His season was cut short last year from a knee injury but appears strong in August drills. There is also depth at the position with Perry Jones and Kevin Parks showing promise.
2010 Outlook: It is expected UVA will improve greatly, but the improvement might not translate into wins – at least not this year anyway. The Cavs will win four games but beyond that it's anybody's guess. I will be considered a major accomplishment if the Cavs win six and make the bowl season.
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