North Carolina vs. UVA: Game Preview

It’s time to buckle up, hit the road again and travel to unfriendly territory in Charlottesville, VA. Carolina’s coming off what could be considered the biggest win of the Larry Fedora Era. UNC will be looking to extend its winning streak to 2 for the immediate season and 5 to an UVA program that the Heels have dominated for almost half a decade. In 2010, Carolina was fortunate to reverse the Hoo-ville curse of two decades by delivering a pasting of Mike London’s squad in Butch Davis’ final year and London’s first.

What has changed significantly about this rivalry is the level to which UVA’s been recruiting since London’s arrival. While I believe Mike London is an excellent recruiter, I’ve never viewed him as a strong game day coach.

The bumps and bruises this UVA team took in 2013 are paying dividends in 2014.

Year in and year out he’s compiled talent and more talent and hasn’t figured out a way to take the team to the next level. That was all the case until about two hires ago: Tom O’Brien for the Associate Head Coach of the Offense and John Tenuta as the AHC of the Defense.

Since those hires, UVA has implemented the foundation that made this program one to watch when George Welsh was the head man: A decent offense with an excellent O-line that frees up the passing game through the power run game, and an aggressive 4-3 defense front that let’s the talent in the secondary roam free. In 2013, it was clear in UVA was a program in transition, they were young, they gave folks fits for three quarters, but they couldn’t get over the top. The bumps and bruises this UVA team took in 2013 are paying dividends in 2014.

The Wahoo Defense 

Most of UVA’s turnaround should credit the aggressive defensive front that’s lead to every opponent struggling in 2014. UVA’s stout front seven is full of young talent, they continues to grow, and they’ve been aided by a mostly veteran secondary of playmakers. This isn’t the UVA defense of the late Al Groh or early Mike London years. In fact, this 2014 crew is stout.

Let’s take a gander at boys getting it done up front

DL Starters: DE Mike Moore (#32), David Dean (#55), Donte Williams (#93), Eli Harold (#7)

Key DL Backups: DT Andrew Brown (#9), DE Kwontie Moore (#34)

LB Starters: SLB Max Valles (#88), MLB Henry Coley (#44), WLB Daquan Romero (#13)

Virginia’s two deep on the defensive line is loaded with elite talent (all 3,4,5 star talent) from top to bottom. They have been the foundations of this defense’s transformation and should improve as Freshman Andrew Brown continues to grow. The starting 4 features four kids who’ll  all be playing on Sundays.

The Linebackers for UVA have been able to feed off the production from the front four and have wrapped up tackles in bunches. While there’s not as much elite talent around this group, most LBs in this system are sure tackles and are reliable in space.

Like the defensive line, Virginia’s secondary is LOADED. Even with starter Demetrious Nicholson injured since he set foot on campus, UVA ‘s reloaded with a rotation of defensive backs that have racked up interceptions and big tackles. It will be imperative that Carolina’s receivers gain separation from this crew in the pass game, and keep a hat on a hat on the perimeter screen and run game. The defensive backs rotation is UVAs deepest position group.

DB Starters: CB Maurice Canady (#26), CB Brandon Phelps (#21), FS Anthony Harris (#8), SS Quin Blanding (#3)

Key DB Reserves: CB DreQuan Hoskey (#22, plays Nickel DB), CB Tim Harris (#5)

The Wahoo Offense 

Now that we’ve covered who’ll step on the field for UVAs defense, let’s shift gears to focus on a phase of Saturday, that I believe Carolina should have a distinct advantage over: the UVA Offense.

Much like in 2013, 2014 UVA Offense is still searching for an identity. Through their first 7 games of 2014 UVAs offense seems to do what I refer to as “just enough.” We shouldn’t see this bunch pile up points on Saturday with much of that responsibility still stemming from the confusion at Quarterback and passing game

UVAs Skill Player Starters

QB 1 Matt Johns (#15) OR Greyson Lambert (#11)

RBs Kevin Parks (#25), Taquan “Smoke” Mizzell (#4), Khalek Shepard (#23)

FB C. Wingo-Reeves (#41)

TEs Zachary Swanson (#49), Rob Burns (#89)

WRs Miles Gooch (#17), Darius Jennings (#6), Canaan Severin (#9), Andre Levrone (#14), Keeon Johnson (#85)

UVA has been hit or miss this year in the offensive department. Much of this inconsistency stems from he quarterback position, where three starters have been erratic all season. Johns has emerged from the dust and has been a decent game manager. He’s doesn’t have a big arm and isn’t overly consistent, but he contributed to all 5 wins.

I’m still a believer that Carolina can leave Charlottesville with a victory

Running backs Kevin Parks (the workhorse) and Smoke Mizzell (the speed) help provide balance to a pass happy offense that has struggled in the passing game. Like most teams, the production of this offense boils down to the play of these five:

LT Sadiq Olanrewalu (#75), LG Ryan Doull (#63), C Ross Burbank (#65), RG Conner Davis (#74), RT Eric Davis (#72)

 Beating UVA 

Prior to the season starting I circled this ballgame as a gimme for the Tar Heels. I hadn’t seen anything in the past 4 years that led me to believe that UVA would sniff a victory against UNC, regardless of the venue. Sitting here at the mid-point of the season I’m not speaking the same breath. I’m still a believer that Carolina can leave Charlottesville with a victory tomorrow if they capitalize on these 4 factors. Here are a few things to watch…

On Offense:

1. Carolina must establish a balanced attack that keeps this UVA defense guessing. When every you face quality defenses it pays dividends to establish a run game then throw, command your dominance then throw a curve ball. Making this UVA defense think about their next chess move rather than react leads to tentative and cautious play; both items Carolina’s offense can pick apart.

2. Attack the second level. I spoke at great length how strong this UVA defense is in the front 4 and secondary. The way to attack this defense is not to throw the ball over the top, but rather attack the linebackers at the second level. Make these guys make the big tackle and force them to guard every end of the field. Marquise Williams threat to run should open up this mid range game.

On Defense:

1. Force Matt Johns to beat you: UVA has played their fair share of quality defenses in 2014 between UCLA, Louisville and Pitt. All 3 of those squads struggled because they focused too heavily on blitzing the heck out of the quarterback rather than forcing the QB to throw into tight windows and escape from the front 4 or five men of basic pressure. Johns is not crazy accurate, make this guy hit his receivers in stride and throw remarkable throws.

2. Step on the Opponents Throat: One item that’s been missing from Carolina on defense as well as the offense this year is their killer instinct. Carolina’s allowed every opponent to hang around or jump out to a quick lead right off the bat. The Tar Heels must jump out to a quick lead tomorrow and force UVA to play catch up from 3 scores down. Put this Wahoo squad away.

Offensive Balance. Second Level Attack. Threading the Needle. Put the Hoos away. All goals within reach. Time to build on this momentum.

WFP