Virginia Cavaliers Football Fanatics

Alright Hoo faithful, what are your thoughts about this year?  As a season ticket holder, I’m psyched for this new team under Mike London.  What a difference only a few months have made, huh?  Granted, where Virginia was last year, any improvement or hope must seem like a difference.  Here are some thoughts I have about this team heading to the 2010 season.

1.        Virginia beat Tech with in-state recruiting for the first time in years.  The Hoo’s snagged 7 of the top 20 in-state recruits while the Hokies have had only three at last count.  Out of the 757 area code, London has reconciled with the coaches and successfully recruited six: one four-star, five three-star, and one two-star.  Overall UVA’s class is ranked 22^nd nationally while the Hokies are 35^th.  What do you think of the success?  Is it due to the new buzz from the coach, TV show, and lack of Hokie starting spots or something more?  My take is it’s something to build upon and the true test will come over the next 2-3 years as students choose for true starting opportunities at both schools. 

2.       London’s early tenure has already brought positive change.  UVA has the highest team GPA in ten years, players and fans are excited, and any decent offensive coordinator will be a big improvement.  I love Mike Groh for what he has meant to UVA (I was there in 95), but as an offensive coordinator, I think Lazor will be much better at developing the QB’s.

3.       How quickly will this team improve under London?  With experience under his belt, will Verica embrace the new coaching staff and show us what he did during the first half of 2008, or will be let the pressure get to him like he did the last half and last year?  How will the defense handle the switch to the 4-3 and will smaller quicker players fill the Linebacker void as we move people up on the line?  Will the offensive line and tight end flourish in the return to the pro-style “Tight-End U” system?  Who will step up and become the signature Cavalier running back?

As for this year, here is where I see the record:  7-5 with a chance for 9-3 depending on how we play with Georgia Tech and Miami.  Here’s my rationale:  should win games will be Richmond, VMI, and Eastern Michigan; Winnable games include Duke (W), North Carolina (W), Maryland (W),  Boston College (W), Miami (L), Georgia Tech (L); Should Lose games include USC, Florida State, and Virginia Tech.

Let me know your thoughts.  Who will be joining me for the home opener Sept. 4^th?  Anyone going to the Virginia Tech game this year?