2011 Virginia Cavaliers Football Predictions, Odds, Picks and Schedule – 2011 Virginia NCAA Football Preview

2011 Virginia Cavaliers College Football Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Odds and Schedule – Virginia NCAA Football Preview: The 2010-11 season was an ugly one for the Virginia football program as the Cavaliers struggled to a 4-8 record under first-year head coach Mike London. Despite the forgettable year, there is reason for optimism in Charlottesville. Virginia has more returning starters than any other team in the ACC, and London’s recruiting class ranked among the top 25 in the nation. With plenty of experience back in the mix and an injection of young talent, the Cavaliers may have the winning combination to bounce back in 2011-12.

The good news for an offense that ranked in the middle of the road in the ACC last season is that eight starters return. The bad news is that the Cavaliers will have to break in new starters at the quarterback and running back positions. QB Mark Verica helped Virginia have a top-25 ranked passing attack last year. Michael Rocco and Ross Metheny will attempt to fill the void, and they will have a loaded group of receivers to work with. Kris Burd and Matt Snyder provide a veteran presence, while highly-touted freshmen Darius Jennings and Dominique Terrell should provide plenty of explosive plays.

Virginia’s rushing attack will be turned over to Perry Jones this season, and he will be charged with replacing Keith Payne and his 13 touchdowns from a year ago. Jones did get his feet wet last year, topping 600 yards himself, but this will be the first season he has to carry the load in a full-time role. Making the transition easier will be one of the best offensive lines in the ACC. Four starters return, including future NFL starter Morgan Moses. Thanks to the guys up front, the ground game should come life this life this season.

While the offensive should be solid, it is the Cavaliers’ defense that should have opponents worried. Ten starters return, and the 28.3 points per game the unit surrendered will almost certainly decrease. Cam Johnson anchors a defensive front and is coming off a season when he totaled 6.5 sacks and 53 tackles. All three starting linebackers from last year are back, although Ausar Walcott will be moving to defensive end to utilize his pass rushing skills. Three starters are back in the secondary as well, including All-Conference performer Chase Minnifield, who picked off six passes a year ago. Add it up, and the Cavaliers stand to make major strides of the defensive side of the ball this year.

Looking at the schedule, the Cavaliers will need to do a lot of damage in the out-of-conference portion in order to be successful. William & Mary, Idaho and Indiana are among the opponents with Southern Miss being the toughest test. Once ACC play begins, Virginia has to go on the road to play North Carolina, Miami, Maryland and powerhouse Florida State. A home game against rival Virginia Tech is probably going to end badly, but how London’s bunch fare in the additional home games against Georgia Tech, N.C. State and Duke will probably determine the overall success of the year.

When all is said and done, the Cavaliers’ season will hinge on the play of their new starting QB and the strength of the defense. While Virginia should be able to run the ball effectively throughout the season and more than hold their own on defense, the Cavaliers are going to have a hard time beating the top teams in the ACC without strong play out of their quarterback. A bowl game is certainly within reach for this experienced group, but the best is yet to come for London and his top-ranked recruits.

2011 Virginia Cavaliers College Football Predictions: 5-7 Record

Preseason 2011 Virginia Cavaliers NCAA Football Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS Championship: NA/Off the Board
Odds to Win 2011 ACC Championship: +3000
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2011 Virginia Cavaliers Football Schedule
Sat, Sep 3 William & Mary 6:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 10 at Indiana 7:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 17 at North Carolina 3:30 pm —
Sat, Sep 24 Southern Miss TBA —
Sat, Oct 1 Idaho TBA —
Sat, Oct 15 Georgia Tech TBA —
Sat, Oct 22 North Carolina State TBA —
Thu, Oct 27 at Miami (FL) 8:00 pm —
Sat, Nov 5 at Maryland TBA —
Sat, Nov 12 Duke TBA —
Sat, Nov 19 at Florida State TBA —
Sat, Nov 26 Virginia Tech TBA —

Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2011 College Football Over Under Team Wins Odds and Predictions and 2011 ACC Football Odds and Predictions articles.

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