Some teams can win without all three facets of the team performing at above average levels. Virginia is not there yet. The Cavalier offense continued its improvement and exited Scott Stadium Saturday as the most effective unit for the day. But the UVa defense and special teams turned in below average performances and the hosts suffered their 5th consecutive loss.

Defensively, the Hoos were victimized by Georgia Tech’s option running game and more containment issues. The special teams were inconsistent at best and woeful at worst. The offense was clicking through the air and sustained enough of a running attack to keep the Jackets honest. But another dismal red zone performance cost the offense a championship level mark and in all likelihood the game.

Greg’s Grades

Let’s take a quick glance at the grades. As a reminder, all 12 opponents have been assigned a rating. In response to many reader requests, I instituted an Opponent Strength Rating (OSR) number in the weekly grades. All 12 opponents have been assigned an OSR number based on where they rank among the 120 FBS schools. So the breakdown looks like this: Teams 1-15, Tier 5; Teams 16-35, Tier 4; Teams 36-85, Tier 3; Teams 86-105, Tier 2; Teams 106-124, Tier 1.

In games against Tier 5 teams, the net grade will be adjusted upward 5%. Games against Tier 4 teams will receive a 2.5% adjustment upward. Conversely, grades against Tier 2 opponents will be reduced by 2.5% and Tier 1 grades will be dropped by 5% to account for the lesser opposition. Games against Tier 3 teams will serve as the mean and will not incur any changes. Georgia Tech is a Tier 3 team.

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