Be disruptive.

That’s the goal for the defensive line under coach Jon Tenuta. Read the keys, get up field, and make plays. Virginia’s players started to show signs of success with that philosophy in Tenuta’s first season. The Hoos piled up 89 tackles for loss with 28 sacks in 2013; the defensive line played its part in those numbers with 50 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks.

The ability to get that pressure into the backfield played a big role in UVa’s lofty numbers in first downs allowed (tied for 26th nationally at 18.8 first downs allowed per game) and third down defense (ninth nationally at 32.04% allowed). The flipside of that coin comes in over-pursuit and containment issues, which contributed to some of the big plays allowed last season. Virginia allowed 39 plays of 30-plus yards, which tied for 115th nationally. If the Cavaliers can reel in the big play numbers, however, then the defense has an opportunity to be a game-changing unit.

The defensive line is the first piece of the disruption equation as pressure in the backfield takes away opposing offense’s rhythm and plan. Despite losing the production of Brent Urban and Jake Snyder from a year ago, the UVa line has a lot of talent and potential to set the tone.

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