After snapping a 10-game losing streak last week, the Cavaliers want to end another skid this Saturday. The Hoos haven’t won an ACC game since Nov. 10, 2012 when they edged Miami 41-40. With new conference member Louisville in town this week for its first road game of the season, Virginia hopes to make a statement in what could be a pivotal swing game on the schedule.

With that in mind, let’s break down Louisville.

Beware The Wheel

Bobby Petrino is back at Louisville and that means you will see varying formations with everything from two tight ends to empty backfield five-receiver sets. The shifts include an unbalanced line look as well where the Cards overload a side. Generally, the offense uses a lot of motion to help diagnose the defense and to try to create favorable match-ups. Also, Louisville does use no-huddle as part of the system, but it isn’t necessarily up tempo. This is one of those teams that sets its initial alignment, gets a read, and then looks to the sideline for adjustments.

With so many variations, there are obviously a lot of things in preparation. One that could be important for Virginia’s aggressive defense is the wheel route. On this pattern a player starts toward the flat like it is a short pass but then quickly flips his hips and rolls up the sideline on a vertical run. This is something Petrino likes to use from various spots on the field with different personnel so it can come out of any of the formations. Since UVa likes to really attack the pocket and then anticipate short throws, this could be a big play producer if the Cavaliers take the bait at the wrong time.

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