Virginia returns to Scott Stadium for a showdown with North Carolina on Saturday. The Cavaliers and Tar Heels have met 118 times previously so there has been plenty of water under the bridge in this series. What does this edition hold? Let’s break down the Heels.

The Quick Throw

North Carolina brings an up-tempo spread offense to town under coach Larry Fedora. It has all the expected bells and whistles: read option, quarterback keepers, receiver screens, and multiple receiver formations. Fedora, as UVa fans know unfortunately, has been whipping Virginia with his offense for years now. In 2009, his Southern Miss team rolled up 37 points in a 37-34 win (note: another game where the Cavaliers outgained an opponent but lost – yuck!). In 2011, those Eagles put up 30 more in a 30-24 victory. Since coming to North Carolina in 2012, Fedora’s Heels have put up 37 and 45 points in two more triumphs.

If that tells you anything, it’s that Virginia’s offense better be ready to score some points this weekend.

Beyond that, there are some specifics to monitor in the game as well. The spread elements mentioned above are all note-worthy, but one of the most concerning pieces has to be the quick throws. In addition to receiver screens, UNC will simply have QB Marquise Williams catch the ball and almost immediately throw passes to the outside if the corners are playing too far off the line or regularly showing ‘bail’ coverage.

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