Greg’s Grades & Trends: Virginia Football At Miami

Greg's grades provide analysis on the Virginia football team.
Kurt Benkert had a big passing day at Miami. ~ Photo courtesy of Virginia athletics media relations

I don’t accept the concept of moral victories. Virginia lost to Miami 44-28 and that’s the reality. But to not look at how the Hoos went toe-to-toe with the second-best team in the country, regardless of the grades, would be criminal.

I said in the Louisville grades report last week that “Barring a total Hurricane collapse, this will be another uncomfortable afternoon for Wahoo faithful.” Miami did not have a collapse, they were outplayed by Virginia. The Hoos played well enough to win but, playable depth, special teams miscues, and a pick-six led to too many deep plus field possessions that the Cavalier defense could not overcome.

Folks, the Canes are very good football team. The Cavaliers should have beaten the No. 2 team in the land. That’s how good they played. But as we’ve been reminded often this season, the margin for error is small for the Hoos. The margin doesn’t get any wider this Saturday against Virginia Tech.

With Louisville in mind, I feel comfortable saying that Virginia can compete with the Hokies and yes, I believe they can win. But it will take an effort with zero special team execution issues, no pick-six’s and better defense against a mobile quarterback. This is not a Mike London team any longer. I doubt they could play the Hokies with three senior offensive linemen, two senior corners, and 14 of 22 junior or senior starters 10 times and win 4; but they could win two or three. That’s the difference that coach Bronco Mendenhall makes.

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