Statistically, the Virginia defense had a good season. The maligned Virginia run defense finished 18th in the nation and held five opponents under 89 yards rushing. Virginia limited seven teams to 16 points or less, shut out Maryland and Akron and continued a trend that has occurred throughout the Groh era, lowering its scoring defense from 20.4 points per game in 2003 to 17.7 in 2004. But it was in the four losses that the defense collectively averaged a C (73.4), and that was the difference between a pretty good season and a special season for the Cavalier defenders.

In our breakdown we look at four areas: A composite of all 12 games grades, the best and worst efforts, and an overall mark with respect to preseason expectations.

Defensive Line

Composite grade: B+

Best Performance: A+ (Akron)

Worst Performance: D+ (Florida State)

Met Expectations

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