For each game this season, The Sabre will present a final peek at the week’s match-up with a new feature called Priorities, Picks, and Power Players. In the “Priorities” section, we take a look at the keys to a Virginia victory. In the “Picks” section, Sabre Editor Kris Wright and another Sabre representative make a case for who will win and give you a final score. In the “Power Players” section, The Sabre predicts who some of the key players could be for that Saturday’s showdown.
Take a look at TCU!
Priorities |
||
|
1. No turnovers. So, The Sabre didn’t plan to repeat this mantra every week but in light of last week’s 7 turnovers, it has to be No. 1 again. Don’t turn the ball over. Especially 7 times. 2. Slow down the run. TCU loves to run the football (220.2 rushing yards per game in 2008) and control the clock. UVa needs to slow down the run and get the defense off the field or it will be a long night. The magic number? 167 – TCU has won 30 straight when rushing for more than that. 3. Block somebody. The UVa offense clearly struggled last week. Understatement, right? Many of the issues can be traced to the offensive line’s blocking problems. Too many missed assignments, open lanes and poor blocks contributed to the Hoos’ issues. The O-Line has to block better for Virginia to have a shot. 4. Win on special teams. The Horned Frogs’ defense is good – really good. Their offense is potent too (33.6 points per game). If the Cavaliers are going to pull off an upset, they have to win special teams. No mistakes and try to provide some points too if possible. |
||
Picks |
||
|
KRIS ON THE HORNED FROGS
TCU is highly ranked, highly respected and highly talented. The defense is fast and ferocious. The offense is physical and powerful. The whole team has a lot of speed, particularly at the game-breaker positions like running back and corner. Virginia is 5-10 in its last 15 games. The defense is respectable, but hasn’t helped in the scoring column much since early in 2007. The offense continues to struggle. The special teams unit is still looking for threats in the return categories. With that said, Al Groh’s teams frequently have had a knack for playing big-time opponents very well in Scott Stadium. Groh’s groups have also bounced back from rough losses like last week’s William & Mary setback many times. When you look at all of this together, it means there’s a sliver of hope for an upset special Saturday evening. But, make no mistake, if Virginia wins, it will be a big, big upset. After last week’s showing, though, I just can’t see it. TCU 30, UVa 10 – Kris Wright, Sabre Editor |
MIKE ON THE HORNED FROGS Virginia blew a chance at regaining the confidence and support of its fan base last weekend when doing the unthinkable, losing to an in-state FCS opponent in William & Mary. Next up is TCU, those proud and nationally ranked Horned Frogs of Fort Worth, Texas. This week is another chance to win a game, an all-important home game against a quality opponent. A win wouldn’t erase the pain of game one, but it would go a long way toward instilling some faith in the team from the fan base. And for those wondering what they should be doing this weekend … well, you should support your team. Do it because you love your University. Do it because football on a Saturday with friends and food is just a fun thing to do. Or more importantly, do it because you love your team and players, regardless of what you may feel toward your coach. As for how Virginia matches up, it’s tough to say after watching last Saturday’s offensive performance (pun intended). But something tells me that at least one of our quarterbacks will make a statement in this game. My guess is Jameel Sewell based on two full years of starting quarterback experience and a year of watching his team play without him. Mistakes (interceptions) aside, Sewell showed he had the heart of a champion on the field last week. He did all he could with his legs and it was enough to drive the ball down the field for a score in the second quarter. I expect more of this on Saturday, but I also feel that Jameel will find better range with his throws and connect on some vertical passes. I believe Virginia’s defense has what it takes to keep TCU at bay. A week of film study from players and coaches should open the door for better pressure on TCU’s quarterback, and hopefully a few turnovers as well. The Cavaliers had a number of shots at picks against William & Mary, but couldn’t take advantage of them. This week will be different. The defense and the punt game will put the Hoos in a position to win the game. On a side note, fans might find it interesting to know that Fort Worth is an old stomping ground for yours truly. I spent two years at my first Air Force duty station there in the 80’s and met my first wife there; my 21-year-old daughter still lives there and plans to transfer to TCU after a stint in community college. Still, as much as I like the Horned Frogs and their rise to national prominence, my heart is with Virginia and I cannot predict against them. UVa 24, Toads 21 – Mike Ingalls, Sabre Founder |
|
Power Players |
||
|
Jimmy Howell . UVa’s punter had a very good game in the opener and averaged 39.0 yards per punt. The coverage team held William & Mary to minus-2 yards on returns. This part of the team needs to have a good game this week to help UVa win the special teams’ battle, a necessary ingredient for an upset. Kris Burd . Despite missing part of the preseason with an injury, Burd played well last week with a team-high 46 yards receiving (including the team’s longest reception of 25 yards). He runs good routes and has good hands so he could be a consistent performer moving forward. Rodney McLeod . Playing his first game as a starter at safety, McLeod had a decent outing with 5 tackles (4 solo) against the Tribe. He showed great speed in pursuit against the run too – considering UVa will likely load up against the run and bring the safeties forward frequently, McLeod could be a key player this week. |
||
