Virginia’s loss to North Carolina on Thursday night bumped the Hoos out of bowl contention and left the team with one final game – the rivalry showdown with Virginia Tech. It also exposed a defensive area that, simply put, needs to be addressed beginning as soon as spring practice starts. Receiver screens.

It seemed pretty clear that UNC had studied Louisiana Tech film in preparation for this game. On the second drive of the game, the Tar Heels spread out Virginia, which had stayed in its base defense, and used a receiver screen pass to get a touchdown. On the play, safety Brandon Phelps did not break his steps down well in closing down on the receiver.

It wasn’t just that TD play, though. Carolina made sure to go to those screens, a staple of spread offenses, frequently throughout the night. While UVa managed to slow down the dangerous Giovani Bernard at running back (15 carries, 57 yards and 4 catches, 47 yards with 1 touchdown), those quick outside throws picked apart the defense throughout the game as UNC rolled up 446 yards of offense.

...