The Virginia football team’s matchup with Boston College on Saturday could be billed as strength vs. strength in at least one category. UVA enters the game with a strong run defense, while the Eagles come to town with one a formidable rushing attack on offense. The winner of that head-to-head contest might come out as the game’s victor as well.
UVA sits in a tie for 53rd nationally in run defense by allowing 143.00 yards per game, a number that took a hit last week against North Carolina. The Tar Heels put up 211 yards on the ground thanks for the most part to 113 rushing yards on just two carries by Michael Carter, the first running back to crack 100 yards against the defense this season. Virginia indicated this week that two gap breakdowns led to those big runs, but the D has focused on run defense to make sure that got cleaned up.
“The traditional runs we’ve been defending really well all year and then there’s been some quarterback scrambles and some quarterback runs that have kind of altered and skewed the rushing yardage,” Cavalier coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “And so I would have said a different response other than the two runs we just gave up, so I think we’re good, not great. Probably if you’re giving it a letter grade in the B range as to where we are, probably after game six.”
There’s an added emphasis for BC with good reason. The Eagles currently place in a tie for 47th nationally in rushing offense and they feature a dynamic freshman at the running back position. In fact, true freshman AJ Dillon had a monster game last week at Louisville when he secured early career highs of 272 yards and four touchdowns. That’s the most ever by a true freshman at Boston College and third most all-time for the program. Only UNC’s Amos Lawrence had more as a freshman when he put up 286 rushing yards in 1977.
“We started – yeah, even after the very first game, we’ve been targeting that with increased emphasis and the different types of runs we’ve been seeing,” Mendenhall said. “But certainly against Boston College that is a first priority. It’s run, run, run and then you have to defend play action. So yeah, we think it’s not only necessary for our team’s improvement but for our best chance to have our best chance against this opponent.”
Duo Remains In Lott Trophy Contention
Virginia’s two defensive stars Micah Kiser and Quin Blanding made the cut for the 14th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinals. The linebacker and safety are among 20 players still in the running for the ward, given annually to the college defensive player in the nation who makes the biggest IMPACT on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Both Kiser and Blanding earned a spot on the preseason watch list for the honor for the second straight season and their play to date has kept them in the running. Through six games, the two seniors have combined for 124 tackles, four pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries. The Hoos own a 5-1 record at the season’s halfway point.
Kiser has tallied 63 tackles, which currently stands fourth in the ACC. He has led the league in stops the past two seasons. Kiser also has five sacks, three pass breakups, one QB hurry, and a fumble recovery. Blanding has recorded 61 tackles, which ties him for fifth in the ACC. He also has one interception, one pass breakup, and one QB hurry. Blanding returned that interception for a touchdown. He needs just 17 tackles to become the program’s all-time leader in that category.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 8 and four finalists will be announced Nov. 28. At the Lott IMPACT Trophy Awards Banquet on Dec. 10, Ronnie Lott will announce the winner.
More UVA Notables
- UVA linebacker Malcolm Cook remains “out” on the injury report for this week, but Mendenhall is hopeful for his return by next week’s game with Pittsburgh.
- Both teams have nine interceptions this season, which is tied for 12th nationally. So far, however, the Hoos have fared better overall in turnover margin. They’re tied for 15th nationally with a +1.0 turnover margin/game, while the Eagles are tied for 82nd nationally with a -0.29 turnover margin/game.
- The Cavaliers have never defeated Boston College (0-5 all-time).
- Virginia is not scheduled to play BC again until 2024.
- Hoo quarterback Kurt Benkert and former player Wayne Schuchts are the only two players in program history with three passes of 80 yards or more.
Chris Long Donating Game Checks To Education Charities
As many UVA fans already heard or read, former Wahoo Chris Long is donating his remaining 10 games checks with the Philadelphia Eagles this season to education charities in St. Louis, New England, and Philadelphia. He has played in all three cities during his NFL career.
Below are two videos discussing the decision. Read more about the Pledge 10 initiative here – the pledge drive already has raised close to $200,000 by Thursday afternoon per Long’s Tweet on Thursday.
Hear from @JOEL9ONE on his decision to donate all of his game checks for the 2017 season to support educational equality. pic.twitter.com/uh1GqiEoH0
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 18, 2017
