UVa’s Cam Johnson delivered 2.5 sacks against VMI.

In many ways, Virginia’s transition to a 4-3 defense this season has gone smoothly. There is a more aggressive attitude. There is more speed on the field by shifting guys to new positions. The numbers certainly look good: 7th nationally in scoring defense (12.33 points per game), 19th nationally in total defense (280.33 yards per game), 26th nationally in run defense (105.67 yards per game), tied for 35th nationally in pass defense (174.67 yards per game), tied for 42nd nationally in sacks (2.33 per game), and tied for 55th nationally in tackles for loss (6.33 per game). Undoubtedly, those numbers are boosted by playing two FCS opponents.

With that said, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Pocket containment has to be high on the list, however, because it has been a recurring theme through the first three games. Richmond quarterback Aaron Corp escaped pressure and found open receivers several times in the season’s opener. Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley made some plays after avoiding defenders too, most notably on the Trojan’s late scoring drive in the first half; remember, Barkley slipped past a near sack from Matt Conrath and scrambled for 20 yards. USC picked up another 15 yards on that same play thanks to a late hit penalty and eventually scored with one second remaining before halftime to lead 14-7 at the break.

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