Pop quiz. When hearing the words “stretch play,” what do you think Virginia football fans think of first?

Sorry to spook Cavalier fans with memories of that 7-5 game in Chapel Hill many years ago, but there’s a reason to bring up perimeter running plays in 2018. Those stretch-style runs have haunted the UVA defense at times this year. Still, there were signs in the Miami game that the Hoos are cleaning up the cobwebs on perimeter plays.

The outside attack by opponents has not surprised the Virginia coaching staff and there has been an emphasis on improving that part of the defense.

“When you play 3-4 defense, teams like to run stretch,” Virginia co-defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga said. “Because you’re putting three big guys in the interior and they know we’re doing that to take away the inside run so the way to combat that is to get to the perimeter.”

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