The primary factor in the outcome of the Cavaliers’ last two games, including Virginia’s 17-9 loss to Miami this past Friday, is easy to analyze. I’ve revealed that in the One More Thing segment (don’t look ahead – see if you can guess).

Virginia’s special teams had an average grade of 78.9 the first four weeks of the season. Over the last two games, they stepped up their play and have posted an average grade of 84.9. The Hoos have dropped three of eight punts inside the 20-yard line in support off the defense and provided the UVA offense excellent field position, twice placing the offense in plus territory in the Notre Dame game off an onside kick and a muffed punt recovery. With the score at 10-6 at Miami, a Joe Reed kickoff return gave the offense possession at the Miami 27.

In fact, Virginia has had an overall starting field position of the 34-yard line (Notre Dame) and the 35-yard line (Miami) the past two weeks – usually a good indicator of solid special teams and defensive play. Up until the Notre Dame and Miami games, since the 2017 season, UVA had a record of 14-1 when recording an average starting field position of the 33-yard line or better.

While not great against Notre Dame, the defense certainly played well enough to produce a victory in both outings. That was undoubtedly the case against the Canes. As you peruse the defensive notes, you’ll see that the operation significantly limited the U’s offensive output, far below its last 13 to 17 games. And consider this fact: Virginia’s defense has held 13 of its last 19 opponents under 24 points and limited nine to 17 or fewer points. Until the Miami game, the Hoos were undefeated in those previous eight games.

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