The season opener for the Virginia football team met the pessimistic projections from observers and Vegas oddsmakers. Picked as 28-point underdogs, the Hoos fell 49-13 to then No. 12 Tennessee on Saturday in a game that started to separate mid-way through the second quarter. What about the Pro Football Focus report, though?

Here’s a quick overview of the PFF grades, which are meant to measure execution as much as production.

• Overall: 66.0 (average)
• Offense: 46.3 (poor)
• Defense: 81.3 (slightly above average)
• Special Teams: 53.8 (poor)

Admittedly, that defense number is a bit surprising and I doubt UVA defensive coordinator John Rudzinski was as lenient with his own assessment. The Hoos, after all, not only gave up 49 points, they also allowed 7 touchdowns in 7 red zone possessions, 287 rushing yards, and did not have much success on third down in the final three quarters. If nothing else, the red zone data alone warrants a lower number.

Were there any other surprises contained deeper in the PFF data? What storylines and trends should Hoo fans be watching. It’s time for a little more from the season opener.

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