The Hawk’s Nest Articles

At the start of September the Virginia Cavaliers embark on another journey in hopes of becoming champions of the very competitive Atlantic Coast Conference. The last time the Cavs were crowned champs of the ACC was 1995, a team that included a very talented secondary and featured one of the best cornerbacks to ever play at UVa in Ronde Barber. This year's Cavaliers will look to be led by a very talented defensive secondary as well, one that has already received high praise by some as potentially the best secondary the University has had in over a decade. READ MORE

This weekend the Virginia Cavaliers will face the Virginia Tech Hokies at hostile Lane Stadium. The Hoos are trying to end their three-game losing streak in hopes of becoming bowl eligible. The Cavs will have to win at a place where they have not been victorious since 1998 if they want to have a chance at postseason play. One key to the game for the Cavaliers is to be able to adjust to the two quarterback system the Hokies have used over the past couple of weeks as well as last season. READ MORE

After a much-needed week off, the Virginia Cavaliers look to get back on the winning track this Saturday when they face the Clemson Tigers. Both teams are 5-5 with hopes of becoming bowl eligible by season's end. The Cavs will have their hands full this weekend trying to contain the Tigers' spread offense. One element that has been successful for the Tigers at times is their ability to execute the bubble screen. READ MORE

There are three phases that take place during a football game and they are offense, defense, and special teams. Every player strives to be great on either offense or defense but the ultimate team player will take pride in also being a great special teams player as well. One special teams unit that plays a big part in games but rarely get praise is the kickoff coverage team. READ MORE

The Hurricanes will try to put a stop to the Cavs' winning ways by doing what they have been known to do over the years and that is playing physical on defense. I think the Canes will come in geared to slow down Cedric Peerman and the Cavs' strong running game by stacking the box, thus leaving the Cavalier wideouts matched up one-on-one with the defensive backs. The wideout I feel that can excel the most during these one-on-one battles is the Cavs' leading receiver Kevin Ogletree. READ MORE

Last week's game turned into a real nailbiter as it took a last minute drive to help send the game into overtime en route to the Cavs' 14th straight home victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels. During the game-tying drive the Cavaliers' offense did a great job of moving the ball against the Tar Heels' soft Cover 2 zone or prevent defense. In an earlier article I talked about how to run a Cover 2, but now I would like to put you in the mindset of the offense as it looks to attack the zone. READ MORE

This Saturday features another chapter in the storied "South's Oldest Rivalry" between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Virginia Cavaliers. With the Tar Heels coming to town it will be important for the defense to continue to play well and not give up the big play in the passing game. As a defensive back myself, that's where I'll be focused this weekend by keeping an eye on shutdown corner Ras-I Dowling. READ MORE

Defense! Defense! Defense! That's the common chant heard throughout a stadium during a football game. When the game is tight and a play needs to be made, it will most likely be the defense that is called upon to do the job. There is nothing better than being on or witnessing a dominant defense at work. There are aspects that make a defense great like having a great pass rush or having great cover corners and sound tacklers. There is one factor that will make a good defense turn into a dominant defense and that is being able to accomplish the art of deception, known in football as the ability to disguise coverages. READ MORE

We have all heard coaches and players say "Defense wins championships." I agree with this phrase because in a big game it will most likely be up to the defense to provide a key stop to either seal a victory or to help give the offense another opportunity to win the game a la the New York Giants in the Super Bowl this past February. As a defensive back, we love the challenge of providing turnovers for the offense in key situation and one detail that I always study when I prepare to face a quarterback is his eyes. READ MORE

The time has come for the Virginia Cavaliers to start yet another quest toward attaining an ACC Championship. What better way to prove their worth than facing Pac-10 powerhouse USC. What can the Hoos do to overcome the underdog role? I'm glad you asked that question because I have a few keys I think will help an underdog shock the audience when it comes to bettering their chances for pulling off an upset. READ MORE