FSU Season Preview: Opponent Previews

Apr 12, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback David Watford (5) is tackled by Cavaliers defensive end Max Valles (88) while attempting to throw the ball during the Cavaliers Spring Game at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

UVA – November 8th

2013 Record: 2-10

Returning Starters: 6 on offense, 9 on defense

Mike London hasn’t had much success at Virginia since becoming head coach, despite recruiting very well. This could be the year that his recruiting starts to pay off, but I don’t believe it’s going to be enough for UVA to challenge FSU. On offense, UVA has been quite poor over the last few years, and that trend looks to continue this year as UVA breaks in a new starting QB –it also lost leading receiver Jake McGee to a transfer. The Cavaliers will rely on a heavy rushing attack led running backs Kevin Parks and Taquan Mizzell.

On defense, the Cavaliers are actually quite solid — they held Oregon to 10 points at the half last fall — but got gassed and eventually were blown out. Key returning players include safety Anthony Harris and cornerback Demetrious Nicholson. The Cavaliers also signed 5-stars Andrew Brown (DT) and Quin Blanding (safety) in the 2014 class and they’re expected to have an immediate impact on the defense.