Support MTC Media by subscribing. Follow MTC Media on YouTube, X, IG, and Threads
No matter how this season ends, Tony Elliott’s vision for the Virginia (4-2, 2-1) football program has been displayed all season. The Cavaliers defense has improved all season and has shown signs of being opportunistic, while the offense is at its best when it’s balanced.
Last week’s 24-20 loss to Louisville showed how far the program has come despite losing. The Cavaliers’ defense went up against a team that was ranked at the beginning of the season, with an experienced quarterback in Tyler Shough and dynamic playmakers in both the running (Isaac Brown) and passing (Ja’Corey Brooks) games. Virginia held the lead despite Brown’s numbers with under two minutes left.
On offense, quarterback Anthony Colandrea continues to grow into a responsible dual-threat quarterback. As a team, the Cavaliers didn’t turn the ball over against Louisville. Colandrea’s ability to be a solid decision-maker is the key to Virginia’s offense.
Wide receiver Malachi Fields will be playing on Sundays. Running back Kobe Pace has had a solid season despite only rushing for 38 yards against the Cardinals.
Virginia’s next opponent will test how far the Cavaliers have come as a program.
Clemson (5-1, 4-0) has been the gold standard of the ACC since head coach Dabo Swinney has gotten there.
After being blown out by Georgia in the season opener, Clemson has looked like Clemson. The Tigers have scored 40+ points or more in three of the four ACC games.
Once Swinney got out of the way of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, the offense took off, especially quarterback Cade Klubnick. The junior quarterback has 12 touchdowns and only one interception in conference play. He also has 180 yards rushing and two touchdowns against ACC opponents.
Wide receiver Antonio Williams (25 receptions) and tight end Jack Briningstool (24 receptions) are the core of a balanced passing game.
In three or the four ACC games, running back Phil Mafah has rushed for over 100 yards. Mafah is a big play waiting to happen and gives Clemson outstanding balance in its offense.
Keys:
Contain Mafah:
Klubnick gets most of the attention, but Mafah’s impact on the offense keeps the defense looking at the backfield. Riley has a good feel for the playcalling and maximizes Mafah’s effect on the offense. Limiting Mafah’s yards after contact should be on the Cavaliers’ to-do list.
Turn Klubnick Over:
This will be challenging because Klubnick is a good decision-maker, and Riley does a great job of scheming receivers open. Virginia defensive coordinator John Rudzinski will have his work cut out for him. The defense can’t tip its hand early on coverages, and getting pressure on Klubnick that hurries him and prevents him from breaking contain is necessary.
Law Firm of Pace and Brown:
Pace transferred to Virginia from Clemson, so being energetic won’t be an issue. Getting Pace and Xavier Brown started early serves two purposes. If the offense can control the clock, it keeps Clemson’s offense off the field. And when Pace and Brown can be the bedrock of the running game, it takes the pressure off of Colandrea.
