Virginia's 0-3 with a home loss to a Division I-AA team, but the Cavaliers have a fan in UNC coach Butch Davis.
Davis called the Cavaliers a "talented" and "dangerous" football team on Monday. Maybe it's because Davis is 0-2 against UVa as UNC's head coach, or maybe Davis is genuinely impressed.
"Look at the film, don't read the newspapers, don't listen to talk radio, look at the film," Davis said. "The film says this is a talented, good football team."
Virginia's coming off a bye week after opening the season with a 26-14 home loss to Richmond, a 30-14 home loss to Texas Christian and a 37-34 road loss to Southern Miss.
The Hoos are making a rough transition to a spread offense under first-year coordinator Gregg Brandon. They rank last in the ACC in total yards (278.3 yards per game) and scoring (20.7 points per game).
Comments
Sharpness and Intensity
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 13:03 — heelsno1The offensive line was awful last week and Yates looked as if he had re-injured his Frisbee finger! With a few notable exceptions, the defense did not fly to the football. I realize that you must be patient against the GT offense, but you do have to anticipate and hustle. Of course, the defensive unit was forced to be on the field for almost 80% of the game because the offense failed so miserably. Hopefully, the players learned something from an embarrassing loss and another tough road defeat.
If UNC resembles the team that failed to show up in Atlanta, the Heels are in trouble. On the other hand, if they compete (with sharpness and intensity) as they did in the second half against ECU, they should be fine playing against UVa at home. With that said, I am shocked that they are currently favored by 13 points.
I wouldn't mark this game
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 12:39 — mad_maxI wouldn't mark this game down as an easy win for UNC as some people are doing (not on this blog). UVA has had an extra week to prepare, they've seen how a team can shut down the Heels offense, and they've got something to prove. Historically, Al Groh has lost early games to nobodies, but has come back to surprise people when least expected. Good thing this game isn't in Charlottesville though.
UNC had better get ready..
Mon, 09/28/2009 - 20:49 — UNC1998Sewell is good. UVa has big o-linemen. UNC's defense must control the line of scrimage and limit rushing yards. That will allow them to turn UVa into one dimension. That's when the secondary get turnovers. On offense, just get some first downs, man! Keep the ball and move it down the field. That includes running the ball...that's keeping blocks and hitting holes. Blocking is essential, and the O-line must put away excuses and produce. If not, play the best athletes on the line. Pull blockers to create confusion. Whatever it takes. Just run the ball. GT's advantage in time of possesion vs. UNC directly had a result on the score. Running the ball successfully can help to equalize that potential disparity. I don't care it the score is 10-7. If UNC runs the ball, controls the clock, and stops UVa's run...I'll be pleased.
First series
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 09:14 — SurferPersonally, I would like to see at least a few first downs or even points from our first offensive series.
ive heard
Mon, 09/28/2009 - 14:55 — izzykareemthese press conferences before and it always sounds like UNCCH is getting ready to play the #1 team in the country. I don't expect Davis (or any coach) to say anything different i guess. However, UVa i think found some offense against Southern Miss which is actually a really good team. If UNCCH is down on themselves and "swagger up" has turned into "pouty face", UVa i KNOW thinks they can win this game. Dangerous to play a team with nothing to lose.
No doubt BD is engaging in coachspeak here.
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 09:36 — JPDOhioBut UNC cannot afford to take anyone for granted after how bad they looked last Saturday.