2007 Virginia Cavaliers College Football Predictions


June 6, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

Optimism is at it’s highest in Cavalier Country with 20 returning starters, more than any other ACC team. But the key to a Cavaliers comeback will be determined by a very questionable offense. Virginia struggled immensely on offense last season, finishing no better than No. 100 nationally in any major category. Coach Al Groh is counting on his offensive line and a young quarterback who sputtered while gaining important experience in 2006. The entire offensive line returns. Versatile quarterback Jameel Sewell, who shattered the school’s freshman passing records, has to be more efficient despite coming off wrist surgery on his throwing hand.

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The Cavaliers feature a collection of some of the best and most experienced tight ends with three-year starter Tom Santi along with Jon Stupar and John Phillips. All three players will pose weapons in the middle of the field as well as in the run-block schemes. Bruising backs Dedric Peerman and redshirt freshman Keith Payne will provide Virginia with their most physical running game in years. Leading receiver Kevin Ogletree suffered a severe knee injury in spring practice, leaving the Cavs without any established threats at the position.

The Cavalier defense returns all 11 starters from a 3-4 defense that was one of the stingiest in the nation last season. Coordinator Mike London along with Groh’s increased involvement on this side of the ball has given Cavalier fans big optimism. It will be very tough for opponents to score on this experienced squad. All-American candidate Chris Long is the leader at defensive end. He is the son of former Oakland Raiders great Howie Long. Chris had 12 tackles for loss in spite of constant double teams last season.

Perhaps no one benefited more from the attention to Long than redshirt freshman Jeffrey Fitzgerald. He will give the Cavaliers another pass rushing threat at the other end spot with room to roam free. The heart of the 3-4 defense is Virginia’s linebacking corps. This is a very solid unit led by junior outside linebacker Clint Sintim. Three juniors and a senior make up this cohesive group. Without a doubt, this will be the most talented and deepest secondary during Groh’s seven years on the job. This unit will make noise in 2007.

There are obvious concerns on offense, but Groh is excited about this team’s potential as a whole. He wisely redshirted last year’s class, giving him more depth than at any time in his career as UVa’s coach. The Cavaliers promise to be aggressive on defense with 11 returning starters. If the offense clicks, the 2007 season could feature his best team since the days of QB Matt Shaub.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  50-1 (Field)
Bodog:          150-1
BetUS:         +20000

Odds to Win ACC Coastal:
BetUS:         +700
Bodog:         +600

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Filed Under College Football