At the midway point of the 2024 season, the Virginia Cavaliers sit at an impressive 4-1 overall and 2-0 in ACC play. Led by head coach Tony Elliott, the Cavaliers have rebounded from a tough loss to Maryland to post significant wins against teams like Coastal Carolina and Boston College. With standout performances on both sides of the ball, Virginia is positioning itself as a strong contender in the ACC.
Season Overview
Virginia started their season with a commanding 34-13 victory over Richmond, setting the tone for what has been a mostly successful campaign. The Cavaliers followed this up with a thrilling 31-30 win against Wake Forest and a 43-24 victory at Coastal Carolina. Their only stumble came against Maryland, losing 27-13, but they quickly rebounded with a 24-14 win over Boston College.
The Cavaliers have outscored opponents 145-108, and their balanced attack has been a driving force behind their success. The team averages 432.2 total yards per game while holding opponents to 379.0 yards per contest.
Offensive Leaders
Virginia’s offense has been dynamic, led by quarterback Anthony Colandrea. Colandrea has completed 99 of 149 passes for 1,211 yards and 8 touchdowns, boasting a solid 66.4% completion rate. His 357-yard, three-touchdown performance against Wake Forest was a season highlight. Backup quarterback Tony Muskett has seen limited action but has struggled, completing just 50% of his passes.
On the ground, Xavier Brown has been a standout, rushing for 315 yards on 38 carries, including a season-long 75-yard run. Kobe Pace has been a steady contributor as well, with 293 yards and two touchdowns.
In the receiving game, Malachi Fields has emerged as the team’s top target, recording 28 catches for 412 yards and three touchdowns. His 11-catch, 148-yard performance against Wake Forest remains the top single-game receiving effort of the season. Tight end Tyler Neville has also been a key contributor, adding 197 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive Standouts
Virginia’s defense has been formidable, holding opponents to an average of 108 points across five games. The unit is led by linebacker Antonio Clary, who has accumulated 48 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Jonas Sanker has also been a force, recording 38 tackles and a fumble recovery returned for a 40-yard touchdown.
The defensive front, led by Kameron Butler and James Jackson, has been effective in getting to the quarterback, combining for 5 sacks on the year. Defensive back Kendren Smith has been active in the secondary, recording an interception return for 26 yards.
Special Teams and Key Contributions
Special teams have played an essential role in Virginia’s success this season. Punter Daniel Sparks has averaged 45.6 yards per punt, consistently helping the Cavaliers win the field position battle. Kicker Will Bettridge has been reliable, converting 11 of 13 field goal attempts, including a long of 47 yards.
Kick returner Chris Tyree has averaged 22.8 yards per return, providing solid starting field position for the Cavaliers throughout the season.
Key Games Recap
Virginia vs. Richmond (34-13)
The Cavaliers opened their season with a dominant performance against Richmond. Xavier Brown rushed for 171 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run, while Colandrea threw for 297 yards and two scores.
Virginia vs. Wake Forest (31-30)
In a thrilling back-and-forth game, Virginia edged out Wake Forest by one point. Colandrea’s 357 passing yards and three touchdowns were pivotal, while the defense came up with critical stops late in the game.
Virginia vs. Maryland (13-27)
The Cavaliers’ only loss of the season came against Maryland. Virginia’s offense struggled, managing just 370 total yards, and the defense had difficulty containing Maryland’s passing attack, which accounted for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
Virginia vs. Coastal Carolina (43-24)
Virginia bounced back in a big way, rushing for 384 yards as a team in their best offensive performance of the season. Xavier Brown led the way with 171 rushing yards, while the defense forced multiple turnovers to secure the win.
Virginia vs. Boston College (24-14)
The Cavaliers wrapped up their first five games with a win over Boston College. Colandrea threw for 218 yards, and the defense stifled Boston College’s offense, holding them to just 319 total yards.
Areas for Improvement
While Virginia has enjoyed a strong start to the season, there are areas where they can improve. The offensive line has allowed too much pressure on Colandrea at times, leading to five interceptions. Additionally, Virginia needs to improve its third-down efficiency, where they are converting just 39% of attempts.
Defensively, while the Cavaliers have been strong against the run, they have struggled at times against the pass, allowing 266.4 passing yards per game. Shoring up the secondary will be key as they face tougher competition in the ACC.
Looking Ahead
Virginia’s schedule doesn’t get any easier, with upcoming games against tough ACC opponents like Miami and Louisville. If the Cavaliers can continue their balanced attack and tighten up their defense, they have a real shot at contending for the ACC Coastal division title.
The Cavaliers’ midseason success has been driven by a mix of strong quarterback play, a dynamic rushing attack, and a stout defense. With the right adjustments, Virginia is well-positioned to make a run at postseason success in 2024.
