ACC Football Power Rankings: Can anyone topple Clemson?

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Aug 31, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Hasise Dubois (8) and head coach Bronco Mendenhall (center) and wide receiver Joe Reed (2) lead the team onto the field to play the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. Virginia won 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Virginia Cavaliers

Key returning players: Brennan Armstrong, Billy Kemp IV, Jelani Woods (transfer), Joey Blount, Nick Grant

Key losses: Charles Snowden, Zane Zandier, Tony Poljan

Season Outlook: Head coach Bronco Mendenhall needs to find playmakers this fall. The Cavaliers completed less than 60 percent of their passes and rushed for under five yards per carry. Virginia’s leading receiver, Billy Kemp, averaged under ten yards per reception.

Charles Snowden led Virginia in sacks with six; no other defender had more than three. If Virginia competes in the ACC Coastal, they need some dynamic playmakers on offense and defense.

Health is another key for the Virginia Cavaliers this season. The V-men suffered injuries on both sides of the ball. Despite having injuries at quarterback and offensive line, Virginia still scored over 30 points per game. That could have something to do with scoring 98 points in two games.

Brennan Armstrong is healthy and ready to lead the Virginia offense. Despite missing parts of games with injuries, Armstrong led the Cavaliers in passing and rushing last season. Much like his predecessor Bryce Perkins, the offense revolves around the redshirt junior play-caller.

Where Virginia took a step back was defensive. The Cavaliers gave up nearly three more points and over 70 more total yards than in 2019. Losing defensive anchors Charles Snowden and Zane Zandier won’t be easy.

Where Virginia is most experienced is in the secondary. The Cavs are eight deep with upperclassmen, and every projected starter is a senior.

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