News and Notes: BYU Game and Non-Revenue Sport Shoutout

If you're reading this, you probably watched the game. We held our own in the first half, but I think it's safe to say the better team won.

Now, that's not to say we can't play with these guys, because we can. After all, we were up at the half despite numerous blown assignments on defense and questionable offensive play-calling. We have the talent to compete with any ACC school that's not FSU.

But as us UVa fans know, being a good team is more than just a talent evaluation. Mental miscues hurt us.

Two personal fouls in one BYU drive. BYU's kick return TD (two guys were out of position in their lanes). The blown coverage in the first half. WE CANNOT MAKE THOSE MISTAKES. EVER!!!

That being said, we showed progress. The defense contained Taysom Hill for much of the game Honestly, against a QB of his caliber, that's all you can really ask for.

Our offense played better than I expected, but we're not where we need to be. At least not yet.

Lambert played well early, but before his injury, the unit had stalled. Johns came in and moved the ball efficiently, for the most part. While I'd be shocked if Lambert doesn't start next week, we still can't ignore the fact that he has yet to "seize the job".

Also, the run game is still very much an issue. We need more production here or our defense will wear, like it did today. I love the passion from guys like Harold, Coley, and Valles, but they're human; they tire.

But there's no need in me recapping the game; a box score can do that. So here are some of the good and the bad from today's game.

Good

• Ian Frye -- Words cannot describe his value to the team. He comes through time and time again. 4/4 today.

• Miles Gooch -- Where has this production been the last three years? He just uses his size to make those tough catches. Finished with 6 catches for 65 yards

• Defensive Front Seven -- these guys played far from a perfect game, but they hustled. They shut down BYU in the first half, and it wasn't until late in the 3rd that they started to cave. With some help from the offense, the score could have been lower.

Bad

• Special Teams -- With the exception of Ian Frye and a good opening return from Darius Jennings, this unit struggled. Khalek Shepherd nearly gave the Cougars the ball in our five-yard line. And the TD return is simply unacceptable. Too much bad offsets the good.

• Offensive Line -- Early on, they looked good. But then they couldn't run block (shocker!). And then they couldn't keep Lambert upright. No surprise, but not a great performance.

• Defensive Secondary -- They had a couple blown assignments. At least one resulted in a touchdown. Can't give teams free chunks of 40+ yards.

• Running Backs -- They just haven't produced like I thought coming into the season. Parks has been solid, but there's just no room between the tackles. Smoke is really the biggest disappointment. He'll make a nice catch here and there, but for a 5-star talent, you want more. (NOTE: Shepherd's TD run was nice; he ran hard today)

• Play Calling -- With 15 seconds left in the half, 3rd and goal from the five, and we run a draw? Does Fairchild ever learn? Why not take a shot to the endzone? I hated that call; need to show some guts (or reasonableness?).
  

Final (Football) Thoughts

We're better than last year. With an easier schedule, I'd say we're going bowling.

But the schedule isn't easy. I've spent too many years buying into preseason hype with this program. I don't care if we're better if we're not winning games. To me, there isn't much of a difference between 2-10 and 5-7. 

With the resources and talent we have, anything less than six wins is unacceptable.

Am I overreacting? Maybe. But I'm tired of hearing people say, "Oh, well that loss wasn't too bad. We played a ranked team pretty close." That's the attitude of a failing program. We deserve more than that. We played UCLA and BYU close, but we could have won both games, and we didn't win either. That stings.

This team could still reach six wins. Through four games, I had them at 2-2 (preseason predictions here). But reaching six wins won't be easy.

Until we actually start winning games, I won't be satisfied.

SOCCER!!!!

My roommates got on me today because my twitter profile says this blog is you're home for "all things UVa sports". Well, I've kind of only focused on football of late. So here are a couple of shout outs to our other programs.

Women's Soccer

We're 8-0, No. 3 in the country (although VT is ranked second...). Obviously a pretty good team. I've only been to a half of a game, so not too many thoughts here. But definitely read the Daily Progress and the Cavalier Daily women's soccer page for some good recaps.

Men's Soccer

We dropped a tough game to Tulsa, but other than that, we're pretty good. We're still lacking some attacking power, but players will come back from injuries. Big game tomorrow against defending national champs Notre Dame. Check it out on ESPNU. And as always, check out the Daily Progress and the Cavalier Daily men's soccer page for more coverage.

Richmond Game Thoughts

Well, 45-13. We did what we were supposed to do against an FCS team -- dominate every phase of the game by letting our superior athletes take control.

Yes, it was a little bit of a slow start, but those things happen. This was Richmond's super bowl, and they played that way to start the game. Their offense -- especially QB Michael Strauss -- was very impressive to start, as they drove down with relative ease to take a 3-0 lead.

And while that made me and most of Wahoo Nation a little nervous, our team responded -- like we were supposed to do. Our players are just that much better.

Anyhoo, here are a couple thoughts on the game...

QB Question Still Unsolved

Coming in, I was really hoping one of either Lambert or Johns would suck while the other shined. I didn't care which. I just wanted a clear cut starter for Louisville.

And, well, that didn't really happen.

For the record, I prefer Johns over Lambert. To me, it seems clear that Lambert has the higher ceiling of the two. He definitely has a stronger arm along with a more sturdy frame.

But Johns just handles adversity in the pocket better. Lambert rarely steps into his throws. His arm is strong enough that it's just not always necessary. But if Lambert wants to actually throw the ball down field -- and not become captain check-down like Watford last year -- he'll need to step up and stand taller in the pocket.

Johns is no physical freak, but he just seems more comfortable. That translates to him being able to take shots down field and keep plays alive.

For example, Johns' patience allowed us to score that first touchdown. I don't think Lambert makes that throw -- he would just panic too much.

But at the same time, I'm not sure Johns makes the second touchdown throw to Severin. That was just a hell of a throw by Lambert while on the move.

Lambert was 13-15 for 102 yards, while Johns was 4-7 for 65 yards and an interception. Both had a touchdown.

Ultimately, I just feel Johns provides a spark that Lambert doesn't. I think he's our best chance to win now.

Run Game Sucks

I hope y'all have noticed this -- we haven't taken a snap from center all year. We're always in the shotgun.

I'm not sure I understand the reasoning for this move. Is it to hide deficiencies in our offensive line? Are our quarterbacks just that much more comfortable in the shotgun?

Whatever the reason, it comes with a consequence -- our run game blows. Draw plays are meant to catch the defense off guard. They're not supposed to be used every play. It's just pathetic.

We've got one of the best RB groups in the ACC, and we won't hit more than 150 yards per game at this rate.

Pass Rush is Really Good

Not much more needs to be said -- between Harold, Valles, Dean, and Moore, we have a legitimate front 4. Then add is great linebackers in Coley and Romero, and you've got yourself one of the best front sevens in the ACC.

That is all.

Playmakers at Wide Receiver

London has always brought in good athletes. But last season, there was no production.

I just thought our WR core sucked, but now I'm thinking that it was Watford that was holding them back. 

We're rotating in like 8 guys, but we're getting production. New(ish) guys like Levrone and Severin have really stepped up. And old guys like Jennings (don't forget about his kick retruns) have produced.

Plus, I really like Doni Dowling as a possession receiver. He'll only improve.

These guys are really underrated, and regardless of the QB, we'll get some production.

NOTE: I'm really surprised that Keeon Johnson hasn't seen more time. He flashed promise last season, and he seemed to be the stud during training camp. I have no answers there -- I'm just surprised he's not playing.

Blanding Will Be Really Good

I'm not just talking about his pick (which was a great play) or his near pick (that he probably had if Canady didn't hit him).

No, he's just a real physical player that's in the right place at the right time. He shows no fear in the box. And in coverage, he can lay some wood.

I'm excited about his prospects.

Andrew Brown Has A Long Way To Go

He barely saw the field, but his snaps weren't pretty. In the fourth quarter, Richmond would run to his side, and he would just get up field too quickly without keeping contain. The runs resulted in a couple long gains.

That said, he no doubt has the skills to be a starter sooner rather than later. But I was expecting him to be an instant starter -- that won't be the case. Maybe a little later in the season, but not anytime in the next few games.

NOTE: I love how Brown sprints from the sideline to the field and then from the field to the sideline. It shows his intensity and hustle. I wish more players did this.

Conclusion

Basically, the defense has been really good while the offense has been pretty bad.

The defense will keep us in most games. But if we want to win some games, we need two things to happen:

1) Pick a Quarterback -- Like I said, I prefer Johns. But it's not like Lambert has been awful either. Whichever guy we choose, we need to choose soon. I'm sorry, but we're not beating Louisville (or most teams) with a QB rotation.

2) Switch up the run game -- It seems like we have two run plays: a draw up the gut, and a draw up the gut with a pulling guard. And neither works. Sophomore QB's will not win us ball games. We need an effective running game. I don't care if we're in the pistol or under center, but we can't keep running draws out of the shotgun.

In the preseason predictions, I have us beating Louisville next week. Honestly, it could happen. We have the talent to do so. It's a matter of can we play a complete game and, most importantly, establish the run.

I feel better about the team than I did when the year began, but we still have a long way to go. We need ONE quarterback and a run game.

I'd be shocked if we reach six wins with the vanilla, two-QB offense we're running now.