Eastern Michigan @ Virginia preview
Scott Stadium
It spoke volumes about his team’s performance last week that first-year Virginia coach Mike London felt the need to apologize after the game.
The struggling Cavaliers (2-4) were just that bad in getting hammered at home 44-10 by North Carolina for their third consecutive loss. But some temporary relief could be on the way this weekend when Eastern Michigan takes a break from its Mid-American Conference schedule to come to Charlottesville.
The Eagles (1-6) snapped a dubious 18-game losing skid last week after rallying to beat Ball State in overtime 41-38.
Dual-threat quarterback Alex Gillett set school quarterback records for most rushes (35) and rushing yards (189) while also running for two touchdowns and completing 10 of 18 passes for 225 yards and three more scores.
Senior tight end Ben Thayer was his favorite target, hauling in two touchdown passes to help Eastern Michigan storm back from an early 21-0 deficit.
Defense – or a lack thereof – has been the Achilles heel for head coach Ron English’s bunch. The Eagles rank 119th out of 120 teams in scoring defense (43.4 ppg), 117th nationally in rushing defense (228.3) and 106th in total defense (442.9 ypg).
Eastern Michigan could be just what the doctor ordered for a Cavs team that has now dropped its last 10 consecutive ACC games and has yet to beat a Division I-A team this season.
Bruising tailback Keith Payne already has eight rushing touchdowns this season, the most by a Virginia player since 2005. Payne will share carries with change-of-tempo back Perry Jones. The speedy sophomore is averaging a team-best 5.6 yards per carry and is a sure-handed receiver out of the backfield.
The two backs will need to make something happen to lighten the load of overmatched quarterback Marc Verica. The fifth-year senior remains the starter despite throwing three interceptions last week and listing 23 for his career to go with 14 touchdown passes.
Verica’s problems and those of struggling kicker Robert Randolph (3 of 8 field goals) have been the two most glaring reasons behind Virginia’s struggles in the red zone. The Cavaliers scored on just two of six trips within UNC’s 20-yard line last week and have converted on just 68 percent overall to rank last in the ACC.
It remains to be seen whether the Cavs will have Ras-I Dowling available for their final non-conference game week. The stud cornerback missed his third game of the season last week after injuring a knee in practice earlier in the week.
It’s unclear whether London would risk further injury to next spring’s possible NFL first-round selection, especially with ACC heavyweight Miami coming to town the following week.