Know Your Opponent: Virginia Brings a Stingy Defense and an Explosive Offense to B-Town

Bryce Perkins accounted for 283 yards. Image: Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images 

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall

Overall: 108-60 14th Year

At UVA 9-17 (5-3)

Bowl Appearances at UVA: 1

2017 Record: 6-7 (3-5) Lost Military Bowl vs. Navy

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 8 (3-5)

Mascot: CavMan

Colors: Orange and Blue

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: 0

Conference Titles: 5

Heisman Winners: 0

Last Week’s Result: Beat Richmond 42-13

2018 Record: 1-0

Statistical Leaders

Passing Bryce Perkins 13-24 (54.2%) 185 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Rushing Jordan Ellis 20 att. 146 yards 2 TDs

Receiving Olamide Zaccheaus 6 rec. 101 yards 1 TD

Tackles Bryce Hall 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL, 1 Sack, Forced Fumble

Talking Points

1. Bryce Perkins is Electric

The Virginia offense will look much different this year because of dual-threat quarterback Bryce Perkins. The JUCO transfer had 283 all-purpose yards and accounted for three touchdowns. He is most deadly with his legs. He has legitimate NFL speed and can turn the smallest crease into a big run. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry in Virginia’s win over Richmond including a 36-yard TD where he just ran by everyone.

Perkins can also throw the ball a little bit as well. Despite throwing an early pick six and having another pass that should have been intercepted dropped (he ran for a long TD on the next play), he completed 13-of-24 passes for 185 yards and two scores. This is an offense built around big plays.

2. Jordan Ellis, Olamide Zaccheaus and Perkins a Triple Threat on Offense

Perkins has some help on offense as well. Running back Jordan Ellis has benefitted from the arrival of Perkins as he ran for 146 yards and two scores while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Ellis has 14 starts to his name and 1,117 career rushing yards.

Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has been consistently reliable for the Cavaliers. He has made a catch in 30 consecutive games and needs 48 more catches to set the UVA career mark of 210 that was set by Billy McMullen. Zaccheaus should become just the secord Virginia player with 200 career receptions later this season.

3. Wahoo Defense Stingy vs. the Run

The key to winning any Power-Five game is being able to run the ball, which Virginia can do and being able to stuff the run, which Virginia did against Richmond. The Cavaliers held the Spiders, out of the FCS, to 34 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 1.8 yard per carry average. The defense accounted for seven tackles for loss and two sacks. The Hoosiers will be in for another test running the ball, especially since Cole Gest has been lost for the season. Cornerback Bryce hall led the team with 

4. Takeaways Will be Key

Takeways change games, and they’ll be key again on Saturday night in Bloomington. The Hoosiers recorded three takeaways against Florida International in week one while the Cavaliers snatched two interceptions of their own. Both teams won the turnover battle last week. Safeties Brenton Nelson and Joey Blount recorded interceptions and the defense has six passes defensed total. 

However, Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins has the knack of throwing picks. He threw a pick six on the first drive of the season and later threw a ball that should have been picked off. He is not very accurate and IU should have a chance to step in front of some of his throws.

On the other side, the Hoosiers overcame an early giveaway and will need to take care of the ball again.