Sunday Couch QB: Clemson
By Josh Burton
The University of Virginia Football team fought hard but was unable to keep up with the talent on #10 Clemson’s roster as the Hoos went up early but ultimately lost 48-31, now bringing them to 4-3 on the season. Let's take a look at how it played out.
Offense
I thought, given the obvious talent gap, the Hoos offense played pretty well yesterday. Running back Xavier Brown provided a spark in his limited opportunities, averaging over six yards per carry. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea also had a pretty good game, although he was pulled late and replaced by Tony Muskett after the score started to get away from them. Colandrea did a great job of limiting mistakes and generally making the right decisions. Most of the issues on field came from the offensive line being outmatched by Clemson's star-studded pass rush. While Colandrea wasn’t able to get much going, the fact that he didn’t make any costly mistakes trying to force the issue is a reason for optimism going forward.
#UVA RB Xavier Brown is a man that doesn't wan't to go down.
— Jacquie Franciulli (@JacquieFran_) October 19, 2024
Brown rushes for the first down and some.
My main gripe with the offensive side of the ball was play calling. In a game where you aren’t expected to win or truthfully even be competitive (the betting line floated around Clemson by 20), you can afford to be more aggressive in your calls. My main complaint was when the Hoos managed to get the ball down deep into Clemson territory early , they completely botched a golden opportunity. On a second and three from the Clemson four-yard line Grady Brosterhous was brought in to try and power forward. Brosterhous gained one yard, bringing up third and two. On the next play, the regular offense was brought in and they had an incomplete pass. The Hoos followed that by electing for the field goal. In a game like this, I would’ve preferred seeing them go for the touchdown in that situation to try to build as much of a lead as possible. Also given the success the “Grady Bunch” has had this year, I wouldn’t have minded even seeing that package stay in for multiple plays from inside the three-yard line, especially given that there was still a first down that could be picked up.
The Hoos still have three matchups scheduled against ranked opponents; I hope to see more situational aggression in those contests.
Defense
I thought the defense also played well, especially in the first half. The Hoos held Clemson to just three points for over twenty-two minutes of game time to start, then went into the half having allowed 17 points. Kam Robinson and Jonas Sanker once again starred for the Hoos, collecting eight tackles apiece. Kam came up with a huge interception that led to the Hoos go-ahead score. The biggest issue on this side of the ball was in the secondary, as a general lack of speed seemed to really limit them against the impressive Clemson playmakers. This is an area I’ve been a little concerned with for a few weeks and will be watching to see what adjustments are made going forward to accommodate.
Special Teams
Special teams looked a lot better than they did the week before, specifically the punting unit. A lot of the blame for last week's loss could be reasonably believed to have been the decision to try the “rugby style” punts, as punter Daniel Sparks made multiple errors in getting the punt out cleanly, including a muff that gave Louisville the ball deep in Wahoo territory late in the game.
This week, they went back to the traditional approach and results were much better. Sparks had four punts over fifty yards, including one that pinned Clemson at their own 15 yard-line. With what appears to be a tough stretch to end the season, the Hoos simply can’t afford mistakes from their special teams.
Next Week
The Hoos return home next week to host the North Carolina Tar Heels. Kickoff is scheduled for noon, televised on The CW Network. How do you think the Hoos will do? Will they take the next step toward reaching their first bowl game since 2019? Come follow along with us over on the Locker Room Access forum!
(Featured Image Credit: Josie Drumheller/UVA Athletics)