Virginia’s defense set the tone in Week Zero, holding NC State to just eight points and helping push the Cavaliers to No. 25 in the country. Now the attention shifts to Friday night’s meeting with Norfolk State, where John Rudzinski’s group will be aiming for a shutout.
There are a few defenders worth keeping an eye on, starting with Kam Robinson. No matter how much he plays, Robinson’s season debut will be one of the biggest storylines for Virginia fans. The linebacker is widely regarded as one of the top defensive players in the country, and he leads all returning players in ACC Defensive Player of the Year votes after finishing runner-up last year despite missing six games.
That excitement comes with a dose of caution. Robinson tore his ACL on Nov. 15, which makes his return ahead of schedule. His game speed, aggression and lateral movement will all be watched closely.
On the defensive line, Virginia could also lean on Britton. As a starter, he may not need to log a heavy workload against an FCS opponent, but when he’s out there, the Cavaliers could get something explosive from him. Britton brings size, strength and the kind of interior punch that can change a possession, and he also has a more developed pass-rush package than most players at his position.
He was already productive against NC State, earning Virginia’s 10th-highest PFF grade in the Aug. 29 win. Against a Norfolk State offensive line that should be overmatched, the matchup gives him a chance to make even more noise.
Then there are freshmen linebackers Uran and Brannon, who are in a similar spot and can be discussed together. Virginia’s roster is loaded with upperclassmen, which makes snaps tough to find, but Friday should open up plenty of them. There could be dozens and dozens available if the Cavaliers build a comfortable lead.
Coaches have praised both players this offseason for their strength and natural talent. This game gives them a real chance to get meaningful reps with little pressure attached. If Uran and Brannon can flash, they may earn more opportunities later in the season.
In Other News...
Virginia Faces One Early Test Fans Can't Ignore After NC State
Virginia heads into its home date with Norfolk State coming off a statement win over NC State, and the mood around the program has shifted quickly from proving itself to protecting against its own momentum. The Cavaliers are ranked 25th and favored, but this is the sort of early-season spot that can reveal whether a team is simply feeling good or actually building something sustainable.
There should also be a notable personnel change on the field, with linebacker Robinson expected to be back after working his way through a surgically repaired ACL. Virginia will, however, be without receiver Rico Flores Jr. because of a hamstring issue, and it is exactly the kind of availability wrinkle that can make a supposedly manageable game feel a little less simple if focus slips even for a moment. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Has More Than One Reason This Home Opener Matters
Virginias home opener against Norfolk State at Scott Stadium carries a little extra meaning beyond the usual September reset. After a bye week, the Cavaliers are looking to keep their early momentum going, and there are a handful of individual milestones in the mix as the program settles back into game mode. Kicker Will Bettridge is on the doorstep of a major place in school history, while several other players are approaching career marks of their own.
The broader team picture has been just as encouraging, especially on defense, where Virginia has been making a habit of creating problems for opposing offenses. That kind of disruption has helped the Cavaliers stay on track, and it gives this matchup a chance to serve as both a tune-up and a showcase. With the record intact and the milestone watch continuing, Scott Stadium has more than the usual opener storylines to follow. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Has One Big Chance To Answer A Real Concern Before WVU
Before West Virginia comes to town, Virginia gets a useful early-season measuring stick against Norfolk State, a game that should tell the Cavaliers plenty about where they stand. On paper, Virginia has the cleaner roster, with more depth, more experience and better health, and the matchup also gives the Cavaliers a chance to sort through some of the key personnel and line play details that shaped the opener.
There is still a reason to watch closely, though, because Virginias passing game needs to show more life after looking like a secondary concern in the first game. That makes this weekend more than just a tuneup: it is a chance for the Cavaliers to get sharper in the air before the schedule stiffens, while also dealing with a Norfolk State team that has a lot of transfer movement and a coaching presence that will draw attention all by itself. [Read more 🡒]