Virginia is set to get a major boost on defense this week, with linebacker Kam Robinson and defensive back Corey Costner both available for the matchup against Norfolk State.
For Robinson, the return has been a long time coming. He has spent the last several months rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in Virginia’s regular-season win at Duke last November, and his path back has included summer workouts with the Cavaliers since May. He also warmed up before the opener against NC State.
“Kam will be ready to roll,” said Elliott.
Elliott said the staff will be careful with Robinson’s workload, especially early on.
“We'll be smart. We're going to turn him loose, but we'll also be smart,” said Elliott.
“This will be the first time that he'll be out there in full contact because all of our tackle to the ground scrimmages he was not available during during fall camp. But we'll be smart with him.”
Costner is also expected back after earning a starter’s job by the middle of last season. Elliott pointed to the added range and versatility he brings to the secondary.
“He adds more speed,” said Elliott about Costner. “He's a guy that can that can really really run. He's put on some good weight this off season, so physically, he's going to be able to support you from that nickel position, maybe different than we've been able to do in the past, and then in third down situations he can go out there and play man coverage.”
Virginia is also waiting on more reinforcements. Offensive lineman Alex Payne is expected to be back, while Rico will not return this week. Elliott said the hope is to have him available for West Virginia next week, and added, “I think Rico's probably a little bit closer right now than than where Dillon is.”
In Other News...
Virginias Biggest Week Two Question Isnt On The Depth Chart
Virginias week two depth chart came out unchanged from the opener, which at least gave Tony Elliotts staff a little continuity heading into the Norfolk State matchup. The bigger update was on the injury front, where Elliott said Kam Robinson, Corey Costner and Isaiah Robinson are expected to be available for Fridays game, easing some of the early-season uncertainty around the Cavaliers rotation.
The more complicated situation is Rico Flores Jr., who remains listed as a starter even though he is not healthy enough to play this week. Virginia is holding out hope for a return by the Sept. 19 game against West Virginia, but for now the offense is still waiting on one of its key pieces to actually get back on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Virginias Passing Plan Suddenly Has One Intriguing Early Clue
Virginias opener against NC State leaned hard on the run, with the Cavaliers using 57 rushing plays and just 11 passes as they settled into the game plan. Some of those quarterback runs were really scrambles on pass plays, which gives a clearer picture of how the offense was functioning, but it still left a noticeable first-game clue about how this group wants to balance things moving forward.
Des Kitchings said the approach against Norfolk State will stay flexible rather than locked into a fixed script through the air, which keeps the focus on game flow more than any target number. There were also a few encouraging signs beyond the ground game, including TyLyric Colemans involvement as Virginia looked for reliable answers when it did decide to throw. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Lands In A Wild Early CFP Picture Before Big Ten Play
Week 1 of playoff speculation is already taking shape, and On3s Andy Staples put out a bracket that offers an early snapshot of how chaotic the College Football Playoff race could become before conference play settles in. His top four seeds were LSU, Ohio State, Miami and Texas, while the broader field was built around early results, standout playmakers and a schedule slate that still has plenty of room to scramble the order.
For Virginia fans, the more interesting part is the company the Cavaliers were keeping in that seeded field, alongside Texas Tech, USC and Boise State. It is a reminder that the first few weeks can create surprising openings for teams outside the usual power-house path, especially with several of the teams in Staples projection still facing games that could change the picture quickly. [Read more 🡒]