Dean

UVA can beat SMU but I want tu see a plan that protects our QB, forces SMU defend the entire field, and keeps their offense from getting easy touchdowns. These are the matchups I would build that plan around. First is UVA’s soft and suspect defensive front against Kevin Jennings. SMU’s QB leads an offense with Kendrick Raphael in the backfield and Yamir Knight as its leading receiver. My priority would be making Jennings operate inside a crowded pocket. Our ends can't race past him and create escape lanes. Push the tackles backward, squeeze the pocket, and make him throw with bodies around him. A pressure that forces an uncomfortable incompletion can be just as valuable as a sack. That requires the defensive tackles and linebackers tu work together. Against Raphael, somebody must control every gap. If a tackle gets moved and a linebacker guesses. One missed assignment can become an explosive run. Against a QB keeper, the defender responsible for Jennings must stay home. You can't tackle the running back beautifully while the QB runs untouched outside you. Read your assignment, keep your leverage and finish with your feet moving. I would mix coverages and use selective pressure. Show defenders near the line. Then occasionally drop them intu passing lanes while rushing four. That can make Jennings account for a blitz that never comes. When UVA does bring an extra rusher, the coverage must take away the quick answer. Blitzing accomplishes very little if the QB can throw intu space we just vacated. Against Knight, I would vary the coverage and make SMU earn completions through tight windows. UVA defensive backs must watch their receivers through the route instead of staring into the backfield. The biggest offensive matchup is UVA’s protection against SMU’s pass rush. Our tackles need help when the matchup calls for it. A tight end can chip an edge defender before releasing. A running back can check for pressure before becoming an outlet. But protection is everybody’s responsibility. The QB must identify where pressure can come from, and receivers must recognize when their routes need tu provide an immediate answer. UVA can't call slow developing plays KITCHINGS. You can't leave a blocker outnumbered, and expect toughness tu fix the math. I would give Pribula early throws with clear reads, a slant paired with a flat route, a crossing concept, or a quick completion outside when the corner gives cushion. Make a defender choose between tu threats. If the linebacker widens with the underneath receiver and throw behind him. If he stays inside please take the outside completion. The purpose is tu keep UVA out of third and long because SMU can attack the QB without respecting the run. Middlebrook needs tu be part of that foundation. Pair his inside runs with Pribula’s ability tu keep the ball. Then build play-action off those same looks. Make the edge defender hesitate. Make the linebacker step forward. That hesitation creates room for the next play. Middlebrook still needs decisive blocking ahead of him. Calling more runs alone doesn't establish a running game. This is where the play calling must show purpose. Run from a formation, show it again, then attack the defender who starts anticipating that run. Dez, please use motion tu help identify coverage and change blocking angles..When a safety begins stepping downhill. Take a protected shot behind him. UVA needs explosive plays, but those opportunities should grow out of something we have already made SMU respect. BC held SMU tu 218 yards and still lost.That tells Tu that limiting yards doesn't mean you will win. UVA must finish possessions, avoid giving away field position, and turn defensive stops intu offensive production. UVA’s path tu win is first downs, protect Pribula, no missed tackles and make Jennings earn everything. Bring physicality with discipline and play call with a purpose. UVA can give itself a real chance tu leave Dallas with a win.