The good news in Charlottesville is that it can't be worse than it was on the gridiron last year.
The Cavaliers went 2-10 and lost all of their conference games, but return enough talent to turn it around if new quarterback Greyson Lambert can manage the team's offense despite holes at wide receiver and on the offensive line.
Lambert will be able to rely on an experienced backfield that features 1,000-yard rusher Kevin Parks to move the chains, but the absence of a veteran receiver and questions lurking at every offensive line spot could make life difficult for the sophomore.
Virginia's defense should keep the team close in most of its games, as the unit returns nine starters, led by safety Anthony Harris—who led the nation with eight interceptions last year—defensive end Eli Harold and defensive tackle David Dean.
The addition of five-star defensive tackle Andrew Brown should only help the Cavaliers make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and add depth up front, and five-star safety Quin Blanding could also start day one opposite Harris.
Despite all of its returning talent, Virginia will need more consistency from its cornerbacks and linebackers to navigate a difficult schedule and secure a spot in a bowl game.
The Cavaliers open the season with UCLA, take on Louisville in their third game, and face daunting road contests against Florida State, Brigham Young, Duke, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech.
If Virginia starts the season on a bad note, the Blue Devils could face a defeated, demoralized squad Oct. 18 at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.