Grading U.Va.‘s three keys

Grading the three keys

(D-) Match Duke's scoring. Didn't happen. Duke had three strong drives early, and Virginia failed to answer. The Cavs' offense could have provided the defense with some momentum after holding the Blue Devils to three field goals, but failed to. With just 1 yard in the first quarter, the offense failed to get off the ground. Running backs Mikell Simpson and Torrey Mack were held in check until Rashawn Jackson started taking over. Late in the game, Virginia could not answer three Duke scores.

(B-) Return game. Chase Minnifield took some vicious hits on punt returns, but the Duke special teams, which specialize in forcing fumbles, were unable to. The yardage wasn't there, but credit goes to Minnifield for hanging onto the ball. On kick returns, he had mixed results, but was more impressive than he has been in recent weeks.

(D) Avoid pressure/quick release. Jameel Sewell was sacked only twice, but repeatedly was harassed by the Blue Devils' defensive line. Oday Aboushi was briefly inserted at left tackle, and after a false start penalty, was able to hold his own, but Landon Bradley returned to the game. The problems are on the offensive line and with Sewell. He seems to take his sacks at the most inopportune moments, leading fans to believe he's under duress more often than he actually is.