3 Keys to Virginia’s season

Offense The Cavaliers have a new system, the spread, and a new quarterback, Vic Hall, who spent the past three seasons at cornerback. But Hall was one of the best high school quarterbacks in the country, and in the history of Virginia high schools, at Gretna. Jameel Sewell, who led the Cavaliers to the Gator Bowl in 2007, returns from an academic suspension. Not only is there depth at quarterback, Hall and Sewell could be in the lineup together, forcing defenses to make some difficult decisions.

Tackling In the 3-4 defense employed by Al Groh, the linebackers have to close quickly and bring running plays to an end. The three linebackers who did that best -- Clint Sintim, Jon Copper and Antonio Appleby -- graduated, leaving only Denzel Burrell behind. But Aaron Clark and Darren Childs are fifth-year seniors and, even though their playing time has been limited, they know the system.

Special teams The Cavaliers did not score a single touchdown on kickoff or punt returns last season. And their primary punt returner, Hall, also is taking on the role of quarterbacking this year. The kicking game was nothing to look back on with pride either. Yannick Reyering came over from the soccer team but made only six of 11 field goal attempts. Robert Randolph, back for his second season, made three of four as a true freshman. But all were in the 30-39-yard range.