Three Virginia Post-Spring Game Takeaways -

By Jay Ballard from the Cavalier Connection

The University of Virginia Football Team wrapped up their 2024 Spring with the annual Spring Game Saturday afternoon. While approximately 25 players did not participate due to injury concerns, the game represented an opportunity to see the fruits of the hard work from the offseason. The Cavalier Connection was there live and came away with three key takeaways.

1. The Quarterback Competition Talk was not just Coach Speak

Early in the offseason, once it was announced that Quarterbacks Tony Muskett and Anthony Colandrea would both return to the team in 2024, Coach Elliott announced there would be a competition for the most important position on the field. Now, if you’ve been listening to our podcast at all, you know that we did not believe that. Between the active recruiting of players on X, to organizing a Florida workout trip for many of the offensive weapons, it was assumed Coach Elliott had probably given him the wink wink nod nod to Colandrea that the job was his. I now believe that was a bad assumption. Muskett came out and looked in total control of the offense, leading his team to a 14-3 lead at the half over Team Colandrea, with both TDs coming via the long pass. Colandrea didn’t look bad himself, going 15-16 passing, but for barely over 100 yards. The mobility edge also goes to Colandrea, but both QBs have scrambling ability. While each player had good and bad moments, on this day, Muskett looked like the better option.

While I ultimately believe the right decision is to have Colandrea be the starter when Richmond visits Scotts Stadium in August, there are legitimately two starting quality QBs on the roster. Coach Elliott was wise to not make the spring about naming a starter, constantly stating he wanted both players to just play football and get better. By keeping the competition going through the fall, he will go into the season with both players on the roster. If he chooses to start Muskett, Colandrea would be the heir apparent, and could, in theory, redshirt, and maintain three years of eligibility. This is an unlikely scenario, as Muskett has been unable to remain healthy since arriving in Charlottesville. My guess is Colandrea is named the starter, but if Elliott truly believes Muskett gives him the best chance to win, all bets are off.

2. We Could See the Return of the Orange Crush Defense

There was a time in Virginia Football history when the defense was known for sacks, turnovers, and in general, being a disruptive and strong defense. This was not the case last year, as the defense struggled to get stops, hold leads, put pressure on opposing QBs or force turnovers. If they can stay healthy, there is a chance for this defense to get back to that.

The game changing capabilities were on display Saturday as a would be pick six against Colandrea was ruled a sack as his jersey was touched before throwing the pass that was taken to the house by the defense. The defense also came up with a key stop on 4th and one around the 10 to halt a potential scoring drive. Aside from those big plays Kempton Shine and Corey Thomas both had nice pass breakups.

There is reason to be optimistic, as there is talent at all three levels of the defense. The defensive line has a substantial amount of talent returning from injury and proved to be very disruptive on Saturday, not only creating pressure, but holding the run games in check. The linebacker room boasts the most talented defender on the team in Kam Robinson, and the defensive backfield has returning star Jonas Sanker, and Akron transfer Corey Thomas that the coaches have all been raving about. If transfers Kempton Shine and Kendren Smith Jr. can step into large roles and immediately produce at corner, this side of the ball has a chance to be the best defense to wear the orange and blue in quite a while.

3. Special Teams Improvement or More of the Same

On one hand, the punt return team produced a 90 yard punt return for a Touchdown. Sudarian Harris was able to make a few moves, picked up a couple blocks and was off to the races. All that sounds great, however it came at the expense of the punt coverage team. Watching the special team last year felt anything but special. Punt blocks, kickoff returns for TDs, punt returns for TDs, they all happened, and they all contributed to the 3-9 record in 2023. Admittedly, it was the one position on the coaching staff where I thought there would be change when the season was completed.. Instead, Coach Elliott decided to keep Coach Gaither around for another season, and he will spend more time helping on special teams.

Oftentimes special teams are filled by backup position players, however Coach Elliott has said this year will be different. Not only will a greater emphasis be placed on not giving up big plays in special teams, but it is likely you will see more defensive starters on special teams. I don’t take much away from Saturday’s play, outside of it just being a good moment for the second year receiver, however if plays like this happen in the fall against our coverage team, you can expect some serious heat from the Virginia faithful. The jury is still out on whether the special teams have improved since last fall, but if this team is to reach their goal of going to a bowl game, they must fix their issues.

Now that the spring practices are over, it’s time to look toward the fall. I believe we will see a full on quarterback battle for the number one job. My money is on Colandrea to win the job, but for one day, Muskett looked the part. Getting everyone back healthy on the defensive side of the ball should also assist in getting this team to their first goal, bowl eligibility. Talent abounds on all three levels, and I look to this team being far more disruptive than the 2023 version of Virginia. Finally, if Coach Elliott and staff can fix the special teams woes, the odds of this team reaching a bowl go up tremendously. If Saturday was any indication, there is still some work to do. Now, let the countdown to Fall Camp begin! Go Hoos!

Three Games that will Define 2024 for Virginia Football