Connect with us

Virginia

Take Two: Reviewing UVa's ugly home loss loss to SMU

Published

on

Take Two: Reviewing UVa's ugly home loss loss to SMU


The Result: Virginia got taken behind the woodshed in their home finale, losing to SMU 33-7 on Saturday. While the Mustangs used the win to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship Game, UVa dropped their third-straight home contest, and fell to 5-6 on the season, 3-4 in ACC play.

The Turning Point: Arguably Virginia’s best drive of the game came early in the 2nd quarter, after an SMU missed field goal kept the Hoos within a touchdown. UVa initially converted a 4th and 1 at the SMU 19, but the play was called back because Virginia had 12 men in the huddle out of a timeout. Virginia settled for a field goal attempt that was missed, and SMU added another touchdown to their lead on the next drive.

The Stat That Tells the Story: Anthony Colandrea was sacked nine times on Saturday for 69 negative yards. Another game full of pressure means that Colandrea has now been sacked 19 times in UVa’s last two home games.

Wahoo of the Week: Perhaps for the final time, we’ll give it to Malachi Fields, who was UVa’s top receiver on Saturday. In what will likely be his final home game, Fields caught four passes for 42 yards, including a circus touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, UVa’s only points of the game.

Advertisement

Offense:

It was another brutal day for UVa’s offense. The Hoos didn’t turn the ball over, but it didn’t really matter in a game where they couldn’t get anything going. We mentioned the nine sacks, which were obviously a major issue, but a lot of those sacks came on third or fourth downs, when the drive was already in a precarious position.

UVa finished with a woeful 173 yards of offense, with 108 through the air and 65 on the ground. The big story of the week was the quarterback position, where UVa rode with Colandrea once again, in a decision that certainly didn’t pay off on Saturday. Given the issues up front and in the running game, we can’t put the loss completely at the feed to UVa’s QB, but Colandrea didn’t play well. He went 18-for-27 in the loss for those 108 yards, and a miracle touchdown late in the game that saved UVa from being shut out. The passing game couldn’t find any big plays, and struggled to do much of anything positive. Virginia’s biggest play on offense in the game was a 15 yard pass play to Fields late in the fourth quarter, which underscores the lack of chunk plays and the offense’s overall ineffectiveness.

UVa’s ground game wasn’t much to speak of, either. Colandrea would have had good rushing numbers if not for all the sack yardage. Both Kobe Pace and Xavier Brown got hurt in the game, and unfortunately for Brown, his injury will end his season. Noah Vaughn got a lot of the work in their place, and rushed 10 times for 44 yards, and had a few decent runs along the way.

A few other odds and ends: UVa was a terrible 3-for-15 on third down. And a couple of those conversions came late in the game, as the Hoos were 1-for-11 at one point in the fourth quarter. Virginia was 1-for-3 in the red zone; the missed field goal accounted for one of the two empty drives inside the 20, and the other came when Colandrea got sacked on 4th and 8 at the 18, failing to take advantage of an interception.

Advertisement

It was just another terrible showing for Des Kitchings’ offense. UVa was terrible in basically every way except for turnovers. The protection was bad, the receivers didn’t make plays, and sticking with Colandrea didn’t pay off. And now, there’s not a lot of hope for a turnaround going into the season finale at Virginia Tech.

Grade: F

Defense:

Despite the score, UVa’s defense held up as best they could against a good SMU offense. The Mustangs gained 434 yards on the day, and Kevin Jennings had a ton of success in the passing game, going for 323 in the win. SMU also picked up 111 on the ground, which is actually down for them vs. their typical production. Virginia’s defense simply wasn’t able to get SMU off the field much. The Mustangs went 8-for-14 on third downs, and were 6-for-6 in the red zone with four touchdowns and a pair of field goals.

Despite the lopsided result, UVa did end up +2 in turnovers. Corey Thomas picked off a pass in the third quarter, though the game was already pretty lopsided then. Later, freshman Billy Koudelka forced a fumble on a rush, and Chico Bennett recovered. That play gave UVa the ball at the SMU 27, and led to Virginia’s only score of the day. Unfortunately, while the Hoos got those two takeaways, they didn’t force enough negative plays otherwise. UVa had just one sack and four TFL’s in the losing effort.

Advertisement

As for individual standouts, Jam Jackson led the Hoos with nine tackles, and Jonas Sanker added seven, in his final home game. Kam Butler recorded a pair of QB hurries, as well.

The defense was far from perfect, but the offense was much more to blame for the lopsided nature of UVa’s loss on Saturday.

Grade: D

Special Teams:

Virginia’s special teams units didn’t make plays to help the team’s effort on Saturday. Virginia’s punt coverage unit had one bust, allowing a 48-yard punt return to SMU’s Roderi Daniels Other than that, Daniel Sparks did a good job, averaging 47.6 yards per punt with a long of 57 yards. There were no issues with kickoffs either, as SMU had no returns on the day.

Advertisement

In the kicking game, Will Bettridge made his PAT late, but missed from 41 yards out after that illegal substitution penalty that denied UVa a 4th and 1 conversion and forced the field-goal try. Virginia didn’t do much in the return game, with no kick returns and one 13-yard Ethan Davies punt return. There was one kick return snafu though, with Kam Courtney trying to catch a ball that was set to be fielded by Chris Tyree, causing a muff but ultimately UVa recovered. Still, the mistake cost UVa some field position.

Grade: D

Coaching Staff:

Virginia didn’t do the things they needed to do to have a chance on Saturday, and they were completely outclassed as a result. All eyes this week were on the quarterback position, and Tony Elliott ultimately decided to stick with Colandrea. There’s a lot that goes into these decisions, but coaches are judged on the results of their many choices. This one, clearly, didn’t work. UVa had 0 points through 55 minutes of action, and were one heave on 4th down for six away from getting shut out for the first time in seven years. It’s not all on Colandrea, but it’s malpractice not to try and do something different at some point, as what they were doing wasn’t working. The old saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So I guess you could say that what UVa did offensively this week was insane.

Elliott said on radio after the game that he didn’t see a good enough effort, and that was on him. You can only use the “that’s on me” card so many times before people start to agree, and say that it IS on you. Not to mention, UVa’s coaching staff got in the way in our turning point of the game, when they sent in the wrong personnel package for fourth down out of a timeout, leading to the illegal substitution penalty, potentially taking points off the board.

Advertisement

Right now it feels like UVa’s staff, particularly on offense, is comfortable to just keep doing their thing, in belief that the switch will flip and the things they do will start working. Virginia simply doesn’t have enough talent or discipline to win the way they have to, with the lack of big plays forcing the team to win through being extremely efficient play-by-play. And at this point, their plan will either be executed well enough to give UVa a chance to a signature win in Blacksburg next weekend, or they’re going to flame out again, end their season, and go into an offseason with no discernable progress for the program, and no good will from an eroding fanbase.

Grade: F



Source link

Virginia

Colorado, Deion Sanders to hire former highly-touted DC as defensive assistant

Published

on

Colorado, Deion Sanders to hire former highly-touted DC as defensive assistant


Colorado is expected to hire former Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Chris Marve as its next linebackers coach, according to CBS Sports. Marve served as the Hokies DC from 2022-2024.

Marve has previous experience on defensive staffs at Vanderbilt, his alma mater, Mississippi State, Florida State and Virginia Tech. He’s been in the coaching industry since 2014 when he was brought on as a defensive assistant with the Commodores.

By the time he left his alma mater in 2018, he had worked his way up to inside linebackers coach. He was brought on at Mississippi State in 2019 as the Bulldogs’ defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach. His run there lasted one year before moving on to coach at Florida State for two seasons as the Seminoles’ linebackers coach.

ACC foe Virginia Tech would poach him away ahead of the 2022 season, where he stayed until he was fired following the 2024 season. He spent the 2025 season away from college football, and will now get another shot by joining Deion Sanders’ staff in 2026.

Advertisement

His playing days spanned from 2007-2011, where he has a three-time All-SEC linebacker for the Vanderbilt Commodores. Marve also earned Freshman All-American honors in 2008.

He’ll join a Buffaloes program that finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record, which included a 1-8 record vs. conference opponents. This came in the fallout of their 9-win season led by current Cleveland Browns QB Sheduer Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

Colorado wide receiver Dre’lon Miller plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Colorado wide receiver Dre’lon Miller plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos. He caught 20 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown this past season.

His 2024 season was a bit better. Miller caught 32 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns prior. He’s shown he can get the job done when there’s some solid quarterback play on offense.

Miller played high school football at Silsbee (Silsbee, TX), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 141 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted algorithm that complies all major recruiting media services.

Advertisement

Time will tell where he ends up next. There will certainly be plenty of interest in his services when the time comes.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.





Source link

Continue Reading

Virginia

Virginia Democratic operative arrested on child pornography charges

Published

on

Virginia Democratic operative arrested on child pornography charges


WARNING: This story contains material some readers may find disturbing due to its graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.

RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia Democratic operative is accused of distributing child pornography.

Randon Alexander Sprinkle, 30, allegedly engaged in conversations with an undercover FBI agent in May of this year through the Jack’d app under the name “Randy.”

The 9-page affidavit states that Sprinkle asked the agent to move their conversation to Telegram, where he allegedly wrote “mostly into young, rape, incest – you?”

Advertisement

The arrest has prompted swift condemnation from elected officals who worked with Sprinkle in various capacities.

Richmond City Council Vice President Katherine Jordan said Sprinkle served as her 2024 campaign treasurer, handling campaign forms, events and financial reporting.

“What has been alleged is disgusting and abhorrent,” Jordan said in a statement. “I’m shocked and sickened.”

1st District Council member Andrew Breton also used Sprinkle’s services for campaign finance reports and event logistics.

“The allegations are shocking and disturbing. I am grateful that law enforcement is involved, and that justice is taking its course,” Breton said.

Advertisement

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who has appeared in several photos with Sprinkle that he posted on X, also responded through spokesman Jared Leopold.

“Congresswoman McClellan is shocked by these appalling accusations which should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Leopold stated.

Sprinkle previously served as a leader in the Young Democrats of Virginia and held a financial director position with the Democratic Part of Virginia.

He has also been photographed with Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

The FBI affidavit confirms that 68 files were extracted during a forensic sweep of Sprinkle’s electronic devices, some with disturbing titles. Legal expert Ed Riley said the investigation may have uncovered evidence of distribution through peer-to-peer networks where individuals exchange illegal video files and images.

Advertisement

If convicted on the single charge of distribution of child pornography, Sprinkle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, with potential sentencing up to 20 years.

“If they find the images and they can connect you to the images, you’re not dealing with the merits of the case anymore. You’re dealing with the resolution that it’s going to be,” Riley said.

Sprinkle is currently being held at the Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw.

This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.

📲: CONNECT WITH US

Advertisement

Blue Sky | Facebook | Instagram | X | Threads | TikTok | YouTube

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about how we use AI in our newsroom, click here.





Source link

Continue Reading

Virginia

Penn State transfer opens the door for a James Franklin reunion at Virginia Tech

Published

on

Penn State transfer opens the door for a James Franklin reunion at Virginia Tech


Things are beginning to slow down for James Franklin since being hired at Virginia Tech in November. Sure, you can say that it never really slows down for a college football coach, but since signing his contract in Blacksburg, he has made major strides in recruiting, bringing the Hokies from near the bottom of the FBS to a Top 25 class with the Class of 2026.

Franklin has also been building his first staff at Virginia Tech. In both cases, recruiting and coaching additions, he has gone back to his Penn State roots to pluck both recruits and coaches. Heck, he is even reportedly bringing back former Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry, who was fired in September to open the door for Franklin to come to Tech, as his defensive coordinator.

The transfer portal opens up next month, and there are going to be several needs that Franklin and his staff are going to have to address. There are going to be several portal targets, and one of them announced he was leaving Penn State and made it clear that he was thankful for Franklin for his time in State College. Is it a sign of things to come when he enters the portal?

Advertisement

Penn State transfer Chaz Coleman opens door for reunion with James Franklin

It was reported by Hayes Fawcett of Rivals and On3 that five-star Penn State edge Chaz Coleman was entering the transfer portal. Coleman quoted the post on X, formerly known as Twitter, and made it a point to thank Franklin and his staff for believing in him.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal this coming January to pursue other opportunities. I’d like thank James Franklin and his staff for believing in me and teaching me what it means to believe in myself,” Coleman wrote.

Coleman becomes one of the most coveted players when the portal opens, and the Warren, Ohio native will have no shortage of suitors. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound edge rusher played well as a freshman for the Nittany Lions with eight tackles in five games. Several of the top programs are going to be in on him. Don’t be surprised if Ohio State makes a major push for him.

Advertisement

As far as Virginia Tech goes, does Franklin get in the mix? That remains to be seen, but stranger things have happened. He would be a tremendous get for the Hokies, who need help along the defensive side of the ball along the line. Did he call out Franklin by coincidence, or is there an underlying message there? Most likely the first one, but we’ll see.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending