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22 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER loss and was second with six sacks, proving to be a beast off the edge in Mendenhall's 3-4 defense despite a shoulder injury that slowed him at times and would eventually require surgery after the season. Brown, a former five-star recruit and Na- tioanl Gatorade Player of the Year, made the most of his first consistent playing time — he was credited with 38 tackles last fall and it's likely right to expect that he'll best that mark and then some this year. TOP GAMES William & Mary, Sept. 2 — Consider- ing what happened to the Cavaliers almost a year ago to the day, when they opened the 2016 season with a disappointing 37-20 loss at home to Richmond, the opener against the Tribe is both a very big game but also a very real opportunity. There's no doubt that to have the season they want (and to get the groundswell of excitement they'd like), the Wahoos need to start off strong. Winning this game would also do a lot for team confidence. Connecticut, Sept. 16 — A rematch against the Huskies will come in Scott Sta- dium this season after the Hoos lost a very winnable one in East Hartford nearly a year before to the day. That 13-10 defeat led to the team's only two wins of the year but it should've been their first. In a year when the Cavaliers are hoping to return to a bowl game, this is the type of game they need to find a way to win both for their own morale as well as their post- season aspirations. Duke, Oct. 7 — After throttling the Blue Devils 34-20 last year in Durham, the Hoos open ACC play against Duke at home this year in another very winnable game. Quar- terback Daniel Jones, who UVA rattled to the tune of five interceptions last year, will be looking for revenge against the Cavaliers. Meanwhile for Virginia this game is pivotal because it comes after the Friday night game at Boise State, and thereafter the Cavaliers will play two of the next three on the road at the start of their conference schedule. At Louisville, Nov. 11 — Last season, UVA lost to the Cards and eventual Heis- man Trophy winner Lamar Jackson on the final series in a game they dominated for most of the day. It was a sign that the team had vastly more potential than they could consistently show. This fall, with Jackson looking to repeat as the best player in the nation, it'll be inter- esting to see how the Wahoos respond when they go to back to the Bluegrass State and look for a potentially season-altering win against their ACC rival. Virginia Tech, Nov. 24 — The Clash for the Commonwealth Cup moves to Black Friday again this year, and UVA will look to break their 13-year losing streak to the Hok- ies following last season's 52-10 blowout. It'll be an emotional Senior Day for guys like Kiser, Blanding, Benkert and Brown, but it'll also be an important gut check both for the Cavaliers' season and for this bitter in-state rivalry. TOP POSITION GROUPS Wide Receiver — With Zaccheaus and fourth-years Doni Dowling and Andre Levrone back, as well as several first-year contributors who got good experience last season, the wideouts should give Benkert plenty of opportunities to have success through the air. A lot will depend on how the offensive line shakes out during camp and how it pro- tects during the season, but there's no doubt that Virginia boasts a slew of playmakers on the edges. Joe Reed, who starred at kick returner and also made contributions in the passing game, will likely have a big year as a sec- ond-year this fall. The versatile and physical Charlotte Court House, Va., product seems CAVALIERS AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall 2-10 at UVA (2nd year) and 101-53 career (13th year) 2016 In Review: 2-10, 1-7 ACC (T-6th Coastal) Last Bowl Appearance: Lost 43-24 to Auburn in the 2011 Chik-fil-A Bowl Total Wins 2012-16: 17 (4-2-5-4-2) 2017 Preseason National Rankings: No. 81 by Phil Steele's Power Poll and No. 87 by Athlon. Returning Lettermen: 36 (18 offensive, 17 defensive, 1 specialists) Returning Starters: 13 (5 offensive, 8 defen- sive) RETURNING LEADERS Passing: QB Kurt Benkert (2,552 yards, 21 TD) Rushing: RB Jordan Ellis (14 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD) Receiving: WR Doni Dowling (50 catches, 626 yards, 4 TD) Tackles: LB Micah Kiser (134) Sacks: Kiser (6.5) Interceptions: S Juan Thornhill (3) Second-year Joe Reed is part of a deep and talent UVA receiving corps and is poised for a breakout season. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA