Virginia defensive coordinator gives thoughts on Tennessee's offense ahead of season-opener
The Tennessee Vols will open the 2023 season on September 2 with a matchup against the Virginia Cavaliers at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Virginia is coming off a 3-7 season in Tony Elliott's first year as the Cavaliers' head coach. On Monday, Virginia defensive coordinator John Rudzinski met with reporters and he was asked about […]
The Tennessee Vols will open the 2023 season on September 2 with a matchup against the Virginia Cavaliers at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Virginia is coming off a 3-7 season in Tony Elliott's first year as the Cavaliers' head coach.
On Monday, Virginia defensive coordinator John Rudzinski met with reporters and he was asked about Tennessee's offense and what stands out about it.
"They do a tremendous job," said Rudzinski. "They're explosive. They got good talent. They got good schematics. And it's a challenge we're really excited to get ready for. And I know our guys are excited for the opportunity to go out and compete against a different colored jersey. I know after 16 practices of fall camp, 15 practices of spring ball, it's about time this year to see what we can go accomplish against some other talent."
Rudzinski was also asked by a reporter about Virginia's conditioning and if the Cavaliers are ready for Tennessee's tempo.
"We've been conditioning," said Rudzinski. "It's been a long offseason. I believe in Coach (Adam) Smotherman (UVA's strength coach). I believe in this coaching staff. I know we're excited for the challenge."
Rudzinski is a former Air Force linebacker who spent nearly his entire coaching career at Air Force before joining Virginia's staff ahead of the 2022 season (Rudzinski was an assistant at Air Force from 2005 to 2021, except for three seasons from 2007 to 2009).
During Rudzinski's final season at Air Force, the Falcons had the No. 4 total defense in the nation. Last season, in his first season at Virginia, the Cavaliers had the No. 49 scoring defense in the nation, an improvement from having the No. 104 scoring defense in the nation in 2021.
Tennessee should be able to overwhelm the Cavaliers with their explosive offense and their talent advantage. But Rudzinski is no slouch. He has a track record of success and he'll have his guys ready to go. The Vols are the better team, but Virginia won't just lay down because Tennessee is a 28 point favorite.
Still, this is a game where the Vols should cruise if they're operating at their normal level.
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